Aviation Electrification: Choosing Your Motor Topology and Material Advancements

As the aerospace industries continue to evolve toward more energy efficient systems new technologies are emerging. These new technologies are placing larger demands on motors in terms of operating speeds, temperatures, and efficiencies. Selecting the correct motor topology in order to meet these requirements is extremely important. We will review advantages and disadvantages of motor topologies such as permanent magnet, induction, and switched reluctance. We will then discuss advanced material technologies which are being incorporated into permanent magnet motors to provide the power density solutions needed for aviation electrification demands.