Lightweight design provides maximum power to extend missions and increase payload
GOLETA — LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc., an aerospace power generation and hybrid-electric propulsion company, announced (April 25) the commercialization and first customer shipments of its 12 kW stacked electric alternator solution for aerospace applications. The system is designed for drones and aircraft requiring a minimum axial form factor and lowest weight for maximum achievable power. The lightweight, high-power motors and controllers offered by LaunchPoint are coveted by companies seeking to reduce motor weight for maximum duration and payload.
The 12 kW system consists of two 6 kW LaunchPoint dual Halbach electric machines stacked onto a single engine shaft, resulting in a form factor of 191 mm in diameter and 55 mm thick. The system includes LaunchPoint’s silicon carbide-based controller technology, ironless axial flux electric machine, and a fault-tolerant design using advanced magnet materials and patented winding architecture. The first units were shipped to customers in Q4 2022 for high power drone applications with large payload and extended flight requirements.
“LaunchPoint’s generator technology represents the best power-to-weight ratio among other competing technologies,” according to Mitsuru Ishikawa, CEO of Ishikawa Energy Research Co., Ltd. “Our projects are joint developments with top Japanese manufacturers and require the weight and power advantages that LaunchPoint offers for our drone programs.”
About the 6 kW Alternator
* Dimensions: 190.5 mm diameter x 25.4 mm thick
* 1.5 kg
* Air-cooled
* 6500 rpm nominal
* 250 VDC to 400 VDC
* Starting torque of 10 N*m (per alternator) available for 10 seconds / 20 N*m torque for dual alternator system
About the Starter-Alternator Controller
* Dimensions: 127 mm x 178 mm x 76 mm
* 3 kg includes heat sink, fans, and power wiring harness to alternator
* Air-cooled
* Advanced SiC MOSFET technology
* High bandwidth control
* Bi-directional power flow – starting/motoring and generator controller
* Full system control and monitoring available via CAN bus
LaunchPoint provides the interface and documentation needed to mate the alternator to a user’s engine for a fully functioning hybrid generator system. LaunchPoint also offers a complete hybrid system that includes an internal combustion engine, alternator, motor and controller with battery management and hybrid bus control software.
LaunchPoint offers standard base products in the 1.5 kW to 40 kW range. For higher power applications the Company optimizes its solutions to customer specification. Please contact Chris Grieco cgrieco@launchpointeps.com<mailto:cgrieco@launchpointeps.com> or call +1.805.683.9659 x 222 for consult on your next project.
LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. is located at 5735 Hollister Ave., Suite B, in Goleta, CA, USA 93117. For more information visit https://www.launchpointeps.com/