Circularity for Industrial Electric Motors

Industrial electric motors play a central role in global energy systems, and their number is expected to more than double by 2040 as electrification continues. The project focuses on how true circularity can be achieved through optimized material choices, improved motor design, and new sustainable business models.

Project Overview

45% of the world's energy use comes from industrial electric motors. The ongoing electrification, plus replacement of inefficient e-motors with high efficiency motors means that the number of newly produced e-motors will more than double by 2040. Recycling of motor materials for new production is complicated and expensive, which leads to a loss of high-value materials to lower-value applications and an influx of virgin materials to fill the gap. This will lead to a deficit of e.g. copper.

Therefore, to reach true circularity, e-motor materials need optimization for recycling and reuse, motor design needs to change, and the existing base of machines needs to be utilized for spare parts harvesting.

Objectives

• To optimize the use of motor materials
• To adapt motor design to facilitate service, operation, and recycling
• To coordinate industrial spare motor stocks to reduce material use
• To develop a circular business model that is financially and environmentally sustainable
  

Project Information

Project period: 2024–2027

Project partners:

• Luleå University of Technology (LTU)
• ABB
• SCA
• Boliden
• Stena Recycling

Funding: The Strategic Innovation Programme RE:Source (via the Swedish Energy Agency)

Researchers

• Sri Ram Gnanesh Senthilnathan (PhD student)
• Anders Berg (PhD student)
• Wiebke Reim (Supervisor)
• Victoria Van Camp (Supervisor)
• Pär Marklund (Supervisor)