Collins Aerospace Selects NH Research Test Solutions for The Grid Electric Power Systems Lab

NH Research (NHR), a leading provider of power electronics test solutions, has been selected by Collins Aerospace to provide electrification test solutions for The Grid electric power systems lab in Rockford, Illinois.

Collins Aerospace is making a $50 million investment to create the industry’s most advanced laboratory for testing high-power electrical components and systems which will redefine the future of electric flight. The Grid will enable the future of aircraft electrification and is expected to begin initial operations later this year.

“At NHR, we focus on developing world-class test solutions that enable electrification. We are proud to be selected as a key partner by Collins in redefining aerospace. This revolutionary development lab will advance and accelerate technology development by enabling test capability for high-power and high-voltage designs. We are excited to help achieve this vision with our advanced test solutions and dedicated support team,” said Pete O’Brien, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at NHR.

NHR will supply the high-voltage DC power farm for The Grid. The company’s 9300 regenerative, bi-directional DC source can be used as either a load or power source to recreate an aircraft environment for testing. The 9300 addresses a range of aerospace test solutions from individual components such as batteries and power electronics, to entire electric propulsion systems. NHR’s technology approach provides the speed, accuracy and safety necessary to emulate real-world conditions and optimize testing.

The 9300 test platform provides innovative battery emulation capability, flexibility to address today’s higher voltage levels, and modularity to expand for future requirements. This modular system can be scaled up to 2.4 MW in 100 kW building blocks, offering a wide operating envelope. Its dual voltage range of 600 V and 1200 V provides the flexibility and accuracy needed as higher voltage levels are required. The platform also has a unique series capability to reach higher voltages up to 1500 V. As a result, NHR’s 9300 platform allows for a range of possibilities in test while substantially reducing testing time and time to market.

"Collins Aerospace is making a $50 million investment to create the industry’s most advanced laboratory for testing high-power electrical components and systems which will redefine the future of electric flight. The Grid will enable the future of aircraft electrification and is expected to begin initial operations later this year."