Brushless DC Motor Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Demand for traction motors in EVs: Hybrid, Electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell EVs all work on traction motors and convert electrical energy to mechanical energy. Several types of electric motors EVs, with each providing a unique set of benefits, characteristics, and trade-offs such as size, power, weight, range, performance, and cost.  These include alternating current (AC) induction motors, DC brushed motors, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), brushless direct current motors, internal permanent magnet (IPM) motors, and switched reluctance motors (SRMs). The BLDC motor utilizes electronic commutation to mitigate the flow of current through windings.
  
  NdFeB magnets are a popular choice for brushless DC motors with base materials -neodymium (Nd), boron (B), and iron (Fe).A number of permutations and combinations are incorporated to enhance magnetic properties. Additives such as dysprosium (Dy), gallium (Ga), and terbium (Tb) perform well with NdFeB magnets, allowing high coercivity in elevated temperatures.Additionally, BLDC power electronics are based on materials like gallium nitride (GaN), silicon (Si), and silicon carbide (SiC). Of these three materials, Si dominated the power market and held a revenue share of 93% in 2022, SiC at 6%, and GaN at 1%, as a 2023 U.S. DOE report. These metrics were determined by cumulative market 2022 value of USD 47.8 billion in 2022 (all device types) and a CAGR of 4.4% through 2027.
   
• Regulations and energy conservation standards to promote sustainability: The brushless DC motor market dynamics are shaped by the prevalent government regulatory standards. The November 2022 Joint Recommendation was submitted by the Electric Motors Working Group (ASAP, ACEEE, NEMA, NEEA, NRDC, PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E), amending electric motor energy conservation standards. The U.S. DOE considered these recommendations and integrated them with the statutory 42 U.S.C. 6295(p)(4) to roll out the Direct Final Rule in June 2023.

Furthermore, ENERGY STAR criteria play a pivotal role in the sales of residential air conditioners. Low-end WAHPs have single stage compressors, while higher efficiency systems use variable speed compressors to enhance temperature and humidity control. Variable speed electronically commutated motors (ECM) are widely utilized to improve energy efficiency. According to a March 2023 EIA report, the ENERGY STAR criteria can bring down annual electricity consumption by approximately 10% less than the Federal standard, thereby recommending energy efficiency for refrigerators. This includes efficient compressors, brushless direct current fan motor, larger condenser, variable defrost, dual evaporators, vacuum-insulated panels, and refrigerants (Isobutane vs. R134a).

Consequently, the consensus-recommended efficiency levels for electric motors were adopted as the new and amended standard levels in the June 2023 Direct Final Rule. 88 FR 36066, 36144-36145.

Challenges

• Exorbitant cost of brushless DC motor: The high cost of brushless DC motors is one of the major factors predicted to slow down market growth. For instance, to function well, brushless DC motors need specialized electronic control systems that include sensors, controllers, and power electronics. The cost of these parts may increase the motor’s overall price.