Cryogenic propulsion with hydrogen-burning electric generators and fuel cells is a promising way to reduce aviation carbon emissions. Liquid hydrogen serves as aircraft fuel and a 20 K heat sink for superconducting and other electrical devices. Power electronics are a crucial component of an electric aircraft power system. As aviation transitions toward electric aircraft, power conversion...
Electric machines for aviation applications are under intensive development at present. Pushing performance to 30kW/kg at the 10-20MW scale requires a step change in air-gap field and hence current density. Fully superconducting machines show great promise for achieving the power to weight ratios required, and the use of liquid hydrogen as the aircraft propulsion energy source presents the...
Electric power systems on future electric ships and twin aisle electric aircraft require lightweight high-temperature superconducting (HTS) dc cables and connectors capable of delivering electric power in the order of tenths of MW. Conductor on Round Core (CORC®) power cables developed by Advanced Conductor Technologies (ACT) provide a unique solution by offering high operating currents, in...
A NASA University Leadership Initiative program with The Center for Cryogenic High-Efficiency Electrical Technologies for Aircraft (CHEETA) and a separate ARPA-E Connecting Aviation By Lighter Electrical Systems (CABLES) program have been developing cryogenic, medium voltage, high amperage, and lightweight aerospace power cables. The research presented here includes the motivation behind these...
The aviation industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards electrification to address urgent environmental challenges and reduce operational costs. While electric propulsion has been successfully demonstrated in small aircraft, the transition to larger aircraft presents substantial technical challenges, particularly in power distribution systems that must efficiently manage...
A NASA University Leadership Initiative program with The Center for Cryogenic High-Efficiency Electrical Technologies for Aircraft (CHEETA) and a separate ARPA-E CABLES program have been developing cryogenic, medium voltage, high amperage, and lightweight aerospace electrical wiring and interconnection systems (EWISs). The research presented here includes the design and results of derisking...
