A Highly Flexible Electromechanical Drive Integrating Electronic Poles Variation and HTS Coated Conductors Based Motors

Developing new technology is one of the four pillar strategies for mitigating CO2 emissions in the aviation sector, according to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation Although this is usually associated with more efficient combustion engines, the all electric aircraft (e aircraft) vision is being pursued even by major companies, as a means to reduce emissions and comply with the targets set in the Paris Agreement To turn this vision into reality, it is not only required to advance the technological development of batteries and other storage means but also of the distribution and use of electrical energy inside the aircraft High Temperature Superconductivity (may play a role in the field, as it allows for more compact and lighter devices, even when considering cryogenics, which is of utmost importance for aircraft applications This work is focused on the development of new, highly flexible electromechanical drives that can potentially be integrated into e aircraft, as well as in other transportation and industrial applications The drive comprises two distinctive features, namely i. an electronics pole variation operation system that allows changing the speed/torque characteristics of the electrical machine by changing the number of magnetic poles of its armature, and ii. motors with rotors built by HTS coated conductors in different configurations The power electronics converter required in i is also distinct from conventional industrial converters, showing an increased complexity when compared to the latter. A preliminary validation of the drive is performed by simulations and experimental results The motor is of trapped flux rotor type, and the reconfiguration of flux distribution, when poles are changed, is assessed Prospects for the application of this drive are discussed.