Technology start-up H3X is working to develop an integrated modular motor drive that it says will deliver the quantum leap in power density and fault tolerance needed to convert existing 50- to 100-seat aircraft to all-electric propulsion. It says it is in talks with aircraft manufacturers about possible applications for the 2.8-MW HPDM-3000 drive, which is expected to deliver a continuous power density of 12.5 kW/kg.
According to co-founder and CEO Jason Sylvestre, the 220-kg HPDM-3000 will offer a compact and adaptable architecture for flexible integration with existing and new powertrains and be able to drive propellers or high-bypass turbofans without a gearbox. The H3X engineering team is prioritizing fault tolerance and redundancy with 12 independent drive sectors that will allow the propulsion system to continue operating with up to 90 percent power in the event of a non-recoverable fault in one of the sectors.
