Investigation on Key Parameters of NI HTS Field Coils for High Power Density Synchronous Motors

Abstract

As global environment regulations are gradually strengthened, active research has been conducted on electric propulsion applications. High power density is one of the major research interests, as well as a machine's efficiency for a high-performance propulsion system. Among various electric propulsion technologies under development, a motor incorporating the no-insulation (NI) high-temperature superconducting (HTS) winding has the advantages of high current density and robustness to external disturbances, which are suitable for high specific power. However, still, there is little research on the motor with NI HTS coil. Therefore, as basic research, we investigated the potential application of the NI HTS motor, then derived required machine parameters and NI HTS coil designs in this paper. For that, first, basic parameters of the existing propulsion motors were investigated, then the target application and performance of the NI HTS motor were determined. Based on the target performance, conceptual designs of a motor with NI HTS coil were obtained by changing key design parameters including rated power, main dimensions, operating temperature, and width of air-gap. Calculated parameters were numerically compared, and expected design requirements and challenges were suggested.