Electric-Field Induction Motor with Discrete Circuit Elements and Improved Rotor Dynamics

Electric-field-based actuators and machines lead the design space at the nanoscale and in biological systems, while having the potential to be used in favorable macroscale applications which prioritize minimal mass, performance in a vacuum, or performance in high temperatures. Electric-field induction motors consist of a set of stator electrodes which induce opposite charges onto a movable rotor surface. In earlier work, rotor surfaces for electric-field induction motors have been made of single continuum materials, which are limited in possible resistivity, permittivity and circuitry characteristics. To enhance design freedom, we develop a rotor for electric-field-based machines which may be constructed out of discrete circuit components between a finite number of conductive vanes. Magnetic-field induction motors, which are common in machinery, often utilize ``deep bar'' rotors, consisting of conducting bars which decrease the rotor time constant with increasing frequency using the skin depth effect. We propose, analyze, design and demonstrate a macro-scale electric-field induction motor which uses circuitry on the rotor surface to emulate the ``deep bar'' design, providing improved torque over a wide range of speeds.