Joint Technical Seminar of Tallahassee IEEE PES Chapter, Tallahassee Life Member Affinity Group, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Integrated Zero Emission Aviation, and The Center for Advanced Power Systems
Title: High Power Density Dual Rotor Permanent Magnet Motor with Integrated Cooling and Drive for Aircraft Propulsion
Speaker: Dr. Philippe Masson, Chief Technology Officer, Advanced Magnet Lab
Date and Time: Thursday, October 3, 2024, 2:00 pm
Location: CAPS Seminar Room 120 (2000 Levy Avenue, Building A, Tallahassee, Fl 32310)
Abstract: Air travel contributes a significant and increasing share of U.S. energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, air travel emissions make up 2.5% of total emissions, with this percentage projected to rise based on passenger-miles data. Electrifying aircraft holds the potential for more efficient, quieter, and sustainable flight, promising reductions in both fuel consumption and operating costs for airlines. However, current electric powertrains lack the power density and efficiency required for narrow-body aircraft to compete and achieve full decarbonization. A critical challenge is developing a lightweight, ultra-efficient all-electric powertrain that can convert electric power to thrust effectively.
In a project funded by ARPA-E ASCEND, AML is advancing the development of an innovative, sub-scaled, lightweight, and ultra-efficient all-electric powertrain. This system includes a high-power density permanent magnet motor, a SiC drive developed at FSU, and an integrated thermal management system. The goal is to achieve a specific power of at least 12 kW/kg and a nominal efficiency of 93% or higher. Meeting these ambitious targets requires pushing the boundaries of current technology, demanding innovations in both electric motor and drive design.
The presentation will cover system-level optimization of the drivetrain, with a focus on motor design and the key technologies driving high power density. Notable innovations include a novel method for producing permanent magnets with continuously varying magnetization directions, as well as a “transparent” stator design that enables direct cooling with minimal pressure drop. Detailed design insights, simulations, and experimental validation of critical components will be presented. The system prototype is currently in production, with testing scheduled for 2025.
Brief Bio: Dr. Philippe Masson has been working in the fields of motors, generators, electromechanical systems, power applications of superconductivity, analysis-driven design, and multi-physics modeling since 1999. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in both academia and industry, covering a broad range of technical areas, including applied superconductivity, electromechanical systems, and advanced numerical modeling. Dr. Masson served as Editor for Large Scale Applications of the IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity for 13 years and was an elected member of the Applied Superconductivity Conference board. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and AIAA, and a member of the Cryogenic Society of America. Dr. Masson has authored over 50 journal papers and delivered more than 80 conference presentations in the areas of motors, generators, applied superconductivity, and multi-physics modeling. He has served as Principal Investigator on numerous government-funded projects, including SBIR programs and initiatives from agencies such as DOE, NASA, ARPA-E, DOD/DIU, and DOD/DLA, as well as industry collaborations. Dr. Masson earned his Ph.D. from Université Henri Poincaré in Nancy, France.
