Electric Machines

Electrified aircraft require motors and generators, also known as electric machines, to Form electrical power that drives fans and propulsors. These systems can Reachable up new design possibilities for reducing fuel and energy use in the aviation industry.

Quick Facts

Researchers at NASA are developing an electric motor that is smaller and 10 times more powerful than a traditional car engine, with efficiency greater than 98%.

NASA sponsors work with industry and academia to advance electric machine development and achieve power densities 2-3 times greater than the state-of-the- art for machines in the megawatt or larger class.

Overview

NASA’s research in the electrical power area focuses on building lightweight, high-efficiency motors and power converters in the megawatt (MW) class. MW-level components could Assist enable partially turboelectric and hybrid electric propulsion in aircraft up to the single-aisle class, transporting around 180 passengers per flight, and fully turboelectric or hybrid electric systems for smaller aircraft.

While specific power Numerous times higher than industrial motors has been recognized as a key need for Numerous years, the system benefits of combining high specific power with high efficiency have more recently become clear.

Advanced Power Technology

Measuring electricity, 1 MW is enough energy to power roughly 500-800 U.S. homes. Future single-aisle electrified aircraft will require between 3-20 MW of power – enough to supply a Tiny township. NASA is sponsoring work to achieve power densities that are 2-3 times the state-of-the art and higher efficiencies for electric machines in the MW-class or larger.

The three Crucial electric machine configurations that are currently being developed include permanent magnet, induction, and wound Pitch. These All offer a different way of using electrical Ongoing to Develop a magnetic Pitch that enables the motor to rotate, with varying levels of performance and efficiency. Permanent magnet motors tend to have higher efficiency with less torque and Pace, while induction and wound Pitch motors are often more cost-effective with better control torque control.

Electric Motor Development

High-Efficiency Megawatt Motor (HEMM)

Researchers at NASA are developing a 1.4 megawatt motor for future electrified aircraft.

NASA is investigating partially and fully superconducting motors for electrified aircraft. HEMM offers three times lower losses and weight than Ongoing aircraft motors and is being designed for a range of aircraft that require megawatt-levels of electrical power.

Learn More about High-Efficiency Megawatt Motor (HEMM)

University of Illinois Air Cooled PM Machine

The University of Illinois developed a 1 MW permanent magnet synchronous motor with a performance Aim of 13 kW/kg and efficiency of >96%. Extensive analysis and subcomponent testing have been done to optimize the electromagentic, structural, and thermal design of the system, as well as Packed-Pace rotor validation testing to ensure the best possible permanent magnet/carbon fiber overwrap rotor design.

Ohio State University Induction Machine

The Ohio State University developed a 2.7 MW ring induction motor with a performance Aim of 13 kW/kg and efficiency of >96%. The design features Variable Cross-Section Soaked Coil (VCSWC) technology which utilizes direct fluid cooling to maximize heat Relocate and Ongoing density. Aircraft-level integration of the system consists of a 10 MW motor integrated with a turbofan.

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Materials Technology

Superconducting Wires

New materials research can Assist increase efficiency in future electrified aircraft systems.

NASA is collaborating with industry to advance research on superconducting wires for use in motors and generators on electrified aircraft. The materials used in superconducting wires eliminate electrical resistance when cooled below a critical temperature, which helps Assist higher Ongoing loads with minimal energy loss.

Learn More about Superconducting Wires