High-Speed Electrical Machine Topology Selection for the 6kW, 120 000 rpm Helium Turbo-Circulator

Abstract

At the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) fusion power plants various equipment, for example, compressors, turbo-compressors and turbo-circulators require high-speed (HS) ranging. This paper deals with two different design concepts of an electrical machine for running a 6kW, 120 000 rpm helium turbo-circulator (TC). The first one is a high-speed solid-rotor cage induction machine (HSSRCIM) with two end rings on both ends of the rotor. The second one is a high-speed permanent magnet synchronous machine (HSPMSM) having a special tooth-coil topology to reduce the machine length. These two design concepts are simulated using Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis. Obtained results are compared from electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal points of view. The benefits and drawbacks of each solution for the special application are discussed. The performed multidisciplinary comparison analysis can be implemented to select a suitable HS machine topology for the other applications.