Lightweight, Efficient Power Converters for Advanced Turboelectric Aircraft Propulsion Systems

NASA is investigating advanced turboelectric aircraft propulsion systems that utilize superconducting motors to drive a number of distributed turbofans. Conventional electric motors are too large and heavy to be practical for this application, and so superconducting motors are required. In order to improve maneuverability of the aircraft, variable speed power converters would be required to throttle power to the turbofans. The low operating temperature and the need for lightweight components that place a minimum of additional heat load on the refrigeration system opens the possibility of incorporating extremely efficient cryogenic power conversion technology. This Phase II program will develop critical components required to meet NASA's size, weight, and performance goals.

Commercial applications include industrial utility projects to develop superconducting power transmission, superconducting wind turbine generators, and distribution systems for large buildings such as data centers and manufacturing plants based on superconducting cables. MTECH is currently working toward a demonstration site of such a distribution system, which could utilize the components developed in this NASA program. Other non-NASA federal government applications include a cryogenic motor drive system for the Navy's All-Electric Ship program, and equipment for superconducting accelerators at DOE national accelerator labs.

Apart from turboelectric aircraft propulsion systems and high-power drives for superconducting motors, other NASA applications include high-power and high-power-density cryogenic and wide-temperature-range power conversion systems for interplanetary and interstellar spacecraft, satellites, landers, and surface base stations on a number of planets or moons in the solar system.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.