Non-Torque Loading System for Electrical Machine Testing Including Drive System

The University of Edinburgh seeks to acquire a Non-Torque Loading System with a minimum power rating of 20 kW and preferably up to 50 kW or above. The system should be capable of applying non-torque loads to the shaft/rotor of the motor/generator under test of at least 50 kN in at least 2-axes, but preferably 3-axes.

It should also have a speed range of at least 20-100 rpm, but preferably up to 10-1000 rpm. Preference is for electrically actuated non-torque loading.

Our researchers design, develop and test small electrical machines (at full scale), as well as downscaled prototypes of electrical machines for large offshore renewable energy applications. The University of Edinburgh seeks to acquire a Non-Torque Loading System with a minimum power rating of 20 kW and preferably up to 50 kW or above.

The system should be capable of applying non-torque loads to the shaft/rotor of the motor/generator under test of at least 50 kN in at least 2-axes, but preferably 3-axes. It should also have a speed range of at least 20-100 rpm, but preferably up to 10-1000 rpm.

Preference is for electrically actuated non-torque loading. Bidders will be expected to work with the team at the university to design a mounting solution for the stator of the motor/generator under test.

Our researchers design, develop and test small electrical machines (at full scale), as well as downscaled prototypes of electrical machines for large offshore renewable energy applications. To date, we have used an in-house drivetrain test rig, rated at 20kW and with variable speed capability up to 100rpm.

This effectively means that we can control torque or rotational speed and the effective electrical load on the electrical machine under test. In our current and future work, we are interested in applying the non-torque loads that might be present in full scale environments to the electrical machines under test.

In particular, we would like to understand how air-gaps of the electrical machine under test will vary when subjected to those non-torque loads, and hence impact on electrical performance and mechanical integrity. Ideally, this system would allow a complete electrical machine to be tested, without separation of and independent mounting of the rotor and stator of the electrical machine under test.

Suppliers are invited to tender for the supply, installation, and technical services/support of this equipment. Minimum Technical Requirements: Dimensions: The system will be enclosed in a 5x2m enclosure.

Max Height: 2m. A generic system diagram is included below.

The system must be capable of testing machines in a range of 0.5m diameter and 0.5 m axial length to 1.0 m diameter and 0.75 m axial length. Power Level and RPM Range: Minimum power level: Minimum power of 20 kW Minimum RPM range: 20-100 rpm.

Ability to apply in the region of 50 kN of force in at least the X and Y axes applied to the Rotor, with a moment about the vertical & horizontal of 25 kNm Four-quadrant Drive: The system must include a four-quadrant drive machine & four-quadrant drive for the motor/generator under test. The drive for the motor/generator under test should be bypassable to allow custom drive units to be connected.

Minimum torque requirement: (@ 100 rpm): 2000 Nm Measurement Equipment: Must include a means of measuring non-torque loads (fx, fy, and fz) for the non-torque loading, and a torque meter on the test machine. Testing Modes: The system must be capable of testing machines in both motoring and generating modes.

Platform Mounting: It must be possible to mount the platform to a structural concrete floor that has a top layer of 175 mm total thickness. The top layer consists of 100 mm of rigid extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation and 75 mm of cement screed.

Emergency Stop: The system must include provision for an external emergency stop interlock to be connected. Typical electrical machine under-test: 1m outer diameter and 0.4m in axial length Auxiliary Systems: The system must include all necessary auxiliary systems such that it is ready for operation when powered.