Helix, UK manufacturer of power-dense electric motors and inverters, has developed new bespoke motor technology for the Magic Carpet e high-performance sailing yacht.
Magic Carpet e is a series hybrid yacht, commissioned by former L’Oreal CEO and chairman Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, powered by a 101kWh battery.
Helix partnered with Persico Marine, the architects behind the Magic Carpet e, to deliver three high-performance motors to drive the yacht.
The yacht features two Helix SPX330-94 motors for its hydraulic pumps and a SPX330-140 motor for its electric propulsion unit.
Helix used its experience in elite electric motorsport, including Formula E and the E1 series powerboat racing, to develop the bespoke high-performance motors for the Magic Carpet e.
Both motors were developed from the company’s scalable core technology range by Helix’s X-Division.
The continuous power density of our motors is ideally suited for marine racing.
James Edwards
“Our SPX systems on board the Magic Carpet e are an excellent showcase of the relevance of our technology to the marine industry,” explained James Edwards, marine chief engineer at Helix.
“The continuous power density of our motors is ideally suited for marine racing along with many other maritime applications, and we look forward to many more projects in the vertical.”
The two SPX330-94 motors used for the Magic Carpet e’s hydraulic pumps have a maximum continuous power output of 195kW, with peak torque of 900Nm.
The SPX330-140 motor used for the system’s propulsion unit has a maximum output of 180kW and peak torque of 1,395Nm.
Both motors are driven by ultra-lightweight, high-efficiency silicon-carbide inverters and feature patented rotor cooling and carbon composite cooling sleeve technology, minimising mass.
Helix is a trading name of Integral Powertrain Ltd.
Magic Carpet e was delivered by Persico Marine’s facilities in La Spezia, Italy.
The yacht’s interior and exterior is from Axel de Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier.
The battery system provides energy for all the yacht’s onboard systems.
