A Moray-based electronics company has developed a prototype of a unique high performance motor drive, which can be used in industries where weight and space are crucial factors, such as military, aerospace and the oil and gas sectors.

The product is the brainchild of Scotland Electronics International Ltd (SEIL) in Forres, a company specialising in the design and supply of low volume high performance electronic products.

The sensorless motor drive product can be used in applications where high reliability, constant rotation, start-stop motor control is required to produce mechanical output power, such as hydraulic pump drives, cooling system drives, spinning prism and mirror systems.

It will be able to operate at the high temperatures found down-hole in oil wells. It will also be able to withstand shock and vibration and its compact size will mean it can be hermetically sealed in small diameter tubing.

There is currently no equivalent of the drive available anywhere in the open market, and SEIL already has confirmation of interest in the product from potential customers for use in down-hole oil and gas applications.

Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE) approved an innovation grant of £34,360, including £13,744 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), toward the total £68,720 cost of producing the prototype. 

Senior development manager at MBSE, David Reid, said:  "This is a great opportunity for this dynamic company to expand into new markets with a unique product that offers a number of benefits to potential customers, and that isn't available from any other supplier.  SEIL is to be commended for its innovation and progressive thinking and I am delighted we are able to support and encourage the development of this prototype."

The product development and design validation activities were performed over a six-month period at SEIL's Forres facility. Development and testing of the prototype took place between September and April, and it will now be used to demonstrate performance of the component and generate market interest.

Meanwhile SEIL has been developing relationships in the high performance motion control marketplace and the initial market feedback has been encouraging with opportunities in UK, Europe and U.S. being pursued.

Managing director, Mike Ramsay, said he was delighted with the award of the innovation support grant and success of the product development.  He added:  "The engineering group have worked extremely hard to develop the product and market opportunities in a relatively short period of time. The sensorless motor drive product relies on our innovative engineering skills and manufacturing capabilities. The high performance motion control business is seen as a key growth area for the future of the company."

SEIL, which was formed in 1995 and now employs 28 skilled staff, has established a reputation as a provider of innovative electronic solutions and is listed by Deloitte Touche as one of Scotland's and Europe's fastest growing companies.  The company's design and manufacturing facility in Forres has been providing a range of quality electronic products covering all engineering functions required to provide compact electronic systems.  The company has a turnover of £1.5m, but this could be increased by as much as £1m in two to three years following successful marketing of the new product.