Electrostatic concepts being researched for commercialization
You have to wonder what Ben Franklin thinks of this one.
Electric motors have been around for almost two centuries and have witnessed few fundamental changes since their creation, but new startups are researching ways to bring them to market.
C-Motive Technologies of Middleton, Wisconsin, provides one example of this approach. The company, recently featured in a Wall Street Journal article, is working on commercializing "sustainable, high-efficiency motor technology using electrostatic principles to decarbonize stationary industrial and e-mobility applications," according to its website. The startup company recently received funding from Rockwell Automation to bolster its product.
“Innovation will be core to achieving the change required in the world’s manufacturing systems to meet demanding environmental commitments,” said Kyle Crum, director of advanced technology. “C-Motive’s work bringing electrostatic motors to market could make a significant impact on both critical materials use and global energy consumption. We’re thrilled to be part of this important effort.”
An electrostatic motor can essentially be defined as a type of electric motor that utilizes electrostatic forces to generate mechanical motion. Unlike typical motors that rely on electromagnetic phenomena, these machines employ high voltage electrostatic fields to facilitate their operation. Electrostatic motors are the electrical dual of conventional electromagnetic motors that are powered by magnetic forces. An alternative type of electrostatic motor is the spacecraft electrostatic ion drive thruster where forces and motion are created by electrostatically accelerating ions.
Plenty of EA readers will be familiar with this technology and see it as nothing new. Add to that the regularity with which startup companies tend to make "high efficiency" and "breakthrough" claims these days, and there's plenty of room for skepticism here. One Wall Street Journal mention doesn't solidify a breakthrough. However, it's certainly something to keep an eye on as the world gradually moves toward electric motor power in a number of industries, searching for heightened efficiency that doesn't sacrifice reliability.