William Tahil

In 2018 I undertook an experimental research programme to assess the characteristics of a synchronous electric motor when operated in repulsion mode as opposed to conventional attractive mode. The motor used a rarely used capacitive voltage divider to generate alternating current from a DC source. The motor displayed lower cooling requirements than a conventional motor (i.e. lower I2R losses) and lower cogging torque. Since the effect of load reaction acting back on the motor increases the driving force of the motor rather than decreasing it as with a conventional motor, the potential energy of the system is increased by the load, not decreased. Since the rotor and stator magnetic fields oppose, magnetic loading of the rotor is decreased. Higher power can therfore be obtained for a given size of motor. The results were submitted to a major European automotive tier one supplier for evaluation.

In 2007 – 08 I undertook a detailed study of the prospects for future Lithium production and its ability to meet demand for the electric vehicle transition. I correctly predicted that there would be a major shortfall in lithium supply as soon as EV adoption increased beyond a small niche to represent a significant proportion of the market. That prediction became reality in 2022 when lithium carbonate prices soared by a factor of 8. The study was used by the Chinese EV and battery industry to direct their policy of taking majority control of global lithium and cobalt production in the years following 2008 to reach the dominant position they now hold in lithium and battery supply.