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Southampton Science Park-based Perpetuum, has
launched the world's first truly effective vibration energy harvesting
microgenerator designed for use on helicopters. The PMG27 harvests the
vibration induced by the rotor to generate electrical power. This enables
installation of complete wireless transmission systems incorporating sensors
such as those used in health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), without
the need for batteries, expensive cabling or maintenance.
Vibration is present throughout the body of
the aircraft. The PMG27 is designed to harvest the energy from anywhere in
the aircraft structure. and it converts the kinetic energy of the vibration
into electrical power up to 4mW.
Widely used in civil and military aircraft,
HUMS technology has been credited with providing significant safety,
maintenance and cost saving benefits. However, conventional HUM systems
require sensors to be hardwired, making them relatively expensive to
install. Now, with the possibility of wireless sensing enabled by
Perpetuum's new technology, the HUMS market is likely to be extended
significantly, to embrace large numbers of smaller aircraft and privately
owned helicopters.
PMG27 is a practical device, designed to
operate in the harsh environment of a helicopter in flight. It is very easy
to install and requires no further maintenance. Its robust construction
means it has an anticipated life well in excess of the electronics it
powers: a truly perpetual source of power.
"The advent of wireless sensing is a major
breakthrough which will bring significant benefits to the aerospace
industry," says Roy Freeland, CEO, Perpetuum. "We are delighted to be in a
position to offer the PMG27 to the helicopter market now, and have already
received our first order from a leading global supplier of aerospace
systems. Versions of the product for fixed wing aircraft are under
development."
www.perpetuum.com |
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