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Non-Torque Loading System for Electrical Machine Testing Including Drive System

University Of Edinburgh

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

27 Aug 2026 at 11:28

Tender Notice
Planning

06 Jul 2026 at 11:15

Planning Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh is buying a non-torque loading system for electrical machine testing, including a drive system, installation and technical support. The equipment will apply controlled non-torque loads to motor or generator shafts and rotors so researchers can study changes in air gaps, electrical performance and mechanical integrity. It is intended for full-scale small electrical machines and scaled prototypes relevant to large offshore renewable energy applications. The system must fit within a 5m by 2m enclosure and be no more than 2m high, and accommodate machines from 0.5m diameter by 0.5m axial length to 1m diameter by 0.75m axial length. Delivery and work are at the University’s King’s Buildings site in Edinburgh.

The procurement has reached tender: the University invited offers through an open procedure, with electronic submission. It is one lot. Bids were due by 28 September 2026 at 12:00, with evaluation and public bid opening scheduled for the same time. The contract period is 720 days, with potential renewal for long-term servicing options. The system must provide at least 20kW power, a minimum speed range of 20–100 rpm, approximately 50kN loading in at least the X and Y axes, 25kNm moments, and 2,000Nm torque at 100 rpm. Evaluation is weighted 90% technical quality and 10% price. Variants are not allowed, bids must be in English, and electronic ordering and payment are supported.

This opportunity suits equipment manufacturers, specialist test-rig integrators and engineering firms experienced in electrical machine, motor or generator testing. Suppliers need to design a stator mounting solution with the university team and provide a complete, operational system with all necessary auxiliary equipment. The technical solution must include a four-quadrant drive for the machine under test, with bypass capability for custom drives, measurement of non-torque loads in the X, Y and Z directions, and a torque meter. It must support motoring and generating modes, accommodate external emergency-stop interlocking, and mount securely on the specified insulated and screeded concrete floor. Suppliers should also be able to install the system and provide technical support and servicing. Community benefits for Edinburgh and South East Scotland are encouraged, including employment, training, apprenticeships, SME or social-enterprise opportunities, and environmental or community projects.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Non-Torque Loading System for Electrical Machine Testing Including Drive System

Notice Description

The University of Edinburgh seeks to acquire a Non-Torque Loading System with a minimum power rating of 20 kW and preferably up to 50 kW or above. The system should be capable of applying non-torque loads to the shaft/rotor of the motor/generator under test of at least 50 kN in at least 2-axes, but preferably 3-axes. It should also have a speed range of at least 20-100 rpm, but preferably up to 10-1000 rpm. Preference is for electrically actuated non-torque loading. Our researchers design, develop and test small electrical machines (at full scale), as well as downscaled prototypes of electrical machines for large offshore renewable energy applications.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The University of Edinburgh seeks to acquire a Non-Torque Loading System with a minimum power rating of 20 kW and preferably up to 50 kW or above. The system should be capable of applying non-torque loads to the shaft/rotor of the motor/generator under test of at least 50 kN in at least 2-axes, but preferably 3-axes. It should also have a speed range of at least 20-100 rpm, but preferably up to 10-1000 rpm. Preference is for electrically actuated non-torque loading. Bidders will be expected to work with the team at the university to design a mounting solution for the stator of the motor/generator under test. Our researchers design, develop and test small electrical machines (at full scale), as well as downscaled prototypes of electrical machines for large offshore renewable energy applications. To date, we have used an in-house drivetrain test rig, rated at 20kW and with variable speed capability up to 100rpm. This effectively means that we can control torque or rotational speed and the effective electrical load on the electrical machine under test. In our current and future work, we are interested in applying the non-torque loads that might be present in full scale environments to the electrical machines under test. In particular, we would like to understand how air-gaps of the electrical machine under test will vary when subjected to those non-torque loads, and hence impact on electrical performance and mechanical integrity. Ideally, this system would allow a complete electrical machine to be tested, without separation of and independent mounting of the rotor and stator of the electrical machine under test. Suppliers are invited to tender for the supply, installation, and technical services/support of this equipment. Minimum Technical Requirements: Dimensions: The system will be enclosed in a 5x2m enclosure. Max Height: 2m. A generic system diagram is included below. The system must be capable of testing machines in a range of 0.5m diameter and 0.5 m axial length to 1.0 m diameter and 0.75 m axial length. Power Level and RPM Range: Minimum power level: Minimum power of 20 kW Minimum RPM range: 20-100 rpm. Ability to apply in the region of 50 kN of force in at least the X and Y axes applied to the Rotor, with a moment about the vertical & horizontal of 25 kNm Four-quadrant Drive: The system must include a four-quadrant drive machine & four-quadrant drive for the motor/generator under test. The drive for the motor/generator under test should be bypassable to allow custom drive units to be connected. Minimum torque requirement: (@ 100 rpm): 2000 Nm Measurement Equipment: Must include a means of measuring non-torque loads (fx, fy, and fz) for the non-torque loading, and a torque meter on the test machine. Testing Modes: The system must be capable of testing machines in both motoring and generating modes. Platform Mounting: It must be possible to mount the platform to a structural concrete floor that has a top layer of 175 mm total thickness. The top layer consists of 100 mm of rigid extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation and 75 mm of cement screed. Emergency Stop: The system must include provision for an external emergency stop interlock to be connected. Typical electrical machine under-test: 1m outer diameter and 0.4m in axial length Auxiliary Systems: The system must include all necessary auxiliary systems such that it is ready for operation when powered.

Options: Potential for renewal to incorporate long-term servicing options.

Renewal: Potential for renewal to incorporate long-term servicing options.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c426
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081681-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

31 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting

CPV Codes

31161000 - Parts for electrical motors and generators

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Aug 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
28 Sep 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
27 Aug 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
University Of Edinburgh
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
Postcode Area
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh
Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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