Partially Superconducting Induction Machine

Superconducting materials offer promising benefits over conventional conductors used in electric machines. Their high current and low loss capabilities give the potential for high power density motors. This study presents the development of a single-phase induction machine with superconductor rotor windings. An existing single-phase induction machine was modified to implement a partially superconducting machine, using high temperature superconducting tapes. Details of the rotor geometry and construction are presented. A no-load test of the machine was conducted, and it performed consistently with theory and expectations. A finite element analysis of a simplified superconducting rotor cage using the well-known H-formulation was also conducted to support the no-load test results. The machine was then tested under load, and it showed significant improvements in power output and efficiency over the unmodified baseline machine. The results of these tests are analyzed as well.