Types of Brushless DC Motors: Comparing Inner Rotor, Outer Rotor, and Axial Flux Designs

Inhaltsübersicht

Inner rotor, outer rotor, and axial flux brushless dc motors are different. The difference is in where the rotor is and how it is made. Inner rotor motors have the rotor inside the stator. This helps the motor go fast and be very accurate. Outer rotor motors put the rotor outside the stator. This gives more torque for jobs that need slower speed. Axial flux motors use a flat rotor that looks like a pancake. These motors give high torque in small spaces. Changing the rotor design can help the motor work better. For example, air-isolated injection-molded rotors can give over 20% more torque. They also let the motor run at more speeds without getting bigger. The chart below shows how changing the rotor helps the motor work better:

Grouped bar chart comparing performance metrics of two BLDC motor rotor structures

Picking the best brushless dc motor means you need to know how the rotor type changes torque, speed, and what the motor can do.

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

  • Inner rotor motors spin fast. They cool down easily. These motors are good for jobs that need quick moves. Robots and drones use them for precise control.

  • Outer rotor motors give starkes Drehmoment at low speeds. They run quietly. These motors work well in electric bikes and fans. They are good for steady power needs.

  • Axial flux motors fit into small spaces. They have high power and torque. These motors are great for electric cars and drones. They also work well in small devices.

  • Picking the right motor type depends on the job. You need to think about speed, torque, cooling, and space. This helps the motor work better and last longer.

  • Making rotor design better gives more power and efficiency. It helps motors last longer and save energy. Machines work smoother with good rotor design.

Brushless DC Motors Overview

Motor-Typen

Brushless dc motors come in different shapes. Each type has a special way the rotor and stator are placed. Engineers sort these motors by how the rotor and stator work together. There are two main types: inner rotor and outer rotor. In an inner rotor motor, the rotor is inside the stator windings. This helps the motor spin fast and react quickly. The outer rotor motor has the stator coils in the middle. The rotor spins around them. This setup gives the motor more poles. More poles mean more torque at slow speeds. Axial flux motors have a flat rotor like a disc. This makes the motor small and powerful. It fits well in tight spaces.

Why do these types matter? The motor type changes how fast, strong, and efficient the motor is. Inner rotor motors are good for things that need to move fast, like robots or drones. They can react quickly and are easy to control. Outer rotor motors give more torque and are steady. They work well in electric bikes or fans. Axial flux motors give lots of power in a small size. They are great for cars or planes.

Rotor Design

Rotor design changes how brushless dc motors work. The rotor has permanent magnets. How it is built decides how much torque, speed, and power the motor has. Engineers pick special materials for the rotor core, like magnetic steel. This helps the motor use magnetic force better and work well. The way the magnets are put in, their number, and their shape all change how strong and fast the motor is.

Some new rotor designs, like air-isolated injection-molded rotors, help stop magnetic leaks. They also make the motor stronger. These changes give the motor more power and keep it stable. Making the rotor balanced and putting it together carefully lowers noise and shaking. This helps the motor run smoothly. Getting rid of heat is important too. It keeps the motor working well and helps it last longer. By making the rotor better, engineers can get more control, higher speed, and more power from the motor.

Tip: Picking the best rotor design can make the motor work better and last longer, especially when the job is hard.

Inner Rotor Motors

Inner Rotor Motors

Structure & Performance

Inner rotor motors have the rotor inside the stator. Engineers put copper windings on the inside of the motor. The rotor has permanent magnets and spins inside these windings. This setup lets heat move straight from the windings to the motor’s outside. The motor cools fast because heat goes through the stator and out. This helps inner rotor motors run fast without getting too hot.

The rotor is small and has low moment of inertia. This means the motor can speed up or slow down quickly. The magnetic field from the stator windings is even. This makes the motor strong and efficient. Inner rotor motors give very good control and react fast. The rotor is safe inside the stator, so it is strong and steady. This design helps the motor work well in hard places.

Note: The way inner rotor motors are built helps them stay cool and go fast. This makes them good for jobs that need quick moves and exact control.

