UK motor and inverter specialist Helix has developed technology for the newly launched Magic Carpet e high-performance sailing yacht – a series hybrid vessel powered by a 101kWh battery. Helix partnered with Persico Marine, the architects behind the Magic Carpet e, to deliver three high-performance motors to drive the yacht.
The Magic Carpet e features two Helix SPX330-94 motors for its hydraulic pumps and a SPX330-140 motor for its electric propulsion unit. Both motors were developed from the company’s scalable core technology range by Helix’s in-house X-Division.
The two SPX330-94 motors used for the Magic Carpet e’s hydraulic pumps have a maximum continuous power output of 195kW, with peak torque of 900Nm. The SPX330-140 motor used for the system’s propulsion unit has a maximum output of 180kW and peak torque of 1,395Nm. Both motors are driven by ultra-lightweight, high-efficiency silicon-carbide inverters and feature patented rotor cooling and carbon composite cooling sleeve technology, minimizing mass.
“Our SPX systems on board the Magic Carpet e are an excellent showcase of the relevance of our technology to the marine industry,” said James Edwards, marine chief engineer at Helix. “The continuous power density of our motors is ideally suited for marine racing along with many other maritime applications, and we look forward to many more projects in the vertical.”
Helix has also joined the International Electric Maritime Association (IEMA), a global center for electrification within maritime, and partner of Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe.
