Embention has developed a new electronic speed controller (ESC) specifically designed for eVTOL aircraft and electric UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). The Veronte Motor Controller MC110 2.0 can deliver power outputs of up to 110kW, voltages of up to 800V, and currents of up to 200A.
The emerging eVTOL industry and the nascent electrification of conventional aviation have made it necessary to develop devices specifically tailored to the engine control requirements of such aircraft. Motor controllers play a crucial role, and have a series of essential requirements
Reliability: Like any other aeronautical component, reliability is key to ensure flight safety.
Reduced Weight: In aeronautics, weight reduction is a key factor in optimizing aircraft performance.
High Power: High power ensures the necessary thrust in eVTOL and electric aircraft.
High Voltage: allows the current in the system to be reduced, thus in turn reducing losses and interference.
Availability: Once the aircraft have been certified, it is necessary to ensure availability of the component for a reasonable period.
The most commonly used technologies for motor control in aviation are IGBTs and SiC MOSFETs. SiC MOSFET technology is relatively modern and utilizes transistors with a higher switching frequency than other technologies. This means that they enable the control of motors at a high speed, resulting in more precise control at high revolutions. The main drawback of these transistors is that they are not suitable for controlling motors that require high power to operate. They can withstand high voltages with low currents or low voltages with high currents.
IGBT technology has historically been the most widely used for motor control. This well-established and mature technology has undergone many years of use and testing in various industrial and automotive sectors. For aviation applications, these transistors can handle high-powered motors but are limited to lower switching frequencies. Rapid motor speed changes would generate current spikes that could degrade the batteries in the eVTOL. IGBT technology has proven to be more robust in situations of overcurrent and has greater tolerance to temperature variations.
Embention has thus utilized IGBT technology in its motor controllers to ensure robustness and reliable performance. The maturity of the technology also ensures the availability of thoroughly-tested components with reliable documentation on their robustness. This is crucial in all Embention developments, as the company follows aeronautical design standards DO178D, DO254, and DO160 as part of its EN9100 quality management system.
