Feasibility Design Study of High-Performance, High-Power-Density Propulsion Motor for Middle-Range Electric Aircraft

Ahmed Hebala, Stefano Nuzzo, Giuseppe Volpe, Peter H. Connor, Paolo Giangrande, Chris Gerada, Michael Galea

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper deals with the design of a high power-density, high efficiency and low torque ripple propulsion motor for electric aircraft. The proposed design procedure resulted in a high-performance propulsion motor intended for a direct-drive solution on an 8-12 passenger commercial aircraft with a range up to 1000 miles. The electromagnetic design is firstly addressed and then the thermal management is discussed. A set of design development steps are investigated and validated through finite-element software, involving studies for the optimal selection of the of air gap diameter and the slot/pole combination, followed by improving the efficiency by suitable material selection and methods for losses mitigation. Finally, in order to prove the enhancement of power density and efficiency through this feasibility design study, the designed propulsion motor performance is compared to the state-of-the-art motors of similar direct-drive aircraft propulsion systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2020 IEEE 29th International Symposium on Industrial Electronics, ISIE 2020 - Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages300-306
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781728156354
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2020
Event29th IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics, ISIE 2020 - Delft, Netherlands
Duration: 17 Jun 202019 Jun 2020

Publication series

NameIEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics
Volume2020-June

Conference

Conference29th IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics, ISIE 2020
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityDelft
Period17/06/2019/06/20

Keywords

  • Aircraft propulsion
  • All Electric Aircraft (AEA)
  • Electrification
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Machine design
  • More Electric Aircraft (MEA)
  • Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering

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