Tech Brief: 2212 superconductors for high-power density motors for aero propulsion

The product objective of this program is a first of its kind, high temperature superconducting (HTS) wire, cable, and coil, that is based on the 2212 superconductor (Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈), that exhibits low losses at very high ac field ramp rates, that can operate at above 20 K beyond the limits of other options, and that enables superconducting stator coils for high power density motors and generators.

Based on our Phase 1 results, a practical 2212-based wire and cable will be developed that meets low loss, current density and > 20 K operating temperatures targets, with coils produced and tested to validate progress.   As the first step, loss reducing features and current densities of best mode wire designs identified in Phase 1 will be developed, along with the capability for longer length production.

A low loss cable design will then be developed with loss testing validating that both wire and cable meet required loss levels – a target that has been out of reach with HTS until now.  Coil building techniques will be advanced by fabricating and testing racetrack forms and applying this know-how to build and test a demo coil with all the features required to provide >20 K superconducting operability.