Document
Lightweight, Efficient Power
Converters for Advanced
Turboelectric Aircraft Propulsion
Systems
Extremely efficient cryogenic power conversion technology
NASA is investigating advanced turboelectric aircraft propulsion systems that use superconducting motors to drive multiple distributed turbofans.
Conventional electric motors are too large and heavy to be practical for this application; therefore, superconducting motors are required. In order to improve aircraft maneuverability, variable-speed power converters are required to throttle power to the turbofans. The low operating temperature and the need for lightweight components that place a minimum of additional heat load on the refrigeration system open the possibility of incorporating extremely efficient cryogenic power conversion technology. This Phase II project is developing critical components required to meet these goals.
Phase II Objectives ` Design, fabricate, and test a cryogenic multichip module, Applications which can be used in applications requiring very high power densities NASA Commercial/Other and efficiencies Government ` Turboelectric aircraft ` Design, fabricate, and test a propulsion systems ` Utility projects to develop super- cryogenic half-bridge inverter using ` High-power drives for conducting power transmission these modules, demonstrating superconducting motors ` Superconducting wind turbine the potential reduction in size and ` High-power and high-power- generators weight for a given power level as density cryogenic and wide ` Distribution systems for large well as ultrahigh efficiency temperature range power buildings (e.g., data centers, conversion systems: manufacturing plants): )LULÄ[ t Interplanetary and interstellar t MTECH Laboratories is spacecraft currently working toward a ` Offers small size, low weight, t Satellites demonstration site of such and high efficiency t Landers a distribution system t Surface base stations on ` U.S. Navy: moons or planets t Cryogenic motor drive system for the All-Electric Ship Firm Contact program MTECH Laboratories, LLC ` U. S. Department of Energy Michael J. Hennessy (DOE): mjhennessy@mtechlabs.com 831 Rte. 67, Bldg. 45C t Equipment for supercon- Ballston Spa, NY 12020–0227 ducting accelerators at DOE Phone: 518–885–6436 national accelerator labs Proposal Number: 09-2: A2.01-9471 N ASA/TM—2014-218497 10