Ironless Linear Induction Motor Actuator for Magnetic Field Environment

Non-Confidential Brief

Ironless Linear Induction Motor Actuator for Magnetic Field Environment

Princeton Docket # 23-3984-1

Researchers at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have proposed an invention that allows use of a linear induction motor in the presence of a strong magnetic field. Standard electric motors and actuators will not work in a strong magnetic field environment due to the presence of the magnetic field. This novel design of a linear induction motor allows the electrically driven actuator to be used in the presence of a magnetic field. In addition, friction between the parts can be significantly reduced, therefore allowing more efficient operation compliant with a tokamak vacuum environment.

Applications

  • Environments that require controlled motion in a strong magnetic field
    • Fusion tokamak reactors

Advantages

  • Avoids drag force generated by the background magnetic field during movement
  • Generate both propulsion and lift forces simultaneously
  • Simple and compact design

Inventor

Andrei Khodak received the M.Sc. degree in engineering physics and the Ph.D. degree in physics and mathematics from the St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University, Russia, in 1988 and 1991, respectively. Since than held various research and engineering positions, all related to fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Dr. Khodak is with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory since 2010 where he performs multi-physics modeling including plasma simulation, magneto-hydrodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, turbulence modelling, heat and mass transfer. He worked on analysis and engineering of many existing and future fusion devices, including ITER, DIII-D (San Diego), CFETR (China), NSTX (Princeton). He is a lead author of 25 scientific publications.

Intellectual Property Status
Patent protection is pending.

Princeton is currently seeking commercial partners for the further development and commercialization of this opportunity. 

Contact
Chris Wright

PPPL • (609)-243-2425 • cwright@pppl.gov

Patent Information: