Conceptual Design of an Aviation Propulsion System Using Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Superconducting Motor

Abstract

This paper deals with the possibility of applying superconducting motors and hydrogen fuel cells to electric aviation propulsion systems (APS) for the development of next-generation APS. Instead of the conventional fossil fuel-based power generation system, the APS using hydrogen fuel cells and superconducting motors was conceptually designed. The proposed APS consists of a superconducting motor, a hydrogen fuel cell, a liquid hydrogen tank, and a battery. For specific power comparison, the proposed APS capacity was the same as that of a commercial APS, and the capacity and weight of the hydrogen fuel cell and battery were calculated. The 5 MW superconducting motor was designed and analyzed focusing on magnetic field distribution, thermal load, mechanical stress, efficiency, weight, and specific power. As a result, the proposed APS is expected to reach the level of performance applicable to aircraft in the near future, given the recent development trend of battery and liquid hydrogen technology. These results are expected help in a future-oriented APS design.