NASA Glenn Research Center Program in High Power Density Motors for Aeropropulsion
Abstract
Electric drive of transport-sized aircraft propulsors, with electric power generated by fuel cells or turbo-generators, willrequire electric motors with much higher power density than conventional room-temperature machines. Cryogenic coolingof the motor windings by the liquid hydrogen fuel offers a possible solution, enabling motors with higher power densitythan turbine engines. Some context on weights of various systems, which is required to assess the problem, is presented.This context includes a survey of turbine engine weights over a considerable size range, a correlation of gear box weightsand some examples of conventional and advanced electric motor weights. The NASA Glenn Research Center program forhigh power density motors is outlined and some technical results to date are presented. These results include currentdensities of 5,000 A/cm2 current density achieved in cryogenic coils, finite element predictions compared to measurementsof torque production in a switched reluctance motor, and initial tests of a cryogenic switched reluctance motor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- AD1043171
Entities
People
- Albert F. Kascak
- Ben Ebihara
- Benjamin Choi
- Carl Buccieri
- Dexter Johnson
- Gerald V. Brown
- Mark Siebert
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration