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Optimized high-efficiency MICA actuators for space compressors
14 June 2024
Moving Iron Controllable Actuators MICA™ are magnetic linear actuators from CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) that find interests in applications requiring high-force density and low heating. Because of these attractive performances, some space applications such as ZBO Gas compressors and Pulse Tube Cryocooler are considering their use in operational missions. However, this last application requires the demonstration of additional features, notably a high efficiency, a long lifetime and a good force homogeneity to minimize the generation of exported micro-vibrations. To fulfil these additional features, CTEC has developed an optimised MICA following the specifications of the Pulse Tube Cryocooler (PTC) of AIR LIQUIDE. The paper will present the performance progresses obtained on this customized MICA, from modelling prediction to lab tests of Engineering Models.
Voice coil actuators for two MTG instruments
19 June 2023
While Cedrat Technologies has been active in space for more than 20 years with piezoelectric mechanisms, we have also been increasingly involved over the last few years in the development of magnetic actuators for space projects. In this paper, a focus is made on the case of magnetic actuators that are developed in the frame of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) project. The first one is the Scan Assembly (SCA) actuated by Rotating Voice Coil Motors (RVCM) for the East/West (E/W) axes and the North/South (N/S) axes developed in collaboration with Sener and the second one is the Voice Coil Motor (VCM) developed in collaboration with CSEM for the Corner Cube Mechanism (CCM)
Zero Boil Off Compressor Based on MICA Actuators
19 June 2023
A reed valve compressor technology for future science spacecraft application, is being developed by CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES
(CTEC), based on the very compact and high-power MICA300CM actuator (Moving Iron Controllable
Actuator). The present publication details the compressor breadboard design and test results, manufactured in the frame
of an ESA Technological Research Program (TRP), for the testing of a Zero Boil Off Hydrogen storage demonstrator.
The test results presented have been realized at compressor level with Helium gas at CTEC facilities, and the full 20K
Hydrogen storage demonstrator is soon to be tested.
Nanometric positioning with piezo actuator and high stability strain gauges
19 June 2023
Many applications require long-term position stability, which relates to the notion of absolute precision over time. Until now, the long-term stability of strain gages (SG) for position measurement was questionable. Using its extensive know-how of strain gages integration and new instrumentation equipment, Cedrat Technologies has managed to demonstrate nanometric position stability of a closed-loop piezo-mechanism with integrated strain gages sensors. This technology opens a wide range of new possibilities for industrial, aeronautical, and space applications.
MICA actuator: highly dynamic controllable magnetic actuators
19 June 2023
Moving Iron Controllable Actuator is a concept of linear magnetic actuator that is especially designed to respond to the need of highly dynamic controllable actuators. The article presents the specificity of the actuator compared to more classical magnetic actuator concepts. It points out the interest of its properties and describes technological issues it implies. A MICA prototype has been built and its main performances are given: 800N, 20A, with a size 160*200*150. The controllability of the actuator has been demonstrated by simulation using force characteristic of MICA. Finally, the prototype will be declined in a full range of magnetic actuators as products of Cedrat Technologies.
Moving Iron Controllable Actuator : Performances in close loop control
19 June 2023
Moving iron controllable actuator (MICA) is a highly controllable Actuator. It has a robust mobile part with elastic guiding for a long life. The article presents the performances of the MICA when it is driven in a closed loop and shows impressive results achieved by IDEKO on a SOLARUCE milling machine.
