Foucault Mini-Dyno is a complete modular benchtop test rig for testing, efficiency mapping, fine-tuning, and evaluation of UAVs and similar light electric vehicles, motors, and electronic speed controllers. It features a precision-controlled variable air gap permanent magnet eddy-current brake which can provide constant braking torque independent of rotational speed of the motor under test in the wide range of loads from 0.01 Nm to 4 Nm.

Eddy current brake’s stator is fan-cooled which allows for providing continuous braking power of up to 300 W. Max rated rotational speed of 10,000 RPM is limited by the torque sensor included in the system. The typical time of response to a step input control signal (e.g., a sudden change of setpoint from 0.1 to 0.3 Nm) is 2 to 5 seconds, even if the motor under test is not able to maintain constant rotating speed in response to changing load. Slowly changing control signals can be tracked by Mini-Dyno's resistance unit with very high precision and minimal delay, which allows it to accurately simulate mission load profiles. Watch a demonstration of Mini-Dyno’s response to inputs here.

Unlike motor testing systems that rely on propellers as a source of resistance, Mini-Dyno is not tied to just one propeller’s resistance curve. As such, it can be used by aerospace engineers to identify regions of optimal system performance and develop (or select) propellers whose performance curves and specific thrust near typical operating points match optimal performance regions of the motor-controller system.

Foucault Mini-Dyno is shipped with two universal motor mounting plates which will accommodate the most commonly used drone motors, a set of shaft couplings, a resistance unit, DYN-200 torque sensor (default full range is 2 Nm). All mounting accessories are equipped with complementary DIN-rails and universal 3D-printable DIN-rail clips which are very useful for reliable and convenient arranging of your test equipment and/or signal connectors.

As a default option, Mini-Dyno is controlled by a micro-controller unit based on Raspberry Pi Pico. It can also be controlled by means of National Instruments LabVIEW and an appropriate multifunctional input-output DAQ device (NI USB-6210/6212 is readily usable by LabVIEW virtual instruments). DAQ device is not included.

The micro-controller unit is equipped with CAN-bus connectivity and supports Cyphal protocol, and, therefore, publishing/subscription to its registers such as resistance torque or power setpoint, measured speed and torque, and any other important parameter can be readily implemented using PC via Zubax Babel USB/UART-CAN adapter using OpenCyphal Yukon software.

A NI LabVIEW Cyphal library is currently being developed and will allow users to enjoy the “best of two worlds” — universal connectivity and seamless integration of the platform with high-end drones’ electric propulsion systems offered by Cyphal and powerful and convenient graphing, data storage and GUI development capabilities of National Instruments LabVIEW. LabVIEW virtual instruments and/or libraries (when available) are included in the price of this product.

Thanks to the modular structure, the platform is highly customizable and its characteristics, as well as accessories (such as motor adaptors, motor mounting plates, shafts, DIN-rail instrument holders, etc), can be modified to order. Also, Foucault Dynamics can integrate your own suitable torque sensor with the system instead of DYN-200 and prorate the price accordingly. Braking curves achieved with a default aluminum stator overlaps with most drone motors’ performance ranges, but by changing the material of the stator and modifying the permanent magnet rotor, the braking curve of the resistance unit can be altered to achieve desired specifications. For example, the braking curve can be modified to deliver high torque starting from very low speeds. Foucault Dynamics will do its best to fulfill customization requests and provide comprehensive technical support either completely free of charge, or at a minimum additional cost. Besides Foucault Mini-Dyno’s customization, larger capacity fluid-cooled testing platforms can be designed and built to order. Should you have any specific requirements, please get in touch with us to discuss your application: sales@foucaultdynamics.com.au.

Motors, controllers, and data acquisition devices are shown for demonstration purposes only and are not included in the default configuration.

Lead time: 4-6 weeks. Proudly designed and built in Australia.

KEY FEATURES

Max continuous power	300 W
Max braking torque (customizable)	4 Nm
Min braking torque	0.01 Nm
Max rated speed	10,000 RPM
Connectivity	Cyphal/CAN
Optional Measurement & Control	National Instruments LabVIEW & DAQ
Dimensions	600 mm　×　180 mm　×　200 mm
Mass	9 kg

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