Design Challenges and Benefits of HTS Synchronous Machines

HTS (high temperature superconducting) rotating machines are about to cross the barrier from the laboratory stage to marketable products. Several demonstrators, prototypes were developed and even first commercial products do already exist. In order to benefit from excellent features of HTS machines like e.g. superior efficiency, low mass and volume as well as substantially improved dynamic characteristics several design challenges have to be encountered. These challenges differ in several ways from those experienced with conventional machines. The paper provides a general overview on HTS machine topologies under development today and reflects on different areas of applications. Design challenges typical for HTS machines are discussed and differences as well as similarities compared to conventional machines are identified. Examples based on recent development projects at Siemens AG are presented. The paper should help to make typical design considerations and resulting requirements for HTS synchronous machines more transparent for the users of industrial applications.