Our innovative hybrid propulsion unit represents a revolution in the industry by combining cutting-edge combustion engine technology with a modern electric motor. Developed in partnership with Distar CZ a. s. and ČVUT – Department of Aerospace Engineering, we offer an innovative solution for ultralight aircraft.

The relentless evolution and innovation in the field of transportation electrification pose a daily challenge for our R&D department. Join us as we look at the development of the Hybrid Power Unit for the aviation industry.

Development and designing

At the beginning of the project, we needed to select a suitable aircraft and the most appropriate combustion engine for our application. We systematically evaluated the project’s needs and requirements and proposed the ideal type of aircraft for implementing the hybrid power unit. The second task was to select a suitable combustion engine for our application. Afterwards, we finally started with designing of hybrid propulsion unit.

3D Models and Design Work

Our teams contributed to the development of comprehensive 3D models and design work, encompassing the electric motor, battery system, combustion engine, interconnections between them, engine mounts, and cooling systems.

Analysis, Calculations, Simulations, and Testing

We conducted extensive analyses, calculations, and simulations to ensure the safety, reliability, and optimal performance of our hybrid power unit. We carried out strength tests, including tests of the engine mounts, maximum wing loads, combustion engine, and electric propulsion system, to verify their safety and reliability.

Construction of Flying Laboratory

All our research findings were ultimately transferred to successful testing in practice. Under our supervision, a completely new aircraft was created, which was converted into a flying laboratory, with which we successfully completed test flights.

Key Advantages of Hybrid Propulsion

Efficiency and Ecology: Reducing fuel consumption and emissions for more sustainable flights.

Low Operating Costs: Minimizing costs with long life and easy maintenance.

Increased Safety: Combining the reliability of a combustion engine with the clean energy of an electric motor.

Passenger Comfort: Smooth and quiet operation for an optimal travel experience.

Technical Specifications

Combustion Engine: Highly powerful, low-vibration, lightweight with minimal torsional vibrations.

Electric Motor: Modern propulsion based on BLDC / PMSM technology for optimal performance.

Battery System: Comprehensive design including integrated BMS for reliable energy supply.

We are excited about the achievements we have made so far, but our work is not done. Our goal is not only to develop new technologies but also to support further innovations and advancements in the aviation industry. Open the door to the future of aviation with our hybrid power unit.

ZEBRA: SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIAL VEHICLES WITH GREAT UTILITY

After six years on the market, Zebra Group cars are supplied to the market for a great number of construction companies, municipalities and technical services, thanks to constant development and improvement. It was this desire to move forward that inspired the company to design a new – purely electric – model elZebra. It was announced at the end of 2018 and entered the market in August this year.

The electric car can be driven with a passenger car driver’s license and in addition to the natural benefits of the electric motor, such as zero emissions and the absence of noise, it also has many other key features. Probably the most surprising of them is the price – being comparable to the diesel version and in combination with the much lower maintenance costs makes the elZebra not only a more environmentally friendly but also a more economical version. A very pleasant benefit is also the long battery life: the largest battery system has a capacity of 64.5 kWh and thus brings a trouble-free range for the entire usual 8.5-hour shift.

MGM COMPRO HELPED BY TUNING OF THE PROPULSION UNIT

The MGM COMPRO team has a long history in support of electrical conversion in many industries, so we did not hesitate when Zebra asked us to cooperate. Our teams worked together to supply and integrate our speed controllers. We then also helped to fine-tune the entire system, especially in the area concerning the propulsion unit, which is essential for the entire car’s operation.

However, the whole project is merely on square one – Zebra Group recently announced the development of a 4×4 version, having these two electric motors also on the front axle. This project will continue to be a great challenge for our engineers and our entire team will be happy to further participate.