High Power Density Motors/Generators for Single and Double Aisle Passenger Aircraft using Multifilamentary High Purity Aluminum Coils at 20K

This SBIR proposal is submitted in response to Topic A1.09, “Zero Emission Technologies for Aircraft”. For this Phase I and II we propose to develop and demonstrate stator coils using multifilamentary, low AC loss, high purity aluminum (HPAL) strands for 20-30 K operation. These strands can be safely cooled using gaseous or liquid helium in the 20-30K range. Liquid hydrogen can be the fuel in the aircraft by using a heat exchanger and a secondary loop of pressurized liquid helium to cool the motor or generator. The use of HPAL low AC loss stands will enable high power density motors and generators in the 35-45 kW/kg range, with efficiencies in the range of 99%. HPAL low AC loss coils for stators can enable rotating machines at higher frequencies than superconductors, allowing for much higher rpm machines that are light weight. During the Phase I we will fabricate and test multifilamentary low AC loss strands, cables and coils. During a Phase II effort we will fabricate and demonstrate HPAL stator coils and test the stator coils in an existing 100 kW motor test bed. After the Phase II effort, the technology demonstrated will lead to the commercialization of 2 MW class motors and generators for single and double aisle passenger aircraft.