Modeling and testing of a new kind of an axial HTS motor which includes a superconducting magnetic coupling for naval propulsion
Résumé
The use of electric motors in the domain of naval propulsion requires fewer prime movers and auxiliary equipment than conventional propulsion systems. Thus, the performance in terms of efficiency, reliability and survivability is increased. Moreover, the dynamic behavior of a chip required motor which transmit low speed and high torque on the propellers. The challenge of the electric company is to develop a motor with highly compact equipment and low mechanical vibration to optimize the available space on board and the comfort of customers. In this case, we propose a new kind of an axial HTS motor which includes a superconducting magnetic coupling. Its goal is to transmit the torque create by HTS motor (coldest part) to the load (warmest part) without mechanical contact. Therefore, we don't need the torque tubes which are classically used in conventional HTS motor to link the inductor to the shaft. The absence of heat conduction generated by the torque tubes reduces the power of the cryogenic system and thereby increases the efficiency of the motor. Secondly, the contactless transmission is a natural harmonic filter which removes the torque pulsation and mechanical vibration on the shaft. During our study, we have developed an analytical modeling of the motor based on the resolution of Maxwell's equations which include the behavior of the superconducting coils in function of the applied magnetic field and temperature. Then a small prototype of the propulsion system has been developed to study the interaction between motor and magnetic coupling and the behavior of the HTS tapes.