ROMAX TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

Their core work

Romax Technology is a UK-based engineering SME specialising in the analysis, simulation, and optimisation of rotating machinery — with a clear focus on wind turbine drivetrains and generators. Their H2020 work covers both the measurement and validation of generator bearing loads and efficiency (MAGLEV) and the development of fault-tolerant, magnetically-geared electro-mechanical actuators for blade pitch control (ROTATOR). In practical terms, they help wind energy systems run more reliably and efficiently by improving the mechanical and electrical components that turn wind into power. They operate at the intersection of mechanical engineering, electromagnetics, and control systems.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their earlier H2020 work (MAGLEV, 2019), Romax concentrated on characterising and improving existing generator technology — measuring bearing loads, validating efficiency, and optimising permanent magnet machines with active rectifiers. By the time ROTATOR began (2020), the focus had shifted from passive measurement and optimisation toward active, fault-tolerant electro-mechanical systems: magnetic gears, pitch actuators, and lightweight composite integration. The trajectory is from understanding how current wind turbine generators behave to designing next-generation control mechanisms that make them more resilient and responsive.

Romax is moving from drivetrain diagnostics and efficiency benchmarking into the design of active, fault-tolerant electro-mechanical systems — a direction that positions them as a potential partner for next-generation offshore and onshore wind turbine development programmes.

How they like to work

Romax takes on both leadership and partnership roles: they coordinated MAGLEV and joined as a participant in ROTATOR, suggesting they are comfortable on either side of a consortium structure. With only 4 unique partners across 2 projects, they operate in tight, specialised teams rather than broad multi-partner alliances — a sign they prefer depth of technical collaboration over wide networks. For a prospective partner, this means focused engagement and genuine technical contribution rather than a passive consortium seat.

Romax has collaborated with 4 unique partners across 3 countries, a deliberately compact network that reflects their niche specialisation in rotating machinery for wind energy. Their partnerships are concentrated in Europe, consistent with the wind energy industry's geographic centre of gravity.

What sets them apart

Romax occupies a narrow but commercially valuable niche: they combine deep simulation and measurement expertise in rotating machinery with hands-on development of novel magnetic drivetrain components — a combination rare among SMEs. Unlike university groups that publish results, or large OEMs that develop components in-house, Romax acts as an independent technical authority that can both validate existing systems and co-develop new ones. For a wind energy consortium needing credible drivetrain expertise without the overhead of a Tier-1 supplier, Romax is an unusually capable option at SME scale.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MAGLEV
  Romax led this project as coordinator — their largest funded project (€556K) — focusing on generator bearing load measurement and efficiency validation, demonstrating their capacity to manage EU research programmes independently.
• ROTATOR
  This project represents a significant technical leap: developing a fault-tolerant, magnetically-geared electro-mechanical pitch actuator — a genuinely novel mechanism that could replace hydraulic pitch systems in wind turbines.