ASCEND: The first step towards cryogenic electric propulsion

Abstract

Abstract If a cold source such as liquid H2 or cryogenic fuel is available, cryogenic and high-temperature superconductivity technologies are promising to significantly increase performance of electric propulsion systems. A first study for aeronautic applications shows that the power density of electrical components could be multiplied 2 to 3 times to reach more than 30kW/kg for electric motors and power electronics, the weight of cables can be considerably reduced, and the efficiency increased by more than 50% with a voltage between below 500 V for multi-megawatt applications. With ASCEND, AIRBUS intends to demonstrate the potential and feasibility of a cryogenic and superconducting powertrain to breakthrough aircraft electric propulsion performance.