A motor used in or near jet- and turbofan-related fuel, valve, pump, or environmental-control systems can face very different operating conditions from a conventional industrial motor. Heat, vibration, limited installation space, shock loads, and demanding duty cycles can all come into play at the same time.
For engineers working on jet engines, fuel systems, valves, pumps, and flight-control hardware, selecting a high temperature electric motor is therefore about much more than finding a motor with a suitable torque rating. The motor has to remain dependable when the surrounding environment becomes part of the engineering challenge.
Why Temperature Changes Motor Design
Heat affects almost every part of an electric motor. Windings, insulation, bearings, magnets, lubrication, sensors, and mechanical interfaces all have to be considered when the operating temperature rises.
This becomes particularly important around jet and turbofan systems, where motors may be used for fuel pumps, valves, and environmental-control functions. CDA’s Jet/Turbofan Applications address these types of requirements with brushless gearmotors and actuators designed around the application’s mechanical and environmental constraints.
The objective is not simply to make a motor survive a high temperature for a short period. It is to develop a complete motor assembly that can perform consistently within the actual temperature, load, packaging, and duty-cycle requirements.
High Temperature Is Only Part of the Problem
In aerospace and defense, temperature rarely appears by itself. The same motor may also experience considerable vibration and shock while being installed in a very small envelope.
CDA’s Brushless DC Motors are designed for extreme shock and vibration loads and are available with all-stainless construction for harsh environments. Depending on the motor configuration and application requirements, CDA offers operating temperature capabilities extending from -269°C to +260°C. Custom housed and frameless configurations are also available.
That combination is important for applications where there simply isn’t room to isolate the motor from the surrounding environment.
Where High-Temperature Motors Are Used
One example is valve actuation. Fuel and hydraulic valves need controlled movement and dependable positioning, while the motor may have to work in an environment that is difficult for conventional components.
CDA’s Valve Actuators use brushless gearmotors and actuators with configurable mounting, output geometry, lubrication, and sensor arrangements. Resolver, Hall, and sensorless feedback options are also available.
Motors also play an important role in pump systems. CDA supplies Pump Actuator solutions for demanding fuel and hydraulic pump applications, including high-temperature environments.
In defense systems, the requirements can become even more demanding. CDA’s CAS actuators are designed for wing, fin, and canard control applications where power density, packaging, temperature, and reliability are key considerations.
Designing Around the Application
A high-temperature motor should not be treated as an isolated component. The gearing, feedback device, bearings, lubrication, connectors, housing, and mounting arrangement all contribute to how the final assembly performs.
This application-level approach is reflected in CDA’s Actuators & Mechanisms, which can combine motors, gearing, feedback, brakes, connectors, and application-specific housings into compact assemblies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a high temperature electric motor?
It is an electric motor designed with materials, construction, insulation, and other components selected to operate reliably at elevated temperatures.
2. How hot can CDA motors operate?
Depending on configuration and application requirements, CDA's brushless DC motors can be designed for demanding temperature environments, with some configurations offering an operating range from -269°C to +260°C.
3. Where are high-temperature motors used in aerospace?
Typical applications include jet and turbofan fuel systems, valve actuation, pumps, environmental-control systems, and other mechanisms operating in demanding aircraft environments.
4. Can CDA customize high-temperature motors?
Yes. CDA offers custom housed and frameless motor designs, along with configurable feedback and application-specific mechanical configurations.
5. Why are brushless motors useful for defense applications?
Brushless motors can provide high power density while being configured for demanding shock, vibration, temperature, and packaging requirements. CDA uses them across defense applications including actuation, valves, pumps, and control systems.
6. What should engineers consider besides temperature?
Shock and vibration, torque and speed, duty cycle, available space, feedback requirements, gearing, lubrication, connectors, and the thermal environment should all be considered together.