Abstract
The demand for alternative fueling methods to reduce the need for fossil fuels is not limited to the electrification of ground vehicles. More-electric and all-electric aircraft pose challenges, with extensive requirements in terms of power density, efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. This paper focuses on electrical machines and their components, especially for high-power applications like the main propulsion. The electrical machine is evaluated from different aspects, followed by a closer look at the components and materials to determine the suitability of the current standard materials and advanced technologies. Furthermore, the mechanical and thermal aspects are reviewed, including new and innovative concepts for the cooling of windings and for the use of additive manufacturing. Aircraft have special demands regarding weight and installation space. Following recent developments and looking ahead to the future, the need and the possibilities for light and efficient electrical machines are addressed. All of the approaches and developments presented lead to a better understanding of the challenges to be expected and highlight the upcoming opportunities in electrical machine design for the use of electric motors and generators in future aircraft. Several prototypes of electrical machines for smaller aircraft already exist, such as the electric drive of the Siemens powered Extra 330LE. The focus of this paper is to provide an overview of current technical possibilities and technical interrelations of high performance electric drives for aviation. A 1 MW drive is exemplified to present the possibilities for future drives for airplanes carrying a larger number of passengers. All presented techniques can also be applied to other drive power classes.
Highlights
The demand for alternative fueling methods to reduce the need for fossil fuels is not limited to the electrification of ground vehicles
Detailed data, including turbofan engines for a 100 pax plane, have already been gathered. This data can be used for dimensioning purposes of future electric aircraft and electric propulsion systems (Figure 2)
The direct-driven solution should incorporate a permanent magnet synchronous machine, since the optimal efficiency of a Permanent magnet magnet synchronous synchronous machines machines (PMSM) lies within the constant flux range that would require a high DC-link voltage to be used given the demand of the high rotational speeds
Summary
Studies of the future trends in aviation concluded that in the few years, more-electric aircraft using hybrid propulsion systems and all-electric aircraft incorporating pure electric propulsion will be technically feasible, offering benefits for the environment in terms of pollution, noise, and for business [1,2]. 2 ofof which torque can increase security, such as when performing a go-around procedure Electric drives have another benefit: they work independent of the surrounding air pressure. Densities of 250 to 320 Wh/kg have been produced, which is close to future task is to further optimize electric drives and turbine generators in terms of the power to the requirement. Electrifying propulsion ofprinciples aircraft is possible hybrid technologies will likely be required, such as superconducting machines with high-temperature systems or electric propulsion. Detailed data, including turbofan engines for a 100 pax plane, have already been gathered This data can be used for dimensioning purposes of future electric aircraft and electric propulsion systems (Figure 2)
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