The performance of a 5 MW high temperature superconductor ship propulsion motor

A 5 MW, 230 RPM, 6-pole high temperature superconductor (HTS) ship propulsion motor is presently under test at the Center for Advance Power Systems (CAPS). This paper provides a summary of the key design features of the motor, predicted performance, factory test results and extended test results to date at CAPS. This motor was designed and built under the U.S. Navy´s Office of Naval Research (ONR) funding (Contract #N00014-02-C-0190) to address the next generation of electric ship propulsion systems. HTS motors are characterized by high power density, quiet operation and high efficiency. HTS air-core motors have unique electrical characteristics and therefore require dynamic testing to validate all modes of operation. The test program at CAPS is designed to address dynamic performance and simulation of this class of propulsion motor. The motor has been operated at 5 MW load for over 3 hours at CAPS.