Aeronautical applications of high-temperature superconductors

Kurt

International Journal of Aerospace Engineering

et al. 2021

On-board electrical systems are the key components of each modern aircraft. They enable its safer, more comfortable, and environmentally friendlier operation. The strict regulations to reduce pollution and noise are produced by aircraft eventuated in projects like Clean Sky or ICAO Global Coalition for Sustainable Aviation. One solution to environmentally friendlier operation is the full electric propulsion of the aircraft, which enables the reduction of both noise and pollution. Such a concept requires a total change of all on-board power systems and enables the profound change in aircraft design. This paper presents the evolution of aircraft power systems into the so-called more electric aircraft (MEA) and discusses the state-of-the-art electrical systems. Furthermore, the concept of all-electric aircraft (AEA) is presented here.

Section: Electric Steering and Taxiing Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspectives and Development of Electrical Systems in More Electric Aircraft

Kurt

International Journal of Aerospace Engineering

et al. 2021

Volume 3: Coal, Biomass and Alternative Fuels; Combustion and Fuels; Oil and Gas Applications; Cycle Innovations

“…The ramification of the latter being the ability to operate at higher rotational speed, and hence the use of axial flow impellers. This will facilitate much more compact machine assemblies and this will be further enhanced by the possible future use of superconducting technology (Keim, 1988 andTurney, 1989).…”

Section: Future Trendsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Circulator Design/Technology Evolution for Gas-Cooled Nuclear Reactors

McDonald

Marshall

Donaldson

et al. 1992

The circulator is a key component in a gas-cooled nuclear power plant since it facilitates transfer of the reactor thermal energy (via the steam generator) to the electrical power conversion system. Circulator technology is well established and about 200 machines, which, in their simplest form, consist of an electrical motor driven compressor, have operated for many millions of hours worldwide in gas-cooled reactors. This paper covers the evolution of circulator design, technology and operating experience, with particular emphasis on how lessons learned over the last four decades (dominantly from the carbon dioxide cooled plants in the U.K.) are applicable to the helium cooled Modular High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (MHTCR) which should see service in the U.S. at the turn of the next century. State-of-the-art technologies are covered in the areas of impeller selection, bearings, drive system, machine operation, and future trends are Identified.

Volume 3: Coal, Biomass and Alternative Fuels; Combustion and Fuels; Oil and Gas Applications; Cycle Innovations

“…To minimize the diameter and weight of the rotating assembly, a high value of speed is foreseen (i.e., 12,000 rpm). A very compact generator will be necessary and advantage will be taken of developments underway on superconducting electrical machines (Keim, 1988 andTurney, 1989).…”

Section: Helium Gas Turbine Power Conversion Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advanced Hybrid Gas Turbine Plant Concept for Electrical Power Generation and Alternate Transportation Fuels Production

McDonald

1991

In long-term U.S. energy planning three major factors are paramount, (1) environmental considerations will play a major role in power plant design, (2) alternate (and cleaner burning) transportation fuels must be introduced to wean the country from dependence on imported oil, and (3) increasing reliance will be placed on indigenous resources, namely uranium and coal. It will likely take several decades for the above goals to be implemented on a large scale, and will surely necessitate the utilization of advanced technologies. A proposed advanced version of the modular helium reactor (MHR) has bi-modal operating capability in that it can be used for power generation, and the emission-free production of cleanburning fuels to meet transportation needs. The advanced hybrid MHR plant concept utilizes a direct cycle helium nuclear gas turbine for electrical power generation (with an efficiency potential of 50%), and in addition embodies an intermediate heat transport loop for high temperature process heat needed for the emission-free conversion of coal into future cleaner burning transportation fuels, namely methanol, synthetic natural gas, or hydrogen. The high grade sensible reject heat from both the prime-mover and process heat loop is ideally suited for desalination, and thus gives the plant capability for generating three revenue streams. This paper highlights an advanced very high temperature hybrid plant concept, and discusses the enabling technologies necessary to make such an energy complex a reality, perhaps in the first decade of the 21st century. Such a power generating and fuel production facility would be in concert with improved clean air goals, and the national security and economic advantages of making U.S. power and fuel supplies dependent only on indigenous resources. INTRODUCTIONCombined cycle gas turbines, using natural gas as their fuel and exhibiting efficiency values of over 50%, are being ordered in increasing numbers by U.S. utilities. It is projected that these plants will dominate the needed new capacity in the next two decades until the second generation of nuclear power plants has an impact on the energy scene. Today nuclear power represents 6% of the energy used in the U.S., and the next generation of plants, characterized by their modular construction, passive features, and inherently safe characteristics, will play a vital role in meeting increasing electricity demand in an environmentally acceptable manner. The full potential of nuclear power must be exploited if it is to offer a solution to both an improved environment and reduced national dependency on imported crude oil. The MHR, by virtue of its very high temperature capability, is the only type of reactor that can be used as a nuclear heat source in the conversion of coal into alternative cleaner burning transportation fuels. At the necessary reactor outlet temperature of 950°C (1 742°F) advantage can also be taken of a high efficiency direct cycle helium gas turbine for power generation, and this is a major theme of this paper.Be...