Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
eMotoren Aviation Luftfahrt

Aviation

Aviation applications can be readily adapted from motor sports applications, since the requirements are practically identical. High power density makes the vision of electric flight with a large payload possible.

Aviation - Compact Dynamics

Power density (kW/kg) of the e-motor, power electronics, and housing in 2016 was still around 8 kW/kg during continuous output, and approx. 11 kW/kg at maximum power (2 minutes); thus, the technical development in the coming years will represent a considerable increase in power density.

Potential of improvement

Magnet technology:

Magnet technology
Magnet technology
Magnet topology

Internal or external rotors

In contrast to internal rotors, the air gap in external rotor drives can be kept very small, since the rotor sleeve has a strong influence on the mechanical air gap. The air gap between the rotor and stator is of great importance for the surface thrust of an electrical machine.

Rotortopologie
Innenläufer mit Bandage - Aussenläufer ohne Bandage

Surface magnets with soft magnetic yoke vs. Halbach array

magnet topology
soft magnetic yoke
magnet topology
Halbach Array


Greater power density through

modified rotor geometry

Magnet topology

Smaller pole pitches

A smaller pole pitch allows for

  • smaller coil heads
  • improved cooling for the winding
  • less magnetic material and iron
  • reduced weight
Magnetpolteilung
Magnetpolteilung

optimized design of power electronics

A special power electronics design ensures high pole change frequencies, placing greater demands on the machine controls.

The next generation of SiC-based power modules enables

  • switching frequencies of up to 60 kHz
  • Sinusoidal currents with reduced harmonic losses
  • improved efficiency


Greater integration density

Integration of motor and power electronics in one housing creates

  • joint cooling circuits
  • no need for the phase cable
  • reduced weight

These optimizations in aviation applications already implemented by Compact Dynamics have led to significant improvement in power density:

Aviation - System integration

We believe there is further potential for optimization in

  • enhanced material properties
  • new cooling technologies
  • optimization of drive systems
eMotor power densities
power densities

Power densities of up to 14 kW/kg and more during continuous output, and considerably above 18 kW/kg at peak performance, are certainly feasible for applications in electrical aviation, as we continue on the development path
that is set out.

Contact us!

Aviation applications

News:

Compact Dynamics is exclusive FIA supplier for the hybrid system from 2022 to 2024

The WRC Rally Croatia awaits the teams from April 18 to 21, 2024 with challenging routes. High-speed stretches alternate with tight, tricky bends. The sometimes smooth, sometimes bumpy and sometimes brittle, highly variable grip level confronts the drivers with complex tasks. It will be exciting! We wish all teams good luck, courage and success at Rally Croatia 2024!

Compact Dynamics supports FIA and competitors with 3 trackside support engineers

More Information

Compact Dynamics GmbH
Moosstraße 9
82319 Starnberg
Phone +49 8151 9043-0
Fax +49 8151 9043-20

Contact us

Compact Dynamics GmbH:  Technology examples » Aviation