Open AccessConcept design of a high power superconducting generator for future hybrid-electric aircraft
Author(s) -
Mykhaylo Filipenko,
Lars Kühn,
Thomas Gleixner,
Martin Thummet,
Marc Leßmann,
Dirk Möller,
Matthias Böhm,
Andreas Schröter,
Kerstin Häse,
J Grundmann,
Markus Wilke,
Michael P. Frank,
Peter van Hasselt,
Johannes Richter,
Mercedes Herranz-Garcia,
Christian Weidermann,
Arestid Spangolo,
Markus Klöpzig,
Peter Gröppel,
S. Moldenhauer
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
superconductor science and technology/superconductor science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.033
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1361-6668
pISSN - 0953-2048
DOI - 10.1088/1361-6668/ab695a
Subject(s) - sizing , computer science , electric power , automotive engineering , generator (circuit theory) , electric generator , power density , hybrid power , key (lock) , power (physics) , electrical engineering , mechanical engineering , engineering , physics , art , computer security , quantum mechanics , visual arts
The reduction of emission is a key goals for the aviation industry. One enabling technology to achieve this goal, could be the transition from conventional gas turbines to hybrid-electric drive trains. However, the requirements concerning weight and efficiency that come from applications like short range aircraft are significantly higher than what state-of-the-art technology can offer. A key technology that potentially allows to achieve the necessary power and volume densities for rotating electric machines is superconductivity. In this paper we present the concept of a high power density generator that matches the speed of typical airborne turbines in its power class. The design is based on studies that cover topology selection and further electromagnetic, HTS, thermal, structural and cryogenics aspects. All domains were analyzed by means of analytical sizing and 2D/3D FEA modeling. With the help of our digital twin that is a synthesis of these models, we can demonstrate for the first time that under realistic assumptions on material properties gravimetric power densities beyond 20 kW kg −1 can be achieved.