High torque motor drive system testing

Two of our Principal Engineers have just come back from being on site at Newcastle University School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. They were utilising the excellent dynamometer facilities that are installed there. The motor under test was a high pole-count (66!) permanent magnet type which is controlled by a bespoke high-reliability and rugged inverter SPS designed and manufactured for its client. The high torque (1800Nm) system performed very well and pushed the dyno well above where it had ever previously been used since it was installed.

In the new year SPS will be working on updating the software and control interface for the end application and then going on-site with our customer to test the system in the final application.

Traction Power Converters Shipped

SPS has just completed supplying the first batch of traction power converters used by Clayton Equipment in their innovative full-electric and hybrid locomotives. They are rated at up to 180 kW and suitable for use at up to 750 V DC (max) with IP68 rating. Specific steps have been taken with the design to ensure high reliability with the inevitable power cycling such units experience in operation.

Unusually, these are air-cooled to provide packaging flexibility and improve reliability vs a liquid cooled approach. The fans maintain the IP68 rating and give several years of life before servicing is required. The converters can be supplied liquid cooled if required.

SPS is very well placed to both design and manufacture specialist power conversion equipment for lower-volume demanding applications. Please contact us if this is something you are interested in.

Succesful External ISO9001 Audit

Today was our annual external audit by BSI for our ISO9001:2015 quality management system. I am pleased to report that we passed with flying colours with no non-conformities at all. We did have an interesting discussion with our auditor on the subject of collaborative working. For certain this is the manner in which we prefer to work with our customers as it benefits both parties. He kindly told us about the Institute of Collaborative Working and the fact there is a specific standard and accredition (ISO 44001:2017) available. Perhaps something to consider for the future!! Meanwhile our training program will continue to make sure out staff have the relevent skills required.