Rare Earth magnet motor from Daikin receives an Engineering Award

The efficient rare earth magnet motor contributes significantly to reducing electricity consumption in air conditioners. Daikin was recognised by the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan for adopting the world’s first highly efficient rare earth magnet motor, with reluctance torque for air conditioners (IPM motor) to residential air conditioners. It also expands its application to multi-split air conditioners for commercial buildings.

Numerous motors are utilized in air conditioners, such as a fan motor to expel air and a compressor to circulate refrigerant. Compared to traditional SPM motors, IPM motors can further reduce power consumption while maintaining great energy efficiency and comfort.

The 18th Electrical Technology Award “One Step on Electro-Technology,” presented by the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, went to Daikin Industries, Ltd . and Osaka Metropolitan University for their “highly efficient rare earth magnet motor with reluctance torque for air conditioner and its power saving operation” theme. As part of its 120th-anniversary celebrations, the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan created the award to honour electrical engineering accomplishments that have significantly impacted society.

Air conditioning equipment’s electricity consumption has significantly decreased as a result of the adoption of the first “extremely efficient rare earth magnet motor” in history. This achievement has also extended the technology’s tremendous power-saving potential beyond air conditioning to other industries, such as industrial equipment, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles.

In “The Future of Cooling,” a report issued in 2018 by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of air conditioners in operation worldwide is projected to triple by 2030. Since approximately 80 percent of the power consumption of air conditioners is generated by the compressor, raising the efficiency of compressor motors would contribute to a significant improvement in air conditioner energy efficiency.

Daikin is committed to advancing innovative technologies that reduce the environmental impact. It will continue to pursue research and develop energy-saving technologies, providing products with even greater efficiency and comfort.