Example Projects - Aerospace

Aerospace "Iron Bird" Test Facility - Starter/Generator Drivestands

Facility comprising 3 x drivestands for aerospace starter/generator and hydraulic pump testing.  Capable of independent or simultaneous operation from LabVIEW based control and condition monitoring system.

Test Rig 1 - Hydraulic Pump Drivestand (No pictures)

  • 2 x 75kW permanent magnet motors & variable speed drives
  • Direct drive couplings to device under test
  • High accuracy in-line torque measurement
  • Motors "phase-locked" for gearbox drive simulation - "phase-roll" facility for pump phasing research

Test Rig 2 - Main Starter/Generator Drivestand

  • 400kW /4,000 rpm induction motor & variable speed drive
  • Single input, 3-output speed-increasing gearbox (10,000 rpm, 29,000 rpm, 37,000 rpm)
  • In-line high speed torque measurement (29,000 rpm driveline)
  • Couplings (4,000 rpm, 10,000 rpm, 29,000 rpm, 37,000 rpm)
  • 2 x Device under test oil lubrication systems
  • Gearbox oil lubrication system with back-up 

Test Rig 3 - Auxiliary Starter/Generator Drivestand

  • 250kW /4,000 rpm induction motor & variable speed drive
  • 2-stage speed-increasing gearbox (70,000 rpm)
  • In-line high speed torque measurement (70,000 rpm driveline)
  • Couplings (4,000 rpm, 70,000 rpm)
  • Device under test oil lubrication system & PAO cooling system
  • Gearbox oil lubrication system with back-up 

Photos courtesy of Torquemeters Ltd

Photos courtesy of Torquemeters Ltd

High Speed Aerospace Generator Gearbox

Adaptor gearbox for testing variants of aerospace generators, integrated into drivestands installed in aerospace company in USA.

  • Single input (37,000 rpm) , 2-output (37,000 rpm, 30,000 rpm)
  • 20kW input power
  • Horizontal offset, single piece housing (no split)
  • Integral oil filter
  • Oil lubricated
  • Non-contacting seals
  • Couplings (37,000 rpm, 30,000 rpm) - diaphragm & quill-shaft types
  • Through-shaft device under test lubrication