ABB has upgraded the variable speed drive (VSD) at NASA’s National Transonic Facility (NTF) in Langley Research Center, Virginia, ensuring the wind tunnel remains operational for at least another 10 years. The modernization is part of an ABB Motion OneCare service agreement aimed at enhancing the facility’s reliability and lifecycle value.
The NTF wind tunnel, critical for optimizing aircraft design and fuel efficiency, replicates flight conditions at high altitudes and near the speed of sound. Since its commissioning, it has played a pivotal role in testing aircraft like the Boeing 777 and components of the Space Shuttle. The facility features a 101-megawatt drive, originally supplied by ABB in 1997, which remains one of the most powerful of its kind globally.
By 2021, NASA identified the need to replace aging components of the medium voltage drive. ABB specialists evaluated the system, developing a solution that replaced outdated parts with modern, high-efficiency components. The project was designed to minimize disruption, waste, and logistical challenges while enhancing the system’s performance and reliability.
“NASA entrusted ABB’s expertise and advanced technology to maintain the high reliability and uptime of the NTF for its testing programs,” said Oswald Deuchar, Head of Modernization Services at ABB Motion. “This upgrade supports NASA’s operational objectives and showcases a circular, sustainable approach to asset modernization.”
The upgrade was the first project executed under NASA’s ABB Motion OneCare service agreement, which also covers maintenance and spare parts. Such agreements allow organizations like NASA to customize service bundles, optimizing the lifecycle of their drives, motors, and generators.
ABB Motion is a global leader in motors and drives, advancing productivity and sustainability with energy-efficient and decarbonizing solutions. Its innovative technology enables industries to achieve superior performance and reliability while adopting circular practices. With over 140 years of expertise, it’s 22,000 employees across 100 countries continue to deliver transformative solutions for diverse industrial applications.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, committed to creating a sustainable and resource-efficient future. Leveraging its engineering and software expertise, it optimizes operations across industries, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. With a legacy spanning 140 years, it’s 105,000 employees are driving innovations to accelerate industrial transformation.
