Multi-Physical Co-Design of Next Generation Axial Motors for Aerospace Applications
Critical Need:
Project Innovation + Advantages:
Texas A&M will focus on the design, fabrication, and testing of a lightweight and ultra-efficient electric powertrain for aircraft propulsion to reduce the energy costs and emissions of aviation. The team’s technology will reach peak power density and efficiency via (1) an axial flux motor with lightweight carbon fiber reinforced structural material, (2) a gallium nitride multilevel inverter, (3) a thermally conductive nanocomposite electrical insulation, and (4) a two-phase microchannel thermal management system with zeolite thermal energy storage to absorb the excess heat generated during takeoff. Each subsystem is designed for tight integration with the other subsystems to minimize weight. A co-design approach optimizing the multi-physical performance of the system will be employed from the beginning of the project. The system will be extensively modeled and validated by testing key prototype components. Then a full 250 kW prototype will be optimized, fabricated, and tested.
Potential Impact:
The ASCEND program has the potential to accelerate innovations and cause disruptive changes in the emerging electric aviation field.
Security:
The program will further enhance U.S. technology dominance in the field of high-performance electric motors for hybrid electric aviation. Electrified aircraft architectures can increase reliability by increasing redundancy.