Event
On May 5-6, 2022, our young researchers participated in the 5th Meeting of Young Researchers of LAETA, presenting their research works: Andrés Zúñiga; António Costa; Eduardo Sarquis; Francisco Silva; Inês Peixoto; Pedro Bhagubai.
Design of a Superconducting Machine with CORC Windings for Aircraft Propulsion
The main topic of this presentation was the variables and design constraints pertaining to the propulsion system requirements that are needed to be addressed before assessing the design of a superconducting machine. A more extensive review is here. A multi-objective optimization is performed to analyze the best geometries for specific power and efficiency. Equivalent Models for CORC and Bulks are to be used for fast computation and enough accuracy. This models are tested for several geometries, stator/rotor pole configurations, and for the two temperatures (77 K and 33 K).
Francisco Silva
3D Equivalent Space-varying Permeability Model of HTS Bulks for Computation of Electromagnetic Forces
This work proposes a space varying equivalent permeability model for the design optimization of a High-temperature Superconducting Bulk levitation system. This is a stationary model that replicates the same magnetic energy stored by the HTS bulk at each infinitesimal volume, as the one obtained using the E-J power-law models. It is concluded that with the equivalent permeability-based model, stationary and linear FEM simulations provide high accuracy results for the geometric optimization of the levitation bearing of a 3D Maglev vehicle, with a high reduction of the computational time.
Inês S. P. Peixoto, F. Ferreira da Silva
Optimal Design of an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with Cobalt Iron Core
This work investigated the VaCoFe alloy as an alternative to silicon-iron (FeSi) in the design of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSM). Considering VaCoFe and FeSi cores, a spoke-type IPMSM geometry is optimized for a torque range up to 40 N·m, providing a general comparative analysis between materials. This is done considering the application of a four-motor competition vehicle’s powertrain. VaCoFe allows an estimated increase of up to 64% in torque for the same efficiency level, or up to 5% in efficiency for the same torque. More information here.
Pedro Bhagubai
Conception, study, optimization and prototyping of a horizontal axis HTS ZFC radial levitation bearing
António José Arsénio Costa made a short oral presentation about his Ph.D research work concerning the conception, study, optimization, and prototyping of a horizontal axis HTS ZFC radial levitation bearing. After the presentation, the moderator asked the reason for performing the optimization in different steps, looking for different objectives at each stage. The presenter adopted this approach to significantly reduce the numerical processing and obtain clearer conclusions on optimization results. More information here.
António José Arsénio dos Santos Costa
Reliability Analysis of High-Temperature Superconducting-Based Aircraft Turboelectric Propulsion System
This work analyses the reliability of high-temperature superconducting-based aircraft designed NASA, N3-X concept. An analytical-based reliability method is used to identify possible causes of failures in the system. Reliability data used in this evaluation selected from credible reliability databases and from analogous equipment in similar conditions. The results obtained show a reduction of 93% in failure rate when using a cross redundant multi-feeder architecture.
Andrés Zúñiga
