Development of a dielectric-gas-based single-phase electrostatic motor

Electrostatic motor can work as a supplement to the electromagnetic motor due to its simple structure, low cost, light weight, and high efficiency. This paper presents a dielectric-gas-based single-phase electrostatic motor with simplified construction. The motor design is focused on increasing the capacitance, subsequently the torque, to make the electrostatic motors competitive with the electromagnetic ones. Three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis (FEA) simulation and optimization process of the electrostatic motor is performed. A 50 W electrostatic motor with the torque of 0.25 N·m, which is the same order in magnitude with the fluid-filled electrostatic machine and induction machine at the similar power level, is designed. Losses including the friction loss, windage loss, and dielectric loss are predicted. Thermal fields are analyzed using FEA and the electrostatic motor presented can work stably at high ambient temperature. 3-D printing is used to build a prototype machine to eliminate the process of mould manufacture and achieve a weight reduction. Predicted capacitance of machine is compared with measured result and good agreement is achieved.