Product category:
Power Supply ICs and Controllers
News Release from: Semikron | Subject: MiniSKiiP
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 11 June 2007
Subsystems have the power to move
jetliners
Semikron provides key components for the WheelTug system, which has the potential to revolutionise ground movements at airports and provide significant environmental benefits.
WheelTug and Delta Air Lines have entered into an agreement in which the airline will assist WheelTug in developing a new system that has the potential to enable pilots to back away from gates without a tow tug, and taxi to and from takeoff and landing points without using jet engines The WheelTug system aims to reduce fuel consumption, noise and emissions in airport terminal areas and taxiways, as well as reduce airport and gate congestion
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 19 Jul 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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WheelTug was developed in part from an agreement between Semikron and Chorus Motors to develop the Chorus Meshcon motor and drive technology.
Following an approach from Chorus, the two companies agreed in 2005 for Semikron to apply its design and applications expertise to the Chorus Meshcon drive concept, in exchange for exclusive supplier status for certain markets.
Semikron is designing Chorus Meshcon integrated power assemblies for test motor and drive systems and is expecting to design and manufacture these assemblies for the high end speciality markets.
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The Chorus Meshcon drive operates with a very high number of phases - up to 20 or more - optimised for the specific application.
This offers a system that, because of its small size, high power density, and torque-speed performance, achieves what no other motor-drive solution can.
Applications are expected to be in areas as diverse as starter-alternators for cars, conveyors, locomotives, hoists, robotics and marine applications.
Other aerospace applications, such as starter generators for jet turbines are likely to be developed in the near-term.
Another potential application is as a replacement for some hydraulic systems, where it is desirable for the motor to start and stop frequently, often under load.
Full development and approval of the system is expected in 2009 and Delta, which has an option to be WheelTug's launch customer, could begin installing it on its fleet of B-737NG aircraft as early as 2009.
The WheelTug system includes powerful electric motors in the aircraft's nose wheel that will enable pilots to back away from gates without a tow tug and then taxi to their takeoff, or a remote start point before starting the engines.
After landing, the pilot can turn off the jet engines and use the system to drive the aircraft to its gate.
Semikron's solution is based on its MiniSKiiP (Semikron integrated intelligent power) subsystem.
The compact design of MiniSKiiP integrates power semiconductor switches, a heatsink, a gate driver unit with protection, and current and heatsink temperature sensors.
Its patented pressure contact technology allows a compact power module design with very low thermal resistances, high thermal cycling capability and low parasitic stray inductances, which is well suited to high-vibration environments.
The SKiiP technology presses the direct bonded copper substrate onto the heatsink with a uniform pressure spreader, thus ensuring a consistent low thermal resistance without the need for a copper baseplate.
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