Insulation Materials and Systems for Superconducting Powertrain Devices in Future Cryo-Electrified Aircraft: Part I—Material Challenges and Specifications, and Device-Level Application

Abstract

Superconducting technology for aerospace application is enabled by emerging development around hydrogen cooled electrically powered aircraft, aiming at zero-emission aviation. Superconductors, typically in the form of tape or wire in a composite architecture, can not only carry current density which is over 100 times that of copper and aluminium, but are also characterized by much lower losses. This property of superconductors makes them good candidates for the fabrication of superconducting devices of high specific power density, i.e. lower size and lighter weight, which is critical for aerospace applications. Superconductors, like any other conductors, require standard insulation to function safely and reliably in the electrical apparatus of aircraft, especially due to the special architecture, operating temperature, and operating condition of superconducting apparatus at high altitude. Extra attention should be drawn to choose proper insulating materials for such applications. In this paper, the challenges and considerations for choosing insulating materials for superconducting devices in cryo-electrified aircraft are reviewed and discussed.

Roadmap on artificial intelligence and big data techniques for superconductivity

“…Cryo-electrification-which is the type of electrification enabled by the combination of cryogenics and superconducting technologies-seems to be the disruptive technology and a way forward for future aerospace electrifications. To realise emission-free aircraft, the electrical devices (in propulsion and power system) must become competitive with existing conventional systems, and to do so, improvements in many aspects are needed such as weight, size, efficiency, power density, voltage level, insulation, maintenance, reliability, safety, and cost [1,14,15].…”

Role of Insulation Materials and Cryogenic Coolants on Fault Performance of MW-Scale Fault-Tolerant Current-Limiting Superconducting Transformers

“…Although Nomex is a common insulation for manufacturing HV conventional transformer, the cooling fluid might penetrate underneath it and during a fault by establishing gas sheath reduces heat transfer and cause thermal runaway. At last, Acrylated Urethane which is very common insulation in automotive and aerospace industries, is a good insulation for HV applications and in addition, cooling fluid cannot penetrate underneath it as this solid insulation totally cover the tape [25]. In this analysis the thickness of the insulation layers is varied from 20 µm to 140 µm.…”

Effect of Magnetic Field on Partial Discharge Dynamics in Insulation Systems of Transportation Power Devices

“…The PD-free requirement refers to subcomponents such as power electronics modules that are based on IGBT or wide bandgap switches [40]. In this context, an important part of whole-system reliability is the cabling that is used in transportation electrification (including joint and connector screening effects) while also considering extreme applications with the impacts of reduced pressure and thermal dissipation (as are experienced in MEAs) [42]. In high powertrain solutions, superconducting busbars that are equipped with proper electrical void-free insulation and heattransfer capabilities are being envisioned [42].…”