Motor with Planetary Gear-Driven Housing

[Recneps]

Hopefully someone else has seen this type of product somewhere... About 9mo ago, I saw an article about some heavy equipment in which electric motors were mounted inside the hubs of each wheel, and equipped with a planetary gear set that rotated its housing, which was attached to the wheel. Each motor was monitored and controlled by an onboard computer, varying the torque and speed for each individual wheel, while the power for the motors was generated by a diesel generator. Does anyone know of a company that makes these motors, or where I could obtain more information on them?

Thanks,
Spencer

 

[ecampos]

Most of the heavy equipment like Caterpillar and John Deere, use this type of power arrangement. It is only on the big stuff. Check their websites they probably dont make their own motors, but they most likely make the gearboxes.

Edson Campos
edsoncampos@earthlink.net

 

[Recneps]

Thanks, Ecampos,
After searching for more information, I found that there exists not only the heavy equipment version that you spoke of, but there is also a series of smaller, DC brushless wheel motors that feature direct drive (increased efficiency) for smaller applications. I will look into both to determine which type of motor will be best suited for my application.

Spencer