press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2005

FRIBOURG – Magtrol SA of Fribourg, Switzerland is proud to announce its latest success in the field of customized motor test benches.

Developed for British Airways Avionic Engineering, this complete turn-key system is designed to test a wide range of electrical motors used on passenger aircraft in accordance with the OEM'S CMM (Component Maintenance Manual). Motors to be tested include : flap motors, starter motors, rotary actuators and fans.

With three dynamometer benches and one fan testing rig, the system enables the user to test motors from 18 mN·m (millinewton meters)/7 watts to 600 N·m (newton meters)/24 kilowatts, with speeds up to 30,000 rpm. All three Magtrol dynamometer technologies are employed—hysteresis, Eddy-current and magnetic powder—and are utilized depending on the torque-versus-speed range of the motor(s) to be tested. An additional fan testing rig allows speed, electrical power consumption and vibration measurement of aircraft fan motors.

Fixtures are used to secure the motors in place during a test but they also allow motors to be easily moved from one dynamometer to another for assorted tests. Accessible connector panels, located on each dynamometer test bench, allow for the quick connection of motors when setting up a test. Both features highlight the system's excellent flexibility and efficiency.

All supporting electronics (dynamometer controllers, power analyzers and power supplies) are built into a heavy-duty, industrial cabinet. The cabinet also houses a PC (with IEEE and Ethernet connection), computer monitor and keyboard.

Dedicated software developed under LabVIEW™ provides the system with full PC-based data acquisition capabilities, including closed-loop regulation. Test sequences are easily configured, allowing several motor performance characteristics (torque, speed, power, temperature, current, voltage, efficiency, etc…) to be tested and calculated. The data generated can be stored, displayed and printed in tabular or graphic formats, and is easily imported into a spreadsheet. Each test configuration can be programmed and saved, allowing the procedure to be recalled every time a motor returns for maintenance testing.

The customer's existing power supply (60 kW) is integrated into the system along with two Magtrol-provided power supplies (12 kW and 45 kW). Cabling and connection is in accordance with a 2000 Amp current requirement.

To comply with health and safety regulations, every dynamometer test rig is protected by a safety guard and each dynamometer test bench, as well as the electronics cabinet, is fitted with one or more emergency stop buttons.

As an added service, on-site installation, commissioning and training have been provided by Magtrol Engineers.

This latest achievement in the aerospace industry has underlined Magtrol's ability in the design of customized motor test benches. With a strong presence in other fields such as automotive, home appliance, power tool and medical applications, Magtrol continues to provide innovative motor testing solutions to a growing number of customers.

For more information, please contact Magtrol's sales team :
Europe : Magtrol SA • Fribourg, Switzerland • tel : +41 26 407 3000 • E-mail : magtrol@magtrol.ch
USA : Magtrol Inc • Buffalo, New York • tel : +1 716 668 5555 • E-mail : magtrol@magtrol.com