e-Power

X-Division Spreads Helix e-Propulsion to More Markets & OEMs 

Designers of high-performance products for e-mobility are getting to know the Helix brand, launched in 2022 to spread the electric propulsion technology of Integral Powertrain Ltd of the UK to more automotive and motorcycle OEMs while also positioning into aviation, marine and aerospace markets. From its roots in designing propulsion systems for motorsports, Helix has emerged as an established series manufacturer of the power-dense motors, inverters and e-powertrains that it develops. 

Its hallmark Scaleable Core Technology (SCT) platform has three product levels — stock, configured and custom. But its X-Division, focused on developmental projects in automotive, motorsport, aerospace and marine applications, leads the push into new electric powertrain designs. In two recent projects, Helix has designed a direct drive scaleable aerospace electric propulsion demonstrator and developed a revolutionary 650kW continuous output low-inductance motor for a new hypercar project. Both are based upon the company’s core technology in radial-flux motor topology and specialized inverters. […]

e-Power

Total Performance In-Line Validation for Electric Vehicle Motors 

The motor of an electric vehicle (EV) must follow a thorough validation process. Improper assembly, insulation or alignment of these parts will damage the motor, rendering the car unusable and becoming a liability. To protect their customers as well as their brand, our client needed to develop a multi-bench validation line for a smarter solution through this shift in electric automotive technology.  […]

e-Power

Inductive Couplers from Premo Sniff for Problems in EV High-Voltage Systems 

Electric vehicles present unique challenges when it comes to monitoring their high-voltage systems. This is where sniffing applications come in. Sniffing involves the use of inductive couplers to measure the current and voltage signals on high-voltage cables without the need for direct contact with the cables themselves. The non-intrusive method of monitoring can be critical for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of EVs.  […]

e-Power

Rotor Sails Bring Windpower Propulsion Back to Maritime Vessels 

Adapting a century-old concept to modern technology and green energy demands, Finnish company Norsepower is bringing its novel rotor sails onboard a variety of marine vessels to help propel them through ocean waters. The company recently scored a number of contracts to place its auxiliary wind propulsion systems with leading fleet operators as demand mounts for greener shipping in the world’s seas. Separately, a Korean research group is investigating the use of magnetically levitated bearings to adapt rotor sails for use in coastal waters where wind is more variable.  […]

e-Power

AAM Creates Versatile Electrification Platform for Auto & Truck Manufacturers with Configurable Motors, EDUs & e-Beam Technology 

Tier-1 automotive supplier American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) has built a versatile, configurable platform for auto and truck manufacturers to employ in electrifying their model lineups. The electric drive units incorporate permanent-magnet or induction motors with power up to 800V and can be fully integrated with the company’s e-Beam Axles. AAM’s 3-in-1 e-Drive technology features an integrated motor, inverter and gearbox into a single assembly for advantages in packaging, performance and simplified integration.  […]

e-Power

Curtiss-Wright Applies Canned Motor Technology to Offshore Oilfield for Petrobas 

While advancements in electrification often conjure up visions of electric vehicles, they also take place in many industrial applications as electromechanical systems increasingly replace hydraulic power. A fresh example is electrification of legacy hydraulic apparatus in the offshore oilfields of Brazil. Curtiss-Wright announced in February that is has signed a technology cooperation agreement with Petroleo Brasileiro, known as Petrobas, to design, manufacture, test and provide operational support for a Subsea Canned Motor Boosting System, to be deployed mudline at a Petrobras production field in the Campos Basin.  […]