Abstract
This paper considers the feasibility of different superconducting technologies for electromagnetic launch (EML) to assist civil aircraft takeoff. EML has the potential of reducing the required runway length by increasing aircraft acceleration. Expensive airport extensions to face constant air traffic growth could be avoided by allowing large aircraft to operate from short runways at small airports. The new system positively affects total aircraft noise and exhaust emissions near airports and improves overall aircraft efficiency through reducing engine design constraints. Superconducting linear synchronous motors (SCLSMs) can be exploited to deliver the required takeoff thrust with electromagnetic performance that cannot be easily achieved by conventional electrical machines. The sizing procedure of an SCLSM able to launch A320 in weight is presented. Electromagnetic and thermal aspects of the machine are taken into account, including the modeling of ac losses in superconductors and thermal insulation. The metallic high-temperature superconductor (HTS) magnesium diboride (MgB2) is used and operated at 20 K, the boiling temperature of liquid hydrogen. With modern manufacturing technology, multifilament MgB2 wires appear to be the most cost-effective solution for this application. Finally, the impact of the cryocooler efficiency on the machine performance is evaluated.
Highlights
ELECTROMAGNETIC Launch (EML) systems have been adopted to launch aircraft for military applications replacing steam catapults on the deck of aircraft carriers [1], [2]
The thermal insulation system that is proposed for Superconducting Linear Synchronous Motors (SCLSMs) is similar to the one adopted for magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) trains [19]
A design procedure for superconducting EML systems has been proposed for an A320 or similar sized civil aircraft
Summary
ELECTROMAGNETIC Launch (EML) systems have been adopted to launch aircraft for military applications replacing steam catapults on the deck of aircraft carriers [1], [2]. Morvan are with the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD Nottingham, UK It has already been shown in [3] and in [4] how conventional synchronous and asynchronous machines can be used to accelerate an A320 to the required take-off speed without the experience being uncomfortable for the passengers during take-off. Before each launch the cryostat is refilled with liquid hydrogen to keep the MgB2 superconductors at the design temperature and sealed to avoid any hydrogen leakage This cooling method has been selected to avoid any movable connection with the external refrigeration system and to reduce the number of machine components at cryogenic temperature. The procedure is meant to be general to be extended to any other superconducting synchronous motor
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