Design and Performance Evaluation of a Superconducting PMSM Using YBCO Wire

Abstract

This paper presents the design, modeling, and comparative analysis of two Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs): one featuring Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) high-temperature superconducting (HTS) windings in the stator, and the other a conventional copper- based design. The aim is to assess the potential benefits of superconducting technology for applications where weight and compactness are vital, like aerospace applications. Using Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) and Lua scripting, key parameters such as torque, electromagnetic flux distribution, hysteresis losses, and resistive losses were analyzed. The YBCO-based motor exhibited significantly higher flux densities and torque values than its copper counterpart, highlighting clear performance advantages. However, the necessity of cryogenic cooling at 77 K introduces additional complexity, requiring careful consideration of overall system efficiency. Furthermore, variations in the critical current density (Jc) with magnetic field intensity and the risk of quenching when operating currents approach or exceed Jc underscore the importance of accurate thermal and electromagnetic modeling. These findings demonstrate the promise of HTS stators in PMSMs, while also emphasizing the need for integrated, multi-physics approaches to ensure reliable and efficient operation.