Advantages & Applications

Inner rotor motors have many good points. The design lets them spin fast and speed up quickly. The rotor’s low inertia helps the motor react fast to changes. Engineers use inner rotor motors when they need exact control and quick moves. The motor’s build keeps the rotor safe, so it works well in tough places with heat, water, or shaking.

The even magnetic field makes the motor work better and stronger. Inner rotor motors can control speed and position very well. This is important for servo systems. The motor is great for jobs that need to be strong and quick.

Here is a table that shows why engineers pick inner rotor motors for certain jobs:

Aspekt

Reason for Selection

High speed

Rotor design lets it spin fast and change speed quickly

Drehmoment

Low inertia gives fast torque

Wirkungsgrad

Even field makes the motor work better

Strom

High power fits hard jobs

Kontrolle

Exact speed and position control for machines

Mechanical strength

Rotor is safe and steady in tough places

Inner rotor motors are used in power tools, factory machines, and servo systems. These jobs need fast speed, steady torque, and exact control. Inner rotor motors are a top pick for engineers who want strong and efficient motors.

Outer Rotor Motors

Structure & Performance

Outer rotor motors have a special design. The rotor is on the outside of the stator. This puts most of the rotor’s weight around the edge. Because of this, the motor has more rotational inertia. More inertia helps the motor make strong torque at low speed. The stator stays in the middle and does not move. The rotor spins around it. This design works well for direct drive systems. It means you do not need extra gears.

The table below shows how outer rotor motors are different from inner rotor motors:

Merkmal

Inner Rotor Motor

Outer Rotor Motor

Rotor Position

Rotor inside, stator outside

Rotor outside, stator inside

Rotational Inertia

Lower inertia, concentrated mass at center

Higher inertia, mass distributed on outside

Speed Characteristics

High speeds (3,000-6,000 RPM), requires reduction gearing

Naturally low speeds, suitable for direct drive without gearing

Torque Output

Lower low-speed torque, relies on gearing

Strong low-speed torque, ideal for hill climbing and heavy loads

Cooling Efficiency

Better cooling (stator outside)

More challenging cooling (rotor outside)

Structural Complexity

Higher (needs gear systems)

Lower (simpler direct drive design)

Typische Anwendungen

Mid-drive systems, road cycling, racing

Hub motors, cargo eBikes, mountain biking

Outer-rotor motors are good at making strong torque. They work best at low speeds and with heavy loads. But cooling them can be hard. The rotor covers the stator and keeps heat inside. Engineers add vents or use special materials to help cool the motor.

Note: Outer-rotor motors can use direct drive. This means there are fewer moving parts. The motor loses less energy and works better.

Advantages & Applications

Outer rotor motors are great for high torque at low speed. They are good for jobs that need strong pulling power. You do not need a lot of gears. These motors also run quietly and smoothly. This is important for many products.

Many industries use outer-rotor motors because they work well. The table below shows where these motors are used and why:

Industries / Devices

Key Benefits in Applications

Luft- und Raumfahrt

High torque at low speeds, high power density, reliability in harsh environments (IP54 rating)

Home Appliances (vacuum cleaners, washing machines, air conditioners)

Quiet operation, precise motor speed control, energy efficiency, space-saving installation

Unterhaltungselektronik

Increased efficiency, lower noise levels, longer motor life

Industrielle Automatisierung

Extreme reliability, minimal maintenance, high performance under load

HVAC-R

Cost savings from energy efficiency, smaller and lighter size

Medical and Laboratory Equipment

Precise speed control, durability, low maintenance

Building Automation

Space-saving design, quiet operation, reliability

Food Equipment

High power density, long life, minimal mechanical wear

Specialty Vehicles

High torque at low speeds, robust performance

Valves and Pumps

Efficient performance, easy installation, long operational life

Outer rotor motors are found in electric bikes, fans, and drones. These devices need steady torque and smooth speed. The design saves space, which is good for small products. In home appliances, these motors are quiet and use less energy. In aerospace and special vehicles, they give strong torque and power for hard jobs.

Outer rotor motors are becoming more popular. They give strong torque, work well, and use power wisely. That is why many engineers choose them.

