Magnomatics, a British developer of magnetic transmissions and ultra-compact motors, has been recognized for meeting aerospace standards for its quality management system. Awarded the Aerospace Standard 9100, the certification has broad implication for its engineering and electrification consultancy as well as its product development efforts serving global markets.
Based in Sheffield, the company works in a variety of sectors including aerospace and the associated eVTOL/UAM industry, also marine propulsion, off-highway vehicles as well as renewables. Approved by the Auva Certification Body, the accreditation confirms Magnomatics is currently deploying a fully compliant Aerospace Standard Management System. The quality management system is in place throughout Magnomatics’ operations and at all key stages of production, including the design, development, manufacture, assembly, and testing, in addition the supply of magnetic gearing-based products, as well as bespoke magnetic and electromagnetic solutions.
Commenting on the announcement, Gary Rodgers, CEO of Magnomatics, said: “The company proudly works on projects for some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including innovative electrification solutions for the growing eVTOL and UAM markets. We plan to continue collaborating with companies across the Aerospace sector and as a leading electrification partner, safety is a top priority. The accreditation is essential in helping us deliver our leading-edge magnetic gear solutions to global markets and it will be hugely beneficial to our future aviation projects, including our bespoke consultancy services.”
Technologies
Among its developments are the Pseudo Direct Drive Aerospace Actuator which is an ultra-light fault tolerant PDD motor for the extreme environments of a rudder flight control surface electromechanical actuator.
The PDD motor has a magnetic gear at its heart which provides a unique functionality – a passively resettable torque-fuse to prevent jamming on overloads. The gear action also provides for a very low inertia system. The motor is able to deliver full load torque with a failed phase-bank and each phase bank is mechanically, magnetically and thermally isolated from each other for maximum reliability and full duplex redundancy. The dramatic increase in torque density allows the motor to directly drive many loads where conventionally a motor and gearbox combination are employed.
Magnetically geared thrusters for marine propulsion are another specialty, with 15kW & 25kW thrusters as standard models. They oil-filled with bio-degradeable lubricant and pressure balanced for deep sea operation. They combine a magnetic gear and permanent magnet motor arranged to provide a hermetic seal between the motor and the sea water.
The company’s MAGSPLIT technology uses electronic control of a magnetic gear to give a continuously variable ratio. The flexibility of the system makes it especially suited to hybrid vehicle transmissions and it has been used in both in passenger cars and trucks. The concept is extended and a smaller variant is used to drive engine ancillaries such as an AC compressor at their optimum speed, leading to considerable fuel savings.
Development partnerships
Among its OEM development partnerships, one is with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries aimed at developing commercial opportunities, products and supply chain using Magnomatics patented magnetic gear technology in motors and generators. The two companies have been working together several years to evaluate Magnomatics technology in different sectors and applications. In November 2023, they formed a strategic partnership.
Working with Soil Machine Dynamics, a British developer of remotely operated submersibles, Magnomatics has tested a new range of thruster motors for an innovative EV submersible. The thrusters deliver torque magnetically through a static seal, deleting the rotating seal and guaranteeing the oil stays inside the machine and the sea water stays outside. The hermetically sealed system is depth rated to 6,000m.
For more info, see www.magnomatics.com.
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