High power dense electric propulsion motors

Abstract

The paper describes the results of design and analysis studies performed by the authors for comparison of predicted performance of an electric propulsion motor using conventional and emerging technologies. Specifically, a modern squirrel cage induction motor design is compared to both a permanent magnet motor with high energy magnets and a high temperature superconducting motor using second generation superconductor. The selected baseline design is a ship propulsion motor in operation rated at 5000 HP 1800 RPM. The results of calculated performance and comparative studies among the various technologies show great potential for increasing the power density using the second generation high temperature superconducting technology. Using the currently available second generation superconductor current capabilities, the achieved power density of the propulsion motor is over twice that of the induction motor. Further investigations are being carried out to improve the superconductor performance for future designs for an on-going project sponsored by the United States Department of Energy to reduce the cost of the superconductor for future commercial applications of the high temperature superconducting technology.