• A major modernization project by ABB enhances the reliability and operational life of NASA’s National Transonic Facility (NTF) wind tunnel by at least a decade.
• Service enhancements improve the world’s largest medium voltage (MV) drive system’s performance and availability.
• ABB engineers designed a customized solution that aligns with the original drive’s electrical and mechanical configurations.

Under an ABB Motion OneCare service agreement, ABB has modernized a variable speed drive (VSD) for NASA, extending the lifespan of its National Transonic Facility (NTF) wind tunnel at Langley Research Center, Virginia, by at least 10 years. This high-performance wind tunnel replicates flight conditions at high altitudes and transonic speeds, enabling the optimization of aircraft performance and fuel efficiency. It has been integral in testing iconic aerospace innovations like the Boeing 777, the Space Shuttle, and its Booster Rocket.

In 2021, NASA engineers determined that the aging medium voltage drive required upgrades to maintain functionality. Originally supplied by ABB in 1997, the 101-megawatt (MW) drive was a groundbreaking system capable of simulating diverse conditions using air or nitrogen at transonic speeds and varying temperatures, including cryogenic levels. The NTF remains unmatched in its ability to mimic an extensive range of flight scenarios, offering invaluable insights for refining aircraft designs.

ABB’s service team conducted a detailed evaluation of the existing drive’s performance and mechanical connections. Using state-of-the-art power electronics, they developed a solution that maintained the original drive’s maximum power output while enhancing reliability and efficiency. The project focused on upgrading key components within the drive’s existing structure, including the control unit. This minimized waste, reduced project disruption, and aligned with a circular approach by reusing as much as possible.

“NASA relied on ABB’s specialized expertise, technology, and services to ensure high uptime and reliability for its National Transonic Facility (NTF),” said Oswald Deuchar, Head of Modernization Services, ABB Motion. “This upgrade not only extends the wind tunnel’s life by at least 10 years but also emphasizes efficiency and sustainability through modernized components and minimized environmental impact.”

The modernization marks the initial milestone under a broader ABB Motion OneCare service agreement with NASA, which also covers spare parts and maintenance. Such agreements offer flexibility by allowing operators like NASA to tailor services that enhance the lifecycle of critical assets, including motors, drives, and generators.

About ABB Motion

ABB Motion is a global leader in motors and drives, advancing productivity and sustainability across industries. By pushing technological boundaries, ABB delivers energy-efficient and decarbonizing solutions that drive operational improvements and safety. Leveraging over 140 years of expertise in electric powertrain technology, ABB’s team of 22,000 employees across 100 countries continuously innovates to meet the evolving needs of customers.

As a pioneer in electrification and automation, ABB is committed to creating a resource-efficient and sustainable future. By integrating advanced engineering and software, the company enhances the way systems are manufactured, powered, and operated. With more than 105,000 employees worldwide, ABB continues to lead in industrial transformation.

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