Cryogenic electric motor
The ERNEO team has expertise in the design and manufacture of electric motors for cryogenic environments (very low temperatures). For over 10 years, ERNEO has been offering solutions for electric motors submerged in cryogenic fluids (liquid hydrogen, liquid methane, liquid oxygen). These motors are designed for use in actuators and high-speed pumps. ERNEO has specific expertise in the choice of materials and design rules for these environments, with even more specific skills for the liquid oxygen environment.
Environmental constraints for a cryogenic electric motor
ERNEO’s team specializes in addressing the unique challenges posed by cryogenic environments. These challenges primarily involve material compatibility and the impact of temperature-induced variations in material properties at very low temperatures. Such variations must be considered in both mechanical design (accounting for differential expansion and material behavior) and in electrical design and motor-control, as the performance parameters of the electrical machine can change significantly depending on the operating conditions.
Some examples
Example 1: Electric chamber valve LOx/LH2
Characteristics:
- Maximum speed 8 000 rpm
- 100 mm stroke
- Brushless motor
- Submerged rotor
- Large air gap
- Submerged resolver
Example 2: Pump motor 25 000 rpm
Characteristics:
- Submerged operation
- Compatible with Liquid oxygen