Performance analysis of superconducting motors for electrical aircraft propulsion using electromagnetic–thermal coupling method

Abstract

The aviation industry is focusing on the development of low-carbon emission technologies, with hydrogen-powered aviation hybrid technology being an important area of interest. Superconducting motors (SCMs) play a crucial role in these aviation hybrid systems due to their high power-to-weight (PTW) ratio. However, SCMs face challenges such as strong coupling of the electric field, magnetic field, and temperature field within the motor. Conventional electromagnetic–thermal coupling analysis methods are not suitable for SCMs, as they are slow to perform calculations that are also less accurate. This study proposes an electromagnetic-thermal coupling analysis model for SCMs, taking into account the constraints of critical current, critical magnetic field, and critical temperature of superconducting (SC) materials. The study analyzes the impact of the critical current of SC tapes, permanent magnet remanence, convection heat transfer coefficient between SC coils and cooling medium, AC loss reduction of SC coils, and motor speed on the ultimate power of SCMs. The results show that an optimal permanent magnet remanence can maximize the ultimate power, and the other parameters have been found to be positively correlated with the ultimate power of the SCM. To enhance the PTW ratio of SCMs, future research directions include increasing the critical current of SC materials, reducing the AC loss of SC coils, and improving the cooling effectiveness of SC coils.