Hydraulics & Pneumatics July/August 2022

HYDRAULICS A pioneering project, supported by Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, has achieved a fully autonomous ship sail across the Atlantic Ocean. Solo and unaided, the Mayflower Autonomous Research Ship (MAS) set sail from Plymouth harbour in the UK and reached its end destination of Plymouth USA on 30 June 2022 after 36 days at sea and 3900 miles, having made two stops in Horta (Azores) and Halifax (Canada). The futuristic vessel was powered by AI and powered using renewable solar energy technology, and a backup diesel generator for night sailing. Throughout the journey, the vessel collected data that researchers hope will provide critical information in the battle to safeguard the future of our oceans. A challenging project relied on a diverse team that spanned 10 countries and 3 continents, including Rotec Hydraulics Ltd. Support ProMare, a US-based non-profit organisation with a branch in Plymouth UK, teamed up with IBM to build the third Mayflower and asked Rotec to supply a range of hoses and hose assemblies to support the project. Rotec was also pleased to be able to help spread the word of crowdfunding efforts at the start of the project. Brett Phaneuf, managing director of the MAS Project, comments: “[The Mayflower Project is] ushering us into a new phase of oceanographic and climatological research with state-of-the- art technology.” New technologies Paddy Dowsett, project manager, MSubs, says: “This project brings a number of new technologies together in a way that hasn’t been done before. There are some smaller autonomous crafts in existence, however nothing anywhere near this scale in terms of size and technicality.” Find out more about the project, including live video stream when the vehicle is on a mission and footage from previous journeys at: www.mas400.com . www.rotec.net Portescap, a leading expert in miniature motors and precision motion control solutions, recently unveiled the 32ECF brushless slotted flat motor, the latest addition to their motor portfolio. This new motor has a diameter of 32mm and an overall body length of 17.6mm. With an 8-pole design and high power density in a flat architecture, the 32mm motor utilizes an outer rotor configuration with an air gap between the coil and magnetic structure that is managed radially. Optimised electromagnetic circuit The motor’s electromagnetic circuit has been optimised for higher performance, with a forty-five percent optimisation of the motor regulation factor (R/K^2) as compared to standard available options. The motor also delivers a maximum continuous power of 32W at 10,000 rpm within a 32mm flat form factor, which is nineteen percent higher than many comparative solutions. As with any Portescap motor, options for customisation abound. According to Portescap , the new 32ECF is an excellent choice for those working on next-generation projects, new programs or future device iterations. The motor is best suited for applications that require a motion solution driven by performance but constrained by space, such as electric grippers, lab automation, infusion systems, service robots and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDar). www.portescap.com Hoses and hose assemblies for ground- breaking fully autonomous ship 30 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2022 www.hpmag.co.uk The Portescap 32ECF brushless slotted flat motor. Portescap expands brushless motor portfolio