Test Bench for a high performance PSM drive system for a nautical application

Abstract

To substitute a conventional combustion engine in a nautical application for higher speeds a special designed PSM was developed and manufactured. The development of the new design was necessary, because the operating range of speed and torque are different from commercial machines for industrial applications. In addition, to deal with the unique requirements of an electric drive for use in a maritime high speed vessel, features like high power density, compact construction volume, light weighted structure, water cooling and high overload capacity were implemented. Because testing the drive system and measuring reliable data on water is very problematic, a Test Bench was established. To simulate realistic conditions within the complete projected operating range a Hydrodynamic Brake system was used as load machine. Using this method the high amount of breaking energy is transformed directly into heat in the water based cooling system of the Brake.