EP1 / Shaftless axial-flux propulsion
EP1 combines axial-flux motor design, shaftless rim drive and dedicated control for marine robots and small electric vessels. We develop these together around useful thrust, installed weight, quietness and energy use.
For USVs, AUVs, ROVs and small boats, the right propulsion depends on the task: cruising, maneuvering, holding position or applying sustained force underwater.
An axial-flux motor's magnetic field crosses the motor gap along the rotation axis. Its disc-like geometry supports a short axial profile and torque production across a large radius.
We develop this geometry around the propeller's torque and speed requirements. The aim is useful propulsion without unnecessary installed mass, with room for the batteries, instruments and equipment that make the vehicle useful.
EP1 drives the blade-carrying rotor at its outer rim. A central drive shaft does not pass through the propulsor, changing how the motor, blades and surrounding duct are arranged.
Removing the central shaft also removes a central wrapping point for rope and weed. We develop the flow opening, rotor clearances and surrounding structure around the debris conditions of the intended application.
The propeller needs torque at the right speed. The motor and controller must supply it efficiently and smoothly. We develop these as a connected system rather than selecting each in isolation.
Our coreless-motor work removes the stator iron associated with cogging torque. We develop dedicated drive algorithms and compact electronics around the motor's low-inductance, sensorless-control requirements.
Thrust, weight, quietness and energy use. Developed together.
Motor, blades, duct and control developed together around useful thrust and the weight your vehicle carries.
Coreless motor design and dedicated control address torque ripple. Blade and rotor development targets flow noise and vibration.
Motor, propeller and control matched to cruising, holding position and sustained surface work.
Water-informed cooling and blade development address continuous loads, hydrodynamic losses and cavitation.
| Platform | Main operating incentive | Requirements to discuss |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal/inland USV | Sustain progress and position; address shaft-related line/weed wrapping | Continuous thrust at operating speed, current/wind, station keeping, debris exposure and mission energy |
| Cruising AUV | Support endurance and sensitive acoustic sensing | Electrical energy at mission speed, self-noise at payload sensors, radiated noise, depth and hull interaction |
| Working ROV | Hold position and apply force at the work target | Directional thrust and reversal, current/tether loads, tool/contact forces and continuous duty |
| Portable small boat | Useful propulsion with manageable carried weight and quiet operation | Loaded hull, intended speed, trip energy, installed/lift weight, battery and maneuvering |
Share the requirements you know: supply voltage, thrust or vessel duty, continuous operation, installation envelope and control interface. We will discuss a suitable configuration and the engineering information needed for integration.
OmniBot uses EP1 for swimming, maneuvering and surface contact during underwater inspection and cleaning. Hull-normal thrust supplies the contact force the tracks need for grip and the tools need for positioning.
That makes propulsion part of the work itself. We develop the robot and propulsion together around sustained force, energy use and control at the surface.
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