Axial Flux Design

Axial Flux Design

Structure & Performance

Axial flux brushless DC motors have a flat, disc-shaped rotor and stator. The conductors are arranged in a circle. The magnetic flux moves from front to back, not side to side. This makes the motor look like a pancake. Engineers use light materials like GFRP for the rotor body. This helps the motor weigh less and spin faster. Magnetic shields make the magnetic field stronger and stop outside signals. The rotor design also keeps more magnetic force inside. This gives the motor more torque and power in a small space.

Axial flux motors have two main types:

  • Dual-rotor single-stator: Two rotors are on each side of one stator.

  • Single-rotor dual-stator: One rotor sits between two stators.

These types help the motor make more torque and power. The spinning part is easy to cool and fix. Some motors use special coils to get more power and work better. Cooling systems keep the coils cold and handle heat well. The design lets the motor give more power in a small size. This is good for things that need to be light, like planes.

Tip: The flat shape and special magnetic path let the motor fit in small spaces and still give strong torque and high speed.

Advantages & Applications

Axial flux motors have many good points. They give starkes Drehmoment in a small space. The flat rotor keeps the motor short and simple to put in. High power density means the motor makes lots of power for its size. Torque density is about 30-40% higher than other motors. This makes them great for jobs that need strong torque and speed in a small package.

People use these motors in:

  • Electric and hybrid cars

  • Drones and robots

  • Tattoo machines

  • Home appliances

  • LiDAR and ventilators

These motors work well where there is not much room. The small size and strong torque make them a top pick for electric cars and planes. The motor runs quietly and smoothly. It does not shake much and is very reliable. The design also helps share weight between bearings, so it lasts longer.

Merkmal

Why It Matters for Axial Flux Motors

Pancake form factor

Fits in tight spaces, easy to use

High torque density

Strong torque in a small size

High power density

More power with less weight

Low heat generation

Stays cool, lasts longer

Smooth speed

Quiet and less shaking

Efficient cooling

Helps the motor work well and last

Axial flux motors are special because they give strong torque and power at high speed in a small size. Engineers pick them for new projects where space, weight, and how well the motor works are very important.

Comparison Table

Das Richtige auswählen brushless DC motor means knowing the main differences. Inner rotor, outer rotor, and axial flux motors are not the same. Each type is good at different things like moment of inertia, torque, speed, cooling, size, and what jobs they do. The table below helps you see these features quickly:

Merkmal

Inner Rotor Motors

Outer Rotor Motors

Axial Flux Motors

Moment of Inertia

Smaller; enables fast acceleration and deceleration

Larger; steadier speed, less suited for frequent speed changes

No comparative data available

Drehmoment

Lower at low speed; high at high speed

Higher at low speed; ideal for heavy loads

Very high; strong in compact spaces

Geschwindigkeit

High speed (up to 120,000 rpm in some cases); quick response

Lower speed; stable operation

High speed and torque in small form

Cooling

Efficient; heat moves quickly from windings to exterior

Challenging; rotor covers stator, heat can build up

Advanced cooling needed; fan blades and CFD optimize rotor cooling

Size

Compact; fits in tight spaces

Larger diameter; saves space in direct drive

Pancake form; ultra-compact, lightweight

Leistungsdichte

High; supports demanding tasks

Moderate; good for steady loads

Highest; ideal for space-constrained designs

Typische Anwendungen

Robotics, drones, servo systems, power tools

Electric bikes, fans, home appliances, specialty vehicles

Electric cars, drones, robots, medical devices

Engineers pick inner rotor motors for jobs that need fast speed and exact control. Outer rotor motors are best for steady torque and quiet work, like in electric bikes and fans. Axial flux motors are great when space is tight and strong torque is needed, such as in electric cars and robots.

Why These Differences Matter

  • Moment of inertia shows how fast a motor can change speed. Inner rotor motors have less inertia, so they speed up quickly. Outer rotor motors have more inertia, so they run smoother with steady loads.

  • Drehmoment helps move heavy things or climb hills. Outer rotor motors give more torque at slow speeds, so they are good for direct drive. Axial flux motors give even more torque in a small size, so engineers use them in electric cars and drones.

