Potential of Materials to Impact Megawatt-Scale Electric Machines

High specific power density, megawatt-scale electric machines (motors and generators) are needed to enable megawatt-scale electric aircraft propulsion systems for single-aisle aircraft. Thermally insulating electrical insulation materials in the stator windings limits the ability to thermally manage the heat produced in these machines. Polymer-ceramic composites along with novel processing techniques offer viable options to improve the thermal conductivity of the electrical insulation system. This paper outlines current National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Glenn Research Center efforts of developing several polymer-ceramic systems and processing techniques as they relate to electric machine insulation (including potting). There is also analysis of how these factors relate to machine performance.