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Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer

Lightweight, Efficient Power Converters for Advanced Turboelectric Aircraft Propulsion Systems, Phase II

Completed Technology Project

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Lightweight, Efficient Power Converters for Advanced Turboelectric Aircraft Propulsion Systems, Phase II

NASA is investigating advanced turboelectric aircraft propulsion systems that utilize superconducting motors to drive a number of distributed turbofans. Conventional electric motors are too large and heavy to be practical for this application, and so superconducting motors are required. In order to improve maneuverability of the aircraft, variable speed power converters would be required to throttle power to the turbofans. The low operating temperature and the need for lightweight components that place a minimum of additional heat load on the refrigeration system opens the possibility of incorporating extremely efficient cryogenic power conversion technology. This Phase II program will develop critical components required to meet NASA's size, weight, and performance goals.

Anticipated Benefits

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Commercial applications include industrial utility projects to develop superconducting power transmission, superconducting wind turbine generators, and distribution systems for large buildings such as data centers and manufacturing plants based on superconducting cables. MTECH is currently working toward a demonstration site of such a distribution system, which could utilize the components developed in this NASA program. Other non-NASA federal government applications include a cryogenic motor drive system for the Navy's All-Electric Ship program, and equipment for superconducting accelerators at DOE national accelerator labs. Apart from turboelectric aircraft propulsion systems and high-power drives for superconducting motors, other NASA applications include high-power and high-power-density cryogenic and wide-temperature-range power conversion systems for interplanetary and interstellar spacecraft, satellites, landers, and surface base stations on a number of planets or moons in the solar system. More »

Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners

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Organizations Performing Work	Role	Type	Location
MTECH Laboratories, LLC	Lead Organization	Industry	Ballston Spa, New York
Glenn Research Center (GRC)	Supporting Organization	NASA Center	Cleveland, Ohio

Primary U.S. Work Locations

New York
Ohio

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Transition Events

June 2011: Advanced from another project within the program More »

June 2011: Project Start

Project Management

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Technology Maturity (TRL)

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Start:	3
Current:	4
Estimated End:	4

Applied Research

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Demo & Test

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Lightweight, Efficient Power Converters for Advanced Turboelectric Aircraft Propulsion Systems, Phase II

Project Description

Anticipated Benefits

Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners

Primary U.S. Work Locations

Technology Transitions

Transition Events

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Lead Organization:

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Project Management

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