Denver-based start-up H3X is creating a new generation of heavy-duty electric motors for industrial applications, as well as marine, rail and air transport. The specific power of the engines will reach 12 kW/kg and higher. Lightweight and powerful engines will allow more batteries to be carried on board, which will, for example, double the flight range of electric aircraft.
Electric motor HPDM-250. Image source: H3X
The company recently shipped the first batch of advanced electric motors to customers such as NASA and the US Air Force. At the top of the line is the HPDM-250 engine with a power of 200 kW. Its weight is 18.7 kg. The specific power of the unit is 10.7 kW/kg with an efficiency of 95.4%. It is important to note that the engine already includes an inverter, while alternative proposals involve the use of a separate inverter weighing 10 kg or more.
High efficiency and power density are achieved through a combination of innovative solutions such as a single water jacket using stator and rotor cooling additives, unique power electronics, improvements in stator winding design and “electromagnetism optimization”.
«We are on an ambitious path to becoming the world’s leading supplier of advanced electric motors,” said Jason Sylvestre, co-founder and CEO of H3X. “With astonishing speed, we have proven that this technology works and plays a key role in ensuring aviation sustainability, decarbonizing the maritime and industrial sectors and enabling the next generation of electrified defense technologies.”
Prototype electric motor HPDM-3000 (3 MW) with a hollow rotor
On August 6, the company completed its next round of investment fundraising. Cash flows have significantly exceeded the target of $20 million. Part of this money will be used to expand the line of engines to the megawatt class. In particular, the company will release electric motors HPDM-350, 1500 and 2300. Thus, the HPDM-1500 motor weighing 125 kg will provide 1.5 MW of power in continuous mode with a power density of 12 kW/kg. This is a significant indicator, which is necessary to create an all-electric narrow-body aircraft the size of a Boeing 737.
Modular assembly of a composite engine
Of particular interest are the company’s electric motors for ships, warships and submarines. These motors are designed with hollow rotors, allowing them to be assembled as a modular design. Six HPDM-1500 engines arranged in a line will provide a total installation power of 9 MW. The start of deliveries of the first 200 kW versions of the new electric motors to customers confirms the company’s ability to implement its plans in hardware.