There are four main types of magnets: ceramic (ferrite), AlNiCo, Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), and Neodymium (NdFeB). The latter is one of the most commonly used in motors for hybrids vehicles and EVs. Neodymium magnets have higher remanence, along with much higher coercivity and energy production, but often lower Curie temperature than other types.
Special neodymium magnet alloys that include terbium and dysprosium have been developed with higher Curie temperature, allowing them to tolerate higher temperatures of up to 200°C. Because of the RE magnet properties, no other magnet material can match their high strength performance.
Recently the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has found high rare earth element (REE) concentrations in coal samples taken from the Illinois, Northern Appalachian, Central Appalachian, Rocky Mountain Coal Basins, and the Pennsylvania Anthracite region. These highly concentrated samples are greater than 300 parts per million (ppm).
“Rare Earth Elements are vital to the development and manufacturing of high-tech devices such as computers, cell phones, and our national defense systems,” says U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. “The current difficulties and high expenses associated with REE extraction has left the U.S. dependent on foreign REE imports. Supporting innovative research and development to establish efficient, cost-effective REE extraction methods is critical to our country’s energy and national security.”
Rare Earth Magnets in Hybrids and EVs
Around 9,200 gr of RE materials are used in Hybrid & EV which 8,900 gr is Nd. Here are some of the RE magnets found in hybrid and EV vehicles:
Www Electronicdesign Com Sites Electronicdesign com Files 1217 Rare Earth Table2 0
Usage of magnetic rare earth in such vehicles is expected to grow from about 2,000 metric tons last year to 7,000 tons by 2020 and 12,000 tons by 2024
Read more: 4 Things You Should Know About Magnets for Electric Vehicles