A superconducting induction motor using double-helix dipole coils

• Published in: IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity Vol. 13; no. 2; pp. 2235 - 2238
• Main Authors: Goodzeit, C.L., Meinke, R.B., Ball, M.J.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01-06-2003; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Circuit analysis computing; Coils; Coupling circuits; Devices; Dipoles; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electromagnets; Equivalent circuits; Exact sciences and technology; Induction generators; Induction motors; Motors; Mutual coupling; Performance analysis; Rotors; Stators; Superconducting cables; Superconducting coils; Superconductivity; Various equipment and components; Performance evaluation; Induction motors; Rotating machine; Coupled method; Stator; Performance characteristic; Inductive circuit; System design; Brittle material; Asynchronous motor; Superconductor device; Rotor; Superconducting motors; Induction motor; Ac motor; Analysis method; Induction machine; Equivalent circuit; Superconducting cable; Electric motor; High temperature superconductor; Machine windings; rotating machines; superconducting devices
• ISSN: 1051-8223; 1558-2515
• DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2003.813054

The double-helix dipole configuration, which uses concentric pairs of oppositely-tilted helical windings to generate a dipole field, is the basis of a design for a unique high-torque, low-rpm, compact superconducting motor. We describe an analysis method that uses coupled mutually-inductive equivalent circuits for each phase for computing the performance and operating characteristics of such a device. We discuss the performance and limitations of an example motor that uses NbTi superconducting cables for the stator and rotor. The example device is a 4-pole, 2-phase induction motor that produces typically 10 000 HP for a 1-m effective length rotor with a 0.4 m diameter rotor operating at /spl sim/300 rpm. In addition, the relatively large minimum bend radius of the double-helix coil configuration also facilitates the use of brittle superconducting materials such as HTS or A-15 for this application.