LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. has confirmed 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.
According to LaunchPoint, the lightweight, high-power motors and controllers it offers 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 carbine-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,” said 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
