CHARACTERIZING AC LOSSES OF VARIOUS ADVANCED CONDUCTORS IN THE STATORS OF ROTATING MACHINES

Abstract

AC losses of electric conductors in the high-field magnet coils of electric motors/generator machines and other power applications are a critical limiting factor. They are one of the major sources of heat loss in any electric power device and have an effect on both the efficiency and the design/weight of the device. Unless these losses are understood and controlled, they can cause the device to stop functioning. Cryocooled high-purity aluminum wire has lower resistivity than room-temperature copper wire, by approximately four orders of magnitude. As such, it could play a valuable role in the future of very high-power density electrical machines as an alternative to superconductors such as YBCO in situations that require high frequencies and high field strengths. However, the fundamental properties of the material need to be quantified so that effective simulations can be made by motor designers. This research project, carried out in close collaboration with AFRL scientists, will investigate the skin effect and magnetoresistance of cryocooled Aluminum Litz and AC loss behaviors of superconducting YBCO, by making measurements on coils of wires that are subject to high frequencies and strong magnetic fields. 2D models will be developed that can be used in the future by motor designers to evaluate and compare the materials in simulations and, ultimately, build prototypes for testing.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Apr 20, 2023
Source ID
FA23862214054

Entities

People

  • Zhenan Jiang

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • United States Air Force
  • Victoria University of Wellington

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Superconducting Magnet Technology