Air Force applications of lightweight superconducting machinery
Abstract
Following the successful application of stability theories, programs in the areas of superconducting alternators, MHD generator coils and inductive energy storage coils have been productive. The universal Air Force requirement for lightweight machinery eliminates cryostatic stability from consideration for lightweight designs of superconducting coils. Maximum overall current density is necessary. Serious transient field losses are induced by armature currents in synchronous alternators, conductive gas currents in MHD generators and discharge currents in energy storage coils. Shock and vibration structural support of the superconductor to prevent motion induced quenches remains a challenge to the machine designer. Exotic superalloy or advanced composite structures are required to achieve high stiffness and lightweight. Development of flexible multifilament Nb3Sn is underway to create thermal margin for superconducting machinery. The problems of achieving ultralightweight performance are reviewed with special emphasis on the interrelated problems of potting, structural support and cooling at high current density in an environment of transient magnetic field. Second generation machinery development programs are beginning. With acceptance of superconducting systems and attendant cryogenic support problems, wider application of superconducting machinery may result.
- Publication:
-
IEEE Transactions on Magnetics
- Pub Date:
- January 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1109/TMAG.1977.1059255
- Bibcode:
- 1977ITM....13..260O
- Keywords:
-
- Ac Generators;
- Current Density;
- Electric Energy Storage;
- Magnetohydrodynamic Generators;
- Superconducting Magnets;
- Weight Reduction;
- Airborne Equipment;
- Armatures;
- Composite Structures;
- Cryogenics;
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Heat Resistant Alloys;
- Magnetic Coils;
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering