Load Test of 3-MW HTS Motor for Ship Propulsion

This paper describes the test facility and load test program for a 3-MW high-temperature superconducting (HTS) motor for ship propulsion. The test facility was used to conduct a constant-load test and a variable-load test. The program consisted of the constant-load test, the variable-load test, and the inspection after tests. During the constant-load test, the motor efficiency was measured at various rotor speeds and torques, and the 100-h cumulative endurance test at 3 MW was completed successful. The variable-load test is composed of three different modes that simulated an emergency maneuver of full astern to stop the ship and avoid a collision, and they have been verified. After the series of tests, the HTS motor was taken apart and an inspection confirmed that there was no problem with the HTS field coils or other main parts. This program demonstrated the reliability of the 3-MW HTS motor for ship propulsion.