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Plessey Semiconductors and the University of Sussex have unveiled an innovative technology for contactless sensing of electric potentials. Using a device dubbed the electric potential sensor (EPS), this technology is able to sense changes in electric fields in the same way as a magnetometer detects changes in magnetic fields.

 

The new sensor, which does not need any physical or resistive contact to make measurements, will enable innovative new products such as medical scanners that are simply held close to a patient’s chest to obtain a detailed ECG or devices that can sense objects through walls. The initial application areas for EPS will be in medical treatment and sports, since the EPS device can detect voltage changes in muscles and nerves without direct electrical contact.
 
Until recently, electric fields have usually been measured either with relatively insensitive detectors operating in the range of several hundred volts to check for potential electrostatic discharges that might damage sensitive equipment, or with large laboratory electrometers that require frequent recalibration. The University of Sussex has solved the recalibration issue with a patented combination of techniques that prevent the accumulation of electrostatic charge and avoid electrostatic damage, making the new EPS technology intrinsically stable.
 
The EPS device operates at normal room temperatures and acts as highly stable, extremely sensitive and ultra high-impedance contactless electric field strength sensor for measurements down to the millivolt level. Most places on Earth have a vertical electric field strength of around 100 volts per metre. The human body is mostly water and interacts with this electric field. EPS technology is so sensitive that it can detect these changes at a distance, even through a solid wall. For example, in a burning building it could be used to determine whether any people are present in a smoke-filled room before opening the door.
 
Image: Plessey Semiconductors

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Cobham Technical Services has unveiled a 3D version of its rapid electromagnetic design tool for rotating electrical machines, the Advanced Machines Environment, that combines the high accuracy of finite element analysis (FEA) simulation with a design entry system that generates full 3D models of electric motors or generators within minutes. The software is an application-specific toolbox for the Opera electromagnetic simulator and allows users to achieve radical new levels of design productivity and performance.

FEA techniques allow users to simulate design concepts with superior precision and accuracy, but it can take many hours to generate a 3D model of a complex product such as a motor. The 3D Advanced Machines Environment provides a front end for the electromagnetic simulator with 'fill in the blanks' dialog boxes to accelerate design entry.

Users can select the type of motor or generator they want to design from a list of common types and versions and then enter the values of ten or so parameters that define the mechanical geometry, material properties and electrical data. After this, the 3D model is generated automatically. The complete design entry process can easily be completed in less than five minutes.
The new 3D software allows designers to accurately model an entire machine, providing a comprehensive simulation that takes even marginal factors such fringe effects and end winding effects into account.

The 3D Advanced Machines Environment comes with design templates for common rotating machinery, including motor types such as AC induction, brushless, permanent magnet and switched reluctance, as well as synchronous motors and generators.

The 3D version also introduces support for the fast-growing axial flux electrical machine sector, which uses a geometry that cannot be represented in 2D. Users can additionally select numerous design options for different machine types, such as various rotor styles.

Image: Cobham Technical Services


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