NEX Power 15 kW GenSet gas micro-generator | Dossier shaft rpm we need at a given moment to get the ideal voltage and current output from the alternator, be it for fast or for energy-efficient charging,” Najafi explains. “On top of that, there’s health and longevity benefits for the engine. If, for instance, internal temperatures at the shaft and the alternator’s rotor look to be rising too sharply, the engine can quickly dial back fuel input quantities to prevent overspeeding and overheating. Quickly matching fuel quantities to both power and health requirements this way is why, despite using conventional injection components, we’ve engineered for very fine fuel control. “In addition to sensoring the exhaust manifold, we’ve studied the thermal behaviours of the downstream metals through established testing and simulation methods, like cycling the engine with thermal paint on, to inform the next steps for improving how the ECU thermally manages at each stage.” Also, while ensuring closed-loop control of the fuel for power output, the ECU provides thermal management after landing, typically motoring the compressor and shaft while dialling back and subsequently cutting off the fuel supply to rapidly cool the turbine and exhaust interiors with high-pressure air, shutting down completely only when the engine is thoroughly cooled (as in the case with conventional for gas turbines). Future As of the time of writing, NEX Power stands ready to work with customers on optimising the base 15 kW GenSet toward specific platform integrations. Its portfolio of products and capabilities also includes a microturbine-based EV portable charger product called NEXTEN, a variety of turbojets and turboprops intended for general aviation usage, and designs for other UAV-applicable turbogenerators ranging from 2 to 40 kW (together with the aforementioned stationary CHP solutions). And, as with most other engine manufacturers, it plans further r&d pathways to maximise the capabilities of its 15 kW flagship product, particularly in better handling the perennial challenges of gas turbine operations. “One of those involves exploring new technologies to increase the engine’s efficiency, and the other will be looking into how we can keep bringing manufacturing costs down,” Mohseni says. “We don’t have permission to name names yet, but we’re talking with a few partners about forming a consortium to better promote and demonstrate our technology in the air, following talks from Innovate UK’s Future Flight Challenge programme, which concluded last year. Innovate UK has supported our technology throughout various programmes and, going forward, the consortium we’re planning will really showcase for larger audiences what UAVs and air taxis can achieve with our engines.” 77 Uncrewed Systems Technology | August/September 2025 15 kW GenSet Gas micro-turbogenerator Single shaft Air bearing (oil-free) Gasoline, Jet A, diesel, hydrogen, SAFs, NG, LPG Dimensions: 450 x 180 mm Dry weight: 10 kg Maximum continuous power: 15 kW Maximum output voltage: 850 V DC Maximum output current: 55 A (RMS) Maximum noise output: 85 dB (at 2 m distance) Some key supplier Power electronics: BorgWarner Alternator: SycoTec Electronic sensors: Mouser Electronics Investment casting: Lestercast Foil bearings coating: Oerlikon Balzers Coating Turbine shaft welding: Electron Beam Services Software systems engineering: Sonemat Key specifications Going forward, NEX Power plans to complete work on its ECU, and focus on new aerial demonstrations, as well as technologies for enhancing operational and manufacturing efficiencies
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mzk4