Price of Neodymium finally levels off

There’s an interesting article here about the situation with global supply of neodymium magnets.  Price of Neodymium (Nd) has increased roughly tenfold in two years, but shows signs of leveling in recent weeks.

Thanks to Markus Hugentobler for sending me this link!

About hugh

I live off-grid in NW Scotland and have spent my life playing with wind turbines. I also love small hydros. Hands on renewable energy is my thing and I like to learn and to share my experiences.
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3 Responses to Price of Neodymium finally levels off

  1. Cesar says:

    What if companies depending on neodymium start to hoard these magnets? If so, the market for RES materials may remain volatile for years.

  2. admin says:

    The article refers to very large turbines. PM alternators are getting to be popular because they can be used at variable speed and are more efficient, especially in low winds.

    Unfortunately, the ‘air gap’ axial flux design that I like makes rather heavy use of magnets compared to designs where there is steel in the stator core. It has many advantages: low losses, easy starting and low reactive impedance. But it uses a lot of magnet material.

    Yes a lot of people are getting interested in using ferrites, not only to reduce cost but also because they are less vulnerable to corrosion.

  3. sanjeev says:

    ” (a wind turbine generator contains up to 500 kg of neodymium magnets).”, this is interesting, but if they use your axially fluxed model, will they be able to reduce the usage of NdFeB? or like what “Mr. Chris Olson” tried with Ferrites (say it 1000kgs), can’t that be achieved?

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