Plettenberg Elektromotoren NOVA 15 LW

The NOVA 15 LW is a closed BLDC inrunner from the German maker Plettenberg Elektromotoren. It is built to order for unmanned systems and belongs to the heavy multicopter class. Unlike the outrunners found in typical drone drives, the rotor sits inside; the housing is closed and carries the protection rating IP54.

The motor weighs 1,400 g and measures 129 mm in diameter by 53 mm in length. Peak power reaches up to 20 kW and peak torque 55 Nm; both are short-term values, and the continuous load lies below them. The series is a modular kit: KV can be chosen from 15 to 500 rpm per volt, and the operating voltage lies between 20 and 120 V, optionally up to 600 V. The voltage is therefore stated in volts rather than as a cell count. For the NOVA 15-20 LW variant a trade report gives up to 8 kW peak and up to 300 N thrust with a 30x10 propeller at 1,440 g; the figures of 20 kW and 8 kW refer to different versions.

IP54 means protection against harmful dust deposits and against splashing water from any direction; it covers the motor, not the ESC and battery. Voltages up to 600 V make these high-voltage systems, and their assembly and maintenance are for qualified staff. Aircraft with such drives often exceed the 25 kg of the EU open category and need an operational authorisation in the specific category.

Because the motor is built to order, the ordered winding later dictates the ESC: KV, operating voltage and propeller must be fixed beforehand. Heat leaves the closed housing only through its surface, so cooling air at the housing and the mounting position set the continuous load. Check the bearings, the winding insulation under heat and the housing seals.