The SuperMachine concept is a fully air-cored topology, and eliminates critical materials such as copper and rare-earth magnets. Arrays of HTS coils are arranged to produce magnetic poles forming modules in both radial and axial flux machine topologies. Phase 1 will prove the SuperMachine concept by advance modelling techniques, customised cryogenic cooling systems for superconducting coils, and coil energisation using flux pumps through three themes:
Our flagship project funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies programme, provides 10 years of funding until 2033. SuperMachine will produce a platform modular electrical machine technology for use in multi-MW direct drive wind turbines, and in propulsion systems for aerospace and marine.
Theme A: Electromagnetic Modelling – Design Tools and Experimental Validation. A multi-physics design and optimisation tool integrating electromagnetic, thermal and structural aspects is being developed. AC loss minimisation is key to optimising the cooling system and ensuring high system
Theme B: Modular Cryogenic Systems – Design & Prototype Validation. Cooling is key to ensuring high performance in HTS electrical machines. For large scale applications in wind turbines a modular approach is required for ease of assembly, and operation and maintenance. Our approach is to design and build cryo-coil modules, which are then assembled onto a structure to produce an electrical machine. Both conduction cooling and gaseous He cooling are being investigated.
Theme C: Energisation of HTS Coils. In order to avoid using bulky power supplies to energise HTS coils, we are investigating flux pump technology, such as dynamo, rectifier and transformer flux pumps.
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