Infinitum Electric, the creator of the breakthrough air-core motor, announces it has received an equity investment from Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., the venture capital arm of Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), the manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives, through Cottonwood Technology Fund.
The proceeds will be used to further expand the production of Infinitum Electric’s IEs Series motor systems for industrial applications and for the development of a new line of smaller, lighter, quieter, and more efficient alternators.
Circuit board stator
Infinitum Electric alternators are expected to be one-third the size and weight of traditional alternators: targeting the growing $17 Billion annual alternator market. With most of the machines relying on rudimentary iron core motors that consume more than half the world’s electricity, Infinitum Electric is focused on powering a new generation of machines with unparalleled efficiency and durability.
Infinitum Electric’s reinvented air-core motors use lightweight materials and modular design to generate the same power in half the size and weight, at a fraction of the carbon footprint and noise created by conventional motors. Infinitum Electric’s motor design replaces the copper wire and laminated iron core found in conventional motors with a printed circuit board stator, making the motor smaller, lighter, and more efficient.
Variable frequency drive
Modular architecture enables simple assembly on-site, reducing shipping and logistics costs
Their integrated motor and variable frequency drive (VFD) also maximizes usability and reduces energy consumption by addressing the entire lifecycle of the motor – from its materials, to how it’s produced, transported, assembled, used, and maintained. Fewer raw materials reduce the amount of emissions required to build a motor, while off-the-shelf components allow the motor to be made anywhere in the world at any time reducing supply chain issues.
Modular architecture enables simple assembly on-site, reducing shipping and logistics costs. This pioneering approach to motors provides increased energy savings, while also improving reliability, productivity and making electrical equipment smaller, lighter and quieter. Infinitum Electric currently serves commercial HVAC, industrial, and automotive suppliers developing new products with environmental sustainability, efficiency, and serviceability in mind.
Fueling growth strategy
“Caterpillar Venture Capital’s investment acknowledges the opportunity presented by ultra-high-efficiency motors in a reduced-carbon future. We’re excited about the opportunity Infinitum Electric’s technology offers and the potential positive impacts to lowering emissions, reducing waste, and improving efficiency,” said Michael Young, Vice President of Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc.
“It’s extremely validating when one of the world’s leading manufacturers acknowledges the role that lighter, quieter, high-efficiency motors can play in the energy transition,” said Ben Schuler, Founder, and CEO of Infinitum Electric. “Cottonwood Technology Fund has been an excellent partner to Infinitum Electric in aligning us with investors that share our vision for a sustainable future while fueling our growth strategy.”