Cryogenic Copper and Aluminum LITz Wire Motors for Electric Aircraft

Cryogenic electric machines are a promising technology for multi megawatt electrified aircraft drivetrains. Superconducting stators that make use of low AC loss superconducting wires are considered to be a key component for these cryogenic machines. In this paper, an assessment of what is achievable in a cryogenic machine without the use of low AC loss superconductors is carried out. A design tool is used to estimate the performance of machines with copper and aluminum Litz wire stators. The results are intended to serve as a baseline case for machines that do use low AC loss superconducting wires.