MOTORS & DRIVES & CONTROLS
with the inverter. Reducing atmospheric pressure means the distance high voltage electricity can jump increases – this would mean designing a larger, heavier inverter to meet these requirements. Fully encapsulating the internal electronics is also an option, but this too is heavy. Te solution we opted for was to radically change the shape of the inverter to a cylinder in order to resist the pressure loads of maintaining internal pressure at sea level. Tis had the added benefit of hugely reducing the mass. However, this was at the expense of electrical design complexity.” Te testing phase for parts going into space takes on a whole new level of importance. Te motors and inverters were first tested on the Equipmake dynamometer to measure and tune the control software. Gilmour Space then took over, firstly pumping water and then moving on to the fuel itself. Te impeller design is unique to Gilmour and the motor and inverter have been used to pump fuel for the full flight duration during a static fire test. Stevens continues, “Vibration testing is obviously an important part of many product
development cycles. In this application not only did we have to pass a design verification test, but each system will go through an acceptance vibration test. “We see aerospace becoming
increasingly important. We are working with three companies across eVTOL, fixed wing and space launch systems. Equipmake is looking to become an approved production organisation for
Replacing fossil fuel drivetrains with electric alternatives makes economic sense
aerospace components. We have noticed an increasing demand for aerospace projects, and we are currently working for eVTOL, fixed wing and space launch system customers.”
For more information visit
www.equipmake.co.uk
www.engineerlive.com 47
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