Powering the Future: University of Malta Research Targets Global Electricity Demand with Smarter Motor Technology

As global electricity consumption continues to climb, the challenge of reducing energy use without compromising performance has never been more urgent. From industrial pumps and manufacturing plants to large-scale HVAC systems, electric motors account for a significant share of the world’s electricity demand, making even small efficiency gains highly impactful.

Researchers at the University of Malta are addressing this challenge through an innovative project led by Prof. Ing. Reiko Raute, focused on re-engineering one of the most widely used components in modern infrastructure: the electric motor.

The project, which was recently recognised at the FUSION Event organised by Xjenza Malta, centres on the development of a Line-Running Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (LRPMSM), a new motor concept that could reduce electricity consumption by 5–10% in fixed-speed applications that currently rely on standard induction motors.

Unlike conventional motors, which lose efficiency through electromagnetic processes, the LRPMSM incorporates permanent magnets to significantly reduce internal losses. The result is a motor that runs more efficiently while remaining compatible with existing power grids; a crucial factor for large-scale adoption in industry.

A key innovation of the UM research lies in how it resolves a long-standing engineering trade-off. Traditional line-start permanent magnet motors attempt to balance efficient running with good starting performance, often achieving neither optimally. 

The LRPMSM takes a different approach: it is fully optimised for maximum efficiency during normal operation, while starting is handled by a brief, integrated electronic soft-starter based on Hybrid Inverter Drive (HID) technology. This softstarter operates for only a few seconds at start-up, after which the motor runs directly from the grid at peak efficiency.

Beyond energy savings, sustainability is central to the project’s vision. The research team is assessing the entire life cycle of the motor, from material selection and manufacturing processes to recycling and end-of-life considerations, with the aim of minimising environmental impact at every stage.

While the research is currently being developed at the University of Malta, its ambitions extend far beyond the laboratory. The team is actively seeking industrial partners to help bring the technology to international markets through licensing agreements, ensuring that the intellectual property generated at UM can translate into real-world impact.

For students, the project offers a clear example of how engineering research at UM connects theory with global challenges, combining innovation, sustainability, and industry relevance. 

For society at large, it demonstrates how targeted advances in everyday technologies can play a meaningful role in reducing energy consumption, lowering costs, and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.