Contemporary hydraulic actuators are large, bulky, require high maintenance and use hazardous materials while contemporary electro-mechanical actuators (EMA) have excessive size, weight, and power requirements, which result in thermal management problems and cannot be back-driven. A robust EMA would eliminate the need for a labor intensive Hydraulic Power Unit for commercial aircraft and launch vehicle applications. A 60 hp 100,000 lbf Electrical Mechanical Linear Actuator operating at 4 inches per second over a 12-inch stroke using our revolutionary electric motor, which operates a large diameter, small pitch, roller screw system is proposed. We developed the technology necessary fabricate a 60hp Axial Gap Motor, characterize it using a typical rocket flight plan, and compare our motor and EMA technology to existing. This project is the basis for affordable high-force EMA and custom designed electric motors.
Overview:
•Thortek has developed the different technologies needed to produce an operational electromechanical actuator for transportation and industrial applications.
•NASA awarded Thortek a SBIR Phase II grant in 2002 to develop an electric motor that will be used in Thortek’s flywheel systems.
•NASA awarded Thortek a SBIR Phase I grant in 2004 to develop a magnetic bearing system that will be used in Thortek’s flywheel and electric motor systems.
Applications:
•Aerospace
•Industrial Applications
Capabilities:
•Increased power density
•Reduced mass for space applications
•Replacement of conventional hydraulic and /or pneumatic systems
Benefits:
•Increased actuator control
•Increased power output maintaining a lower rate of energy consumption
•Reduced system complexity, only needing electricity
Permanent Magnet Linear Coupler
A Phase II, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Aeronautical & Space Administration (NASA) was awarded to Thortek in April 2002. The SBIR grant is for the development of a liquid-Hydrogen / Liquid-Oxygen (LH2/LOX) compatible, Hermetically Sealed, Reciprocating Control Valve.
The resulting system would replace the contemporary pneumatic control and electronic positioning system with a fail-safe, electromechanical actuator using a Thortek designed, linear motor. The control valve's primary application will be in the petrochemical industry.
Overview:
•Thortek has developed the different technologies as well as the machinery needed to produce a range of operational PMLCs for transportation and industrial applications.
•NASA awarded Thortek a SBIR Phase II grant in 2002 to develop an electric motor that will be used in Thortek’s flywheel systems.
Applications:
•Aerospace
•Industrial Applications
•Marine
Capabilities:
•Increased power density
•Reduced mass for space applications
•Replacement of conventional pump systems
Benefits:
•Increased actuator control
•Increased power output maintaining a lower rate of energy consumption
•Reduced system complexity, only needing electricity
