Abstract: The invention provides a motor for generating rotary power, the motor comprising: a stator for receiving electrical power; a rotor arranged coaxially with respect to the stator and having one or more magnets arranged thereon so that in response to the stator receiving the electrical power, the rotor is caused to rotate; the rotor comprising a rotor housing having an inner wall, the magnets being arranged around the housing, and wherein the inner wall has plural tortuous paths for the flow of coolant extending along the length of the rotor housing. Preferably, the motor has an output shaft arranged at least partially axially within the rotor housing; the inner wall being shaped for engagement with and so as to drive the output shaft.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for operating a supercharger for an automotive engine is disclosed. The supercharger has: an input shaft for coupling to an engine crankshaft, and coupled to the rotor of a first electrical machine and a first component of an epicyclic gear train; and an output shaft connected to a compressor and a second component of the epicyclic gear train; wherein the third component of the epicyclic gear train is connected to the rotor of a second electrical machine. The first electrical machine is selectively operable to supply electrical energy to the second electrical machine. The method includes the steps of: (a) calculating a required speed of the second electrical machine that would give rise to a required pressure at an outlet of the compressor; and (b) setting the speed of the second electrical machine to the calculated required speed.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for operating a supercharger for an automotive engine is disclosed. The supercharger has: an input shaft for coupling to an engine crankshaft, and coupled to the rotor of a first electrical machine and a first component of an epicyclic gear train; and an output shaft connected to a compressor and a second component of the epicyclic gear train; wherein the third component of the epicyclic gear train is connected to the rotor of a second electrical machine. The first electrical machine is selectively operable to supply electrical energy to the second electrical machine. The method includes the steps of: (a) calculating a required speed of the second electrical machine that would give rise to a required pressure at an outlet of the compressor; and (b) setting the speed of the second electrical machine to the calculated required speed.