An Evaluation of Superconducting Power Cables for Airborne Application

In the frame of more electrical aircrafts and of a strong increase of embedded electrical power, HTS (high temperature superconductors) technologies have to be carefully evaluated. In this study, the performances of HTS cables are presented, for an airborne application. The capacities of HTS cables, in terms of carrying current, are quantified. A harness is proposed for DC and AC-3phases application. The conductors sizing is explained in order to carry a current of2000ADC and 1400Arms in AC, by using several HTS tapes of 4mm wide and 60μm thick, when a section around 1500mm
²
would be required with conventional aluminium cables. The ability of the cables to work under voltages up to 5kV, is also demonstrated. The robustness of tested cables design, regarding abusive conditions, is presented in two cases: a failure of the liquid nitrogen pump, and a short-circuit of 10kA peak, 50 Hz, during 100ms. A mass comparison is proposed, between conventional aluminium cables from one side, and HTS cables mass with all cooling components, from the other side. The network characteristics (voltage, power and length) are discussed, for which HTS cables have an interest in terms of mass, vs conventional cables. From the presented figures and result, it is analyzed why, for an airborne application, the reflection should not be limited to cables and, on the contrary, shall be widen to a power architecture made of HTS components.