BluWav Motors
E motion's 16 kW motors are built to our specifications by BluWav Systems of Rochester Hills, MI. BluWav is a recognized leader in hub motors, electric propulsion and energy storage systems for the military, automotive and marine markets.
The technology in our 16 kW motor and motor control unit (MCU) is the same as in BluWav's military and automotive products. The 16 kW motor provides 160 N-m of torque and can resolve a thrust force of over 2 kN. The motor uses the latest in neodymium magnet technology in an interior permanent magnet configuration similar to most hybrid vehicle applications. The motor and MCU combine to provide more than 93% system efficiency over nearly the entire operating range of the marine application including regeneration.
A custom-designed controller board along with the latest in Semikron IGBT technology converts high voltage into three-phase commutation to the motor every 100 microseconds. Unique mapping allows high efficiency over varied supply voltage, thermal conditions and load. A proprietary algorithm switches automatically between torque and speed control modes to provide full torque and speed over a very wide load band including regeneration. The MCU also automatically and independently controls up to three cooling fans for the MCU, motor and bilge.
When combined with the jointly developed Safety Power Management Device (SPMD) the system is designed to be easily fitted to a monohull or a catamaran and is programmed to function automatically with either single or dual throttle stations. Connections are limited to the high voltage DC bus, low voltage 12 to 24 V power and throttles.
To simplify installation on a catamaran or other dual motor applications, all connections are combined at either the port or starboard side of the boat with a single connection running between the port and starboard SPMDs while allowing the motors to run completely independently from one another. The combination of highly efficient motor, intelligent controls and very simple electrical installation makes the EMP 16 kW system ideal for OE, custom, and retrofit builders.
And stay tuned: A similar strategy using the same components combined with a 32 kW motor will soon be available for larger boats.
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Homewood Motors
E motion's 4.5 kW and 9 kW motors are built to our specifications by the Homewood Group of Pittsburgh, PA, the former manufacturing division of Westinghouse Electric. Homewood is one of the world's most experienced motor builders and service providers.
The Homewood motors are extremely rugged and simple. They were designed specifically for marine use, providing high-torque power at low rpm for efficient propulsion of displacement vessels. They're made of non-corrosive materials - stainless steel shaft and cast aluminum casing. The roller-thrust bearings are double-sealed on the exterior and single-sealed on the interior. The only wear points are in the bearings, which are essentially the same as tractor-trailer wheel bearings. They have an estimated design life of 150,000 hours.
The 9 kW motor consists of two 4.5 kW motors on one shaft in a single casing. This arrangement keeps costs down by minimizing manufacturing complexity and maximizing parts commonality.
The motors run equally well in forward or reverse, with the same 1,000 rpm maximum speed in either direction. They can be switched from full forward to full reverse in milliseconds without harm to the motor (although for the sake of the coupling to the prop shaft, that's not recommended.)
The company has been a staunch supporter of Electric Marine Propulsion (dba E motion Hybrids) and EMP CEO Dave Tether. |
