Development of ultra efficient electric motors. Quarterly report, July-September 1999

There are four major tasks included in this project: (1) design, build and test a 1000 horsepower synchronous motor with high-temperature superconducting (HTS) coils operating in the 25 to 40 K temperature range; (2) design, build and test a 5000 horsepower synchronous motor with HTS coils operating in the 25 to 40 K temperature range; (3) develop and integrate closed-cycle cryogenic refrigeration systems with both motors; (4) develop the HTS wire and coil technology required for both motor demonstrations. The goal of the 1000 hp motor demonstration is to build an HTS motor which is comparable in size and efficiency to a conventional motor of the same rating. The goal of the 5000 hp motor demonstration is to build an HTS motor which is half the active volume and has half the losses of a conventional motor of the same rating, and to demonstrate continuous operation of the 5000 horsepower motor at a beta test site. The project represents a vital step in the development of HTS motors for commercial applications