2nd Generation Motor for Large Electric Aircraft Propulsion Systems
Technology Description:
Wright Electric will design a high-efficiency and torque-dense electric powertrain that combines innovations in integrated cooling, power electronics, and rotor design. Co-developing these critical elements will enable Wright to achieve the target efficiency and weight metric and lead to a scalable solution. The design will create a high-performance motor without sacrificing safety or the use of existing manufacturing techniques. The team plans to use an aggressive in-slot cooling strategy coupled with a high-frequency inverter whose efficiency may exceed 99.5%. The unique innovations across the electric engine will push forward the development of all-electric aircraft.
Potential Impact:
The ASCEND program has the potential to accelerate innovations and cause disruptive changes in the emerging electric aviation field.
Security:
The program will further enhance U.S. technology dominance in the field of high-performance electric motors for hybrid electric aviation. Electrified aircraft architectures can increase reliability by increasing redundancy.
Environment:
An all-electric propulsion system operating on CNLF would have net-zero emissions and be much quieter for passengers and people in the vicinity of airports.
Economy:
By targeting propulsion system efficiency and specific power improvements, CNLF-powered, zero-net emission aircraft will be capable of a longer range and reduced fuel cost, making them economically more attractive.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Peter de Bock
Project Contact:
Colin Tschida
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
colin.tschida@weflywright.com
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Release Date:
12/17/2019