SEMA motor modules for shipboard applications

A new high-power-density motor/alternator/controller technology now being d eveloped for a wide range of commercial and aerospace applications, will be able to provide the power and control needed by future naval systems more efficiently, affordably, and with less weight than other electric alternati ves. The central product of this technology development is the Integrated M otion Module (IMM). IMMs are essentially mechatronic systems that combine t he motor, sensing, power electronics, and control functions for a single ax is of motion into a lightweight modular unit. The functional integration of these components will make possible significant reductions in motor/altern ator size and weight, white increasing power density and electromechanical conversion efficiency Using a small set of IMM designs, motion control syst ems of arbitrary complexity may be easily assembled. The IMM development effort is integrating several advanced technologies to achieve its aggressive performance and cost goals. IMMs are based on a revo lutionary motor/alternator technology with unprecedented torque characteris tics. Known as the Segmented Electro-Magnetic Array (SEMA), this motor, com bined with state of the art power electronics and active cooling techniques , provides very high power output from a small, lightweight module.