Unique Mobility Receives Patent on Phase Advance Control of Permanent Magnet Motors
29 January 1998
Unique Mobility Receives Patent on Phase Advance Control of Permanent Magnet Motors
GOLDEN, Colo., Jan. 29 -- Unique Mobility, Inc.
(AMEX: UQM) has received a long-awaited U.S. patent covering a key technology
that increases the capabilities of its proprietary brushless permanent magnet
(PM) motor systems. The technology covered by the patent allows such systems
to service a much broader range of applications. It is especially
advantageous with respect to all types of electric and hybrid electric
vehicles such as electric scooters, passenger cars and large trucks and buses.
Unique's brushless PM traction drives are recognized worldwide for their
power density (small size and weight relative to power output) and high
efficiency. The newly issued patent provides yet another advantage--the
ability to achieve both high starting torque and higher speeds (i.e. power)
without increasing the size and cost of the motor/controller package. In
vehicle applications, this enables a brushless PM magnet motor to operate as
an "electric transmission" that can deliver quick acceleration at low speed,
like the lower gears in a conventionally powered automobile, and high top
speed, analogous to high gears in a car or truck--yet without the need for
multiple mechanical gears. The methodology uses programmable software and
electronic components to control the timing and phase angle of the electrical
current supply to the motor, thus the designation "Phase Advance."
Unique has implemented phase advance technology in many of its drive
systems ranging from electric scooter motors of less than five horsepower to
hybrid bus motors rated at over 130 horsepower. In electric and hybrid
vehicle applications, the improved efficiency of the system results in
increased fuel economy and vehicle range.
"The acquisition of this patent is a major milestone for Unique Mobility,"
said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ray A. Geddes. "It's as big a
development for brushless PM traction drives as the invention of the automatic
transmission was for the conventional automobile--another demonstration of how
electronics and software can dramatically increase the performance and
efficiency of mechanical devices with no added complexity or cost."
Said Jon F. Lutz, Unique's Senior Motor Designer and co-inventor of the
phase advance technology, "The phase advance invention is a step beyond the
art of influencing electric motor operating characteristics through various
methods of weakening the motor magnetic field. This proprietary technology
allows for improved efficiency and design of the electronics, lower system
losses in all modes of operation and is simpler and more cost effective to
implement."
Unique Mobility, Inc., one of the world's leading developers of energy
efficient electric and hybrid electric vehicle systems, is a Golden, Colorado-
based engineering concern and manufacturer of high efficiency permanent magnet
motors and controls for automotive, aerospace, healthcare and industrial
applications. For more Company information, please visit our world wide web
site at http://www.uqm.com.
This release contains forward-lookinq statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The company's actual results could differ materially from
those discussed in this release. Factors that could cause or contribute to
such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 23843). These forward-
looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this
release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update
these forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Unique Mobility, Inc.