  • Geschwindigkeit tells how fast a motor spins. Inner rotor motors spin very fast, so they work well in helicopters and fast tools. Outer rotor motors spin slower, which is good for devices that need steady speed.

  • Cooling keeps motors working well. Inner rotor motors lose heat fast. Outer rotor motors can trap heat, so they need extra cooling. Axial flux motors need special cooling, like fan blades and airflow, to protect the rotor and magnets.

  • Size and power density decide where a motor fits and how much power it gives. Axial flux motors are flat and strong, so they are perfect for places with little space.

  • Typical applications show what each motor does best. Inner rotor motors are used in robots and tools that need speed and accuracy. Outer rotor motors are used in electric bikes and fans, where torque and quiet work matter. Axial flux motors are used in electric cars and drones, where small size and strong torque are needed.

Quick Facts List

  • Inner rotor motors: Fast, exact, cool well, used in robots and tools.

  • Outer rotor motors: Strong torque, quiet, steady, good for bikes and fans.

  • Axial flux motors: Small, powerful, special cooling, great for cars and drones.

Tip: Picking the right motor type for the job helps it work better, last longer, and save energy.

Choosing the Right Motor

Picking the right brushless DC motor is important. Engineers look at what the job needs, how much space there is, and how well the motor must work. The type of motor—inner-rotor, outer-rotor, or axial flux—changes how well it fits the job.

Inner-rotor motors are best when you need fast moves and exact control. They have less inertia, so they can change speed quickly. These motors also get rid of heat well, which helps when running fast. Engineers use inner-rotor motors in robots, drones, and servo systems. These jobs need quick moves and good cooling.

Outer-rotor motors are good for jobs that need strong pulling power at slow speeds. Their design puts more weight on the outside, so they make more torque. This makes them great for electric bikes, fans, and home appliances. Engineers pick outer-rotor motors when they want steady power and quiet work. The bigger space for magnets helps them pull heavy loads.

Axial flux motors are very efficient and powerful for their size. They work well in small spaces. Studies show axial flux motors can give more power and speed than outer-rotor motors. This makes them good for electric cars and drones. When space is tight or you need lots of power in a small spot, engineers choose axial flux motors.

Tip: Engineers should pick the motor type by looking at torque, speed, cooling, and space. A table can help compare the choices:

Motor Typ

Am besten für

Why Choose It?

Inner-rotor

Fast, precise tasks

Quick response, good cooling

Outer-rotor

High torque, steady power

Strong torque, quiet operation

Axial flux

Space-limited, high power jobs

High efficiency, compact design

Engineers also check things like voltage, current, and how long the motor will run. These details help make sure the motor works well for the job. Brand name, how efficient it is, and safety marks show if the motor is strong and safe for tough places.

Engineers notice big differences between inner rotor, outer rotor, and axial flux brushless DC motors. Where the rotor sits and how it is built changes the motor’s speed, torque, and cooling. Inner rotor motors react fast and are very accurate. Outer rotor motors give strong torque and are easier to fix. Axial flux motors make lots of power in small spaces. Picking the right motor for the job helps machines work better and stay reliable.

Choosing the best motor makes projects work well, last longer, and reach their goals.

FAQ

Why do engineers choose inner rotor motors for high-speed applications?

Inner rotor motors have low inertia and cool down fast. These things help the motor speed up quickly. The motor can also handle fast changes. Engineers use them for jobs that need quick moves. They are good when exact control is important.

Why are outer rotor motors better for high-torque, low-speed uses?

Outer rotor motors put more weight on the outside. This design helps the motor make more torque at slow speeds. Engineers use them in electric bikes and fans. These devices need strong pulling power. They also need to run steady.

Why does axial flux design offer higher power density?

Axial flux motors have a flat, disc-shaped rotor and stator. This shape lets more magnetic force fit in a small space. The design gives more power and torque. The motor does not have to get bigger.

Why is cooling more challenging in outer rotor motors?

In outer rotor motors, the rotor covers the stator. This setup keeps heat inside the motor. Engineers must add vents or special materials. These things help remove heat. They keep the motor working well.

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