Electrical Materials Capability for Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

The next generation of aerospace systems will use voltages in the order of 1kV-5kV to facilitate the transfer of electrical power around an aircraft. This will allow the use of electric propulsion systems rated between 1MW and 10MW. There is also a continued focus on the reduction of weight and volume of aerospace electrical systems to deliver the more-electric aircraft operating at the above power levels.

This project will focus on comparing methods to deliver a compact high temperature, high voltage electric machine for use in an aerospace environment. It will particularly focus in developing the capabilities to manufacture complex design concepts identified in previous projects between the University of Manchester and Rolls-Royce. A promising novel concept identified as part of this process is a 3D printed ceramic infiltrated with copper coil topologies.

This project will investigate the promising concept and capture the benefits of the solution. It will also examine the trades around power density, efficiency, cost, applicability across a range of machine types, differing failure modes and aging. If successful, the project will deliver a solution that can be used to develop a high temperature, high voltage machine that can be deployed in future high voltage aerospace systems.