Optimal Design and Prototype Development of Aircraft Generators with Increased Power Density

The primary objective of the proposed work is to investigate design techniques to improve torque density, power density, and efficiency in wound-rotor synchronous machines. The underlying principle of the proposed design technique is to alter the flux paths in the machine to increase torque production. This will be achieved through optimally altering the stator tooth geometry, rotor tooth geometry, and magnetic material properties. The design process is automated by an evolutionary optimization algorithm that employs a finite element analysis program as an objective function evaluation engine. Finite element modeling in the Phase I effort showed a potential increase of 12.2% in average torque production for the F18E/F generator. In the proposed Phase II effort, prototype machines will be built based on the designs obtained in the Phase I. Hardware validation of the approach will be performed with the help of GE Aviation. In order to investigate optimization of machines at high-speeds, additional research will be carried out to enhance the finite element modeling capabilities. These enhancements include saturation, eddy current effects, and skew. Finally, extensive statistical analysis of the performance of the genetic optimization procedure will be carried out to improve the design technique. The result will be a commercially viable machine design software package that could be adopted by government agencies and industry.