Experimental validation of a low loss rotor for a high performance partial superconducting motor

The thesis presents preliminary thermal considerations for the design of a megawatt-class partially superconducting motor. The size of high power-density motors is often restricted by the ability to dissipate waste heat [1]. This challenge becomes even more severe in machines with superconducting winding at cryogenic temperatures, due to a much larger thermal gradient, which significantly increases heat ingress from the environment into the machine. As part of the thesis, a preliminary thermal design for the rotor of the CRUISE machine, a 10 MW partially superconducting motor being developed at the research group, will be validated. First, the salient aspects relevant to the thermal performance of the rotor are discussed. Next, an analytical model of the rotor is presented, followed by a finite element analysis of a tentative design. Then, the results from a physical experiment performed with a prototype design are presented. Lastly, the results are discussed, with a focus on future improvements to consider for a better rotor design and expected future challenges.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Rautela, Himalaya

Contributors dc:contributor

• Haran, Kiruba S

• Cryogenic
• Superconducting
• Thermal
• Motor Design

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Himalaya Rautela

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125839

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F125839