Magnetic transmission specialist attracts six figure contract

SHEFFIELD-based magnetic transmission specialist Magnomatics has been awarded a six figure contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The deal will see Magnomatics, which is financially backed by university IP commercialisation company Fusion IP, perform a detailed design study of a magnetically geared propulsion motor based on its patented Pseudo Direct Drive (PDD).

The technology could be used to power frigates and submarines in the future.

The Magnomatics PDD integrates magnetic gearing within a brushless permanent magnet machine to enable superior electrical machine performance in low speed, high continuous torque drive applications.

The Sheffield University spin-out, which was formed in 2006, has also developed a range of gear technologies using its high-torque magnetic gear.

The work for the MoD is due to be completed by the end of March 2010, at which point the MoD will decide whether to put additional funding into the project to advance the technology further.

Chris Kirby, managing director of Magnomatics, said: “We are delighted that MoD have decided to thoroughly investigate the potential for the use of our magnetically geared propulsion motors within future marine vessels and we hope that this programme will successfully quantify the envisaged size reduction and performance benefits.”

Commenting on this announcement David Baynes, chief executive of Fusion IP, which has shareholding in other Sheffield University spin-outs including Asterion, Diurnal and Phase Focus, said: “The tender process was non-competitive, demonstrating the uniqueness of Magnomatics’ patented technology.

“As one of the leading companies in our portfolio, we look forward to issuing updates and future newsflow.”