System Weight Comparison of Electric Machine Topologies for Electric Aircraft Propulsion

Aaron D. Anderson, Nathaniel J. Renner, Yuyao Wang, Shivang Agrawal, Samith Sirimanna, Dongsu Lee, Arijit Banerjee, Kiruba Haran, Matthew J. Starr, James L. Felder

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

An important thrust in current aerospace research is aircraft electrification, including propulsion system electrification. For an electrified propulsion system to provide net benefit over conventional propulsion, high specific power, power density, and efficiency requirements of the electrical system must be met. This paper expands on previous work by comparing electric machine topologies for electric aircraft propulsors while considering tradeoffs in the power electronics, fault response equipment, and gearbox components. Permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM), brushless DC machine (BLDC), switched reluctance machine (SRM), brushless doubly-fed reluctance machine (BDFRM), and induction machine (IM) topologies are explored. A parametric design tool including finite element analysis is used to create a viable design for each machine type. Next, analytical sizing equations are used to scale the designed machines to varying operating speeds and aspect ratios. In addition, gearbox, power electronics, circuit breaker, clutch, thermal management system, and energy storage weights are predicted based on current power densities of research designs. It is well established that PMSMs have outstanding power density and this study shows that when considering additional drive and fault response components, PMSMs still maintain the weight advantage.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2018 AIAA/IEEE Electric Aircraft Technologies Symposium, EATS 2018
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781624105722
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 29 2018
Event2018 AIAA/IEEE Electric Aircraft Technologies Symposium, EATS 2018 - Cincinnati, United States
Duration: Jul 12 2018Jul 14 2018

Publication series

Name2018 AIAA/IEEE Electric Aircraft Technologies Symposium, EATS 2018

Other

Other2018 AIAA/IEEE Electric Aircraft Technologies Symposium, EATS 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCincinnati
Period7/12/187/14/18

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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