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

Candela’s e-Power Hydrofoil Shuttle Takes to the Waterways of Sweden 

Powered by two specially designed permanent-magnet motors and drive that operate underwater, a new commercial e-hydrofoil will soon be taking to the waters offshore Stockholm to ferry 30 people at a time at record-breaking speed and tranquility. A recent maiden voyage, aptly called a flight, saw the craft hitting its airborne take-off speed of 16 knots and quickly reaching its designed top speed of 30 knots within 16 seconds.  […]

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

Deep-Space Mission to Distant Asteroid Involves Cutting-Edge Magnetic Technologies 

NASA’s deep-space mission to the Psyche asteroid involves a variety of cutting-edge magnetic technologies for precision measurement as well as electrified propulsion. The Psyche spacecraft includes many unavoidable magnetic field sources, which must be accounted for to measure the magnetic field signature of the metal-rich asteroid. It won’t be long now … hold on until 2029 when it reaches orbit at the distant target.  […]

e-Power

Danfoss Drives Forms New Marine Electrification Division 

Danfoss Drives has established a new marine business unit in North America focused on electrification for maritime applications bringing together a team of its product experts in the field while providing testing and development capabilities at Danfoss Drives’ application development center (ADC) in Loves Park, Illinois. Danfoss announced the new unit at the 2023 International Workboat Show in New Orleans held November 29 to December 1. […]

e-Power

Military Drone Deploys Hefty Payload at NATO Exercise 

BAE Systems and Malloy Aeronautics recently demonstrated the capabilities of their electric-power heavy-lift drone during a large NATO exercise in Portugal to integrate the latest maritime technologies across allied forces. Powered by multiple permanent-magnet electric-motor propulsion systems, the T-600 uncrewed air system (UAS) is a demonstrator aircraft that is capable of vertical take-off and landing, can carry a payload of 200kg and can travel at up to 140km/h.  […]

Electromagnetics

SmallSat Thrusters Highlight e-Propulsion Technology at SpaceTech Expo-Europe 

Always a showcase for cutting-edge technology in aerospace progress, SpaceTech Expo-Europe will have an assortment of e-propulsion solutions on display when it opens in Bremen, Germany on November 14. Advancements in propulsion using Hall-effect thrusters for microsatellites, along with space-grade instrumentation, cryogenic, superconductivity and vacuum technology will be among the solutions exhibited. ExoTerra, Enpulsion and Thermocoax are among the companies involved in Hall-effect thrusters. Other exhibitors highlighted in this report are Bartington Instruments, Stirling Cryogenics and Pfeiffer Vacuum. Webcom Communications, the publisher of New Power Technology, is a long-time media partner of the event. […]