Power requirements in your average helicopter represent a few uncommon challenges. Consider the startup power required to get those turbines spinning. Then the instantaneous braking force necessary to respond to the pilots commands in real-time as he dips and rises to navigate safely.
All of that requires a pretty powerful engine, and that engine is lubricated by a whole lot of oil. Over a long trip or in hot/dusty conditions, that oil gets hot, too hot to be a very effective lubricant or coolant for the engine. If it remains too hot for too long, even specialized lubricants can break down and so oil temperature control has become a key safety subsystem in many high power, high rpm engines and motors on many kinds of military and industrial vehicles, boats and planes. CPI Thermals are Helping the Next Generation of Helicopters Fly The road to a world filled non-polluting electric vehicles doesn’t stop with cars. Manufacturers like Kopter helicopters of Switzerland already have their eyes on the prize. Per CEO Gian Piero Cutillo, of Leonardo who recently acquired Kopter, “… (Kopter) will act as a competence center for new light helicopters, developing future advanced technologies, especially in the areas of hybrid/electrical propulsion”. Key to the success of this future roadmap is their new AW09 light helicopter. This is the first all new single engine helicopter design in over 4 decades, reimagined to be a design that could someday represents the world’s first hybrid chopper. The powerful Honeywell HTS 900 turbine engine with 1020 hp is of particular interest to operators who wish to avail themselves of hot and high altitude performance. But a critical single engine design requires a critical, fail-safe cooling system. “For Kopter we actually created a custom version of our AD series SnapStat Thermal Switch with a MIL STD connector”, notes John Crozier of CPI. “The thermal switch is installed in an oil cooler heat exchanger for the helicopter”. As is common to many CPI thermal switches used in this application, the switch activates when the oil temperature is above the thermal activation temperature (pre-programmed set point). The signal is used to switch a cooling fan on or off depending on the oil temperature. Several Characteristics Make CPI Thermals Perfect for Heat Exchangers According to Crozier, CPI’s SnapStat line of Thermals are finding their way into more and more heat exchanger designs for a number of reasons.
Original content published: www.cpi-nj.com/cpi-thermal-switches-tried-and-true-for-aviation-applications/ East Hanover, NJ - July 6th 2021Control Products Inc. (CPI) a leading manufacturer of waterproof switches and sensors for extreme operational environments, announces its acquisition by discoverIE, an international group of businesses that designs, manufactures and supplies highly differentiated, innovative components for electronics applications and OEM’s around the globe.
For over 70 years, CPI has designed, developed, and manufactured advanced electromechanical limit switches for both extreme duty applications and waterproof markets, as well as a full line of ultra-durable standalone thermal switches used in both military and commercial equipment. In 2000, CPI began development of an advanced, long-stroke, sub-sea capable linear position sensor for large hydraulic cylinders and accumulators which has rapidly become a go-to solution for oil & gas, and other deep-sea applications. “discoverIE is really a perfect fit for us,” notes Mac Stuhler, General Manager of CPI. “They have a long history managing companies making the kind of innovative and unique electronic components that we do. We expect this partnership to create new markets and applications for our components, as well as much more effective European and Asia distribution.” CPI’s core management team will remain in place, and existing commitments are unaffected by the acquisition. CPI’s strategy will continue to be focused on niche applications, where their capabilities bring maximum impact to component specification challenges. The objective of the company remains the same: to provide the highest level of service and quality in their chosen markets. About discoverIEdiscoverIE is based in Great Britain and has a portfolio of companies throughout Europe, as well as Asia and North America The Group employs c.4,400 people and focuses on key markets which are driven by structural growth and increasing electronic content, namely renewable energy, transportation, medical, industrial, and connectivity. The discoverIE Group is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE Small Cap Index, classified within the Electrical Components and Equipment subsector, and has revenue of over £450m. Over the last five years, revenue and underlying earnings per share have both more than doubled. Originally posted: www.cpi-nj.com/control-products-incorporated-announces-acquisition-by-discoverie-group/ |
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