High Power Density Motor Equipped with Additively Manufactured Windings Integrated with Advanced Cooling and Modular Integrated Power Electronics
Technology Description:
Marquette University and its partners are developing the next generation of electric drivetrains for aerospace propulsion. The proposed system consists of a high-power density motor enabled by (1) an additively manufactured winding and heat pipe based thermal management scheme, (2) a modular power electronics topology, and (3) tight system integration and shared thermal management between the motor and power electronics to meet or exceed system-level targets. In the project’s first phase, the team will develop concepts, perform tradeoff studies and perform sub-component/component testing and risk retirement. Phase two will focus on component procurement, system integration, and verification testing of the technology. The proposed technology is intended to be scalable in terms of power rating, speed, and system voltage. It is expected to positively impact a wide range of applications, enabling the next-generation of hybrid/electric propulsion applications.
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.