Circular design and sustainable manufacture of permanent magnet electrical machine components

Project aim

To develop a framework for adopting a circular economy approach for the production of permanent magnet electrical machines (PMEMs). This will involve developing supply chains capable of closing the loop at the product end of life and effectively recovering the materials.

Project background

This project is concerned with the manufacture of permanent magnet electrical machines (PMEMs). PMEMs are critical for future electrification and are used across electric transportation and renewable energy generating wind turbines. The manufacture of these machines typically uses virgin metals, including rare-earth elements. These materials are finite in the earth, making their manufacture unsustainable for the long-term future. In addition, these materials are typically not recovered when products are no longer in use and end up as waste, which is known as a linear economy, with a “make-use-waste,” approach. In a circular economy, the materials used in products circle back around into production, minimising waste throughout the process to reduce the need for virgin materials.