Design and Characteristic Analysis of an Axial Flux High-Temperature Superconducting Motor for Aircraft Propulsion

Abstract

In line with global environmental regulations, the demand for eco-friendly and highly efficient aircraft propulsion systems is increasing. The combination of axial flux motors and superconductors could be a key technology used to address these needs. In this paper, an axial flux high temperature superconducting (HTS) motor for aircraft propulsion was designed and its characteristics were analyzed. A 2G HTS wire with high magnetic flux characteristic was used for the field winding of the 120 kW axial flux HTS motor, and the rotational speed and rated voltage of the motor were 2000 rpm and 220 V, respectively. The axial flux HTS motor implements a revolving armature type for solid cooling of the HTS field coil. The electromagnetic and thermal features of the motor were analyzed and designed utilizing a 3D finite element method program. The HTS coil was maintained at the target temperature by effectively designing the current lead and cooling system to minimize heat loss. These results can be effectively used in the design of propulsion systems for large commercial aircraft in the future as well as for the design of small aircraft with less than 4 seats.

Axial Stiffness Augmentation by Adding HTS Bulks or Limiting PM Rings to a Horizontal Axis HTS ZFC Radial Passive Bearing

“…An axial flux hightemperature superconducting (HTS) motor for aircraft propulsion was designed and analyzed [15]. Magnetic forces and stiffness for an axial flux machine using passive magnetic bearing with axial magnetization were analyzed on wind and hydro low-speed turbines [16]. The modeling of the axial magnetic force and stiffness of a ring-shaped PM passive vibration isolator was presented [17].…”

Axial Stiffness Augmentation by Adding Superconductor Bulks or Limiting Permanent Magnet Rings to a Horizontal Axis Zero-Field Cooled High-Tc Radial Passive Superconducting Bearing

“…In reference [13], the authors propose the use of permanent magnets and magnetic plates to increase the stiffness of an axial flux HTS motor for aircraft propulsion. Axial airgap distances and torque dynamics are given in reference [14], concerning another axial flux HTS motor for aircraft propulsion.…”

Enhancing Performance of Permanent Magnet Motor Drives through Equivalent Circuit Models Considering Core Loss

“…Certainly, various types of electric motors have been developed using cutting-edge electromagnetic materials to achieve low power loss and high power density. Some examples of these materials are very thin electrical steel sheets [9][10][11], high silicon electrical steel sheets [12][13][14], nanocrystalline and amorphous magnetic metals [15][16][17][18][19][20][21], soft magnetic composites [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31], and high-temperature superconductors [32][33][34][35][36][37]. Realizing the full potential of these materials hinges upon a comprehensive understanding of their physical properties and their accurate mathematical modeling.…”