High power density generator concepts for aerospace electric power

A parametric design study for high-power-density electric generators was performed to assess the merits of the axial gap approach developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Rotor plate stress calculations, thermal analyses, and shaft and bearing evaluations were performed with generator speed and power levels as the primary variables. The speed range of 3000 to 100000 r.p.m. and power levels from 10 to 1000 kW were taken as bounds for the study. Parametric curves suggest that generators in the 1 MW output class may be constructed with specific weights <0.1 kg/kW. Innovative cooling methods and insulation considerations are presented.<
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