HIGH-SPEED PUMPS, BLOWERS & COMPRESSORS
Calnetix’s core technology has enabled many of the power and thermal management systems, such as air cycle systems (environmental controls) and vapor cycle systems, in military and commercial aircraft and in satellite and space missions. Calnetix’s high-performance motors can utilize conventional bearings or our proprietary magnetic bearings. These systems are highly optimized and suited for airborne and space applications due to their small-size, high efficiency, high reliability, variable speed and high torque capabilities. Motors that utilize magnetic bearings also benefit from increased mean time between failure (MTBF), maintenance-free operation, reduced noise and the ability to reach high rotational speeds.
With the push for electrification across the aircraft industry, Calnetix is leading the charge on the development of flight worthy generators for both fixed and rotary wing applications. Calnetix has the capability to provide system level solutions for electronic auxiliary power units (APUs), starter generators, integrated drive generators, recuperators, alternators as well as variable speed constant frequency solutions. With our portfolio of protected and proven technology, Calnetix is capable of meeting any power generation and distribution system challenges or requirements.
More electric aircraft architectures require additional cooling of electronics and power equipment, and require the transition from traditional hydraulic or pneumatic systems to electrically powered systems. Variable speed electric pumps for applications, such as liquid cooling loops, environmental control systems, electro-hydraulics or fuel pumping can all leverage Calnetix high speed motor and controller technologies. High-speed, high performance pumps reduce size and weight of related components and increase system efficiency.
Calnetix Defense & Aerospace worked with NASA to design a next-generation blower for a CO2 removal system, which was successfully installed on the International Space Station (ISS) after completing ground testing. The magnetically levitated blower motor system is providing the airflow for the Four Bed Carbon Dioxide Scrubber (FBCO2) system in a microgravity space environment and has been operating continuously since February 22nd, 2023.
Calnetix’s ISS blower motor system includes a compact in-line blower on magnetic bearings, called Momentum™, and an integrated hybrid dual controller, called Continuum™, to drive the blower. The high-speed blower consists of a centrally located five-axis Powerflux™ AMB system, backup bearings, an overhung Magnaforce ™ permanent magnet motor and a centrifugal impeller in a very compact package. The magnetic bearings were chosen over conventional bearings to significantly increase the performance, reliability and lifespan of the system due to its frictionless operation. It fits into the same length, width and height envelope as the foil-bearing supported blower which it is replacing. Read the detailed case study here.
