Design of Compact, Lightweight Power Transmission Devices for Specialized High Power Applications

The design of compact and lightweight power transmission devices was studied for specialized high power applications, including airborne with operating voltage fixed at 270 Volts and less than 30 meter length conductors. Only commercial-off-the-shelf components were considered for the design. It was found that by using superconducting wires operated at cryogenic temperatures instead of Cu conductors, a large increase of performance could be achieved; e.g. there is large reduction of heat loss; and for 5 MW-class or 20 kA power transmission there is a substantial reduction of weight of ∼ 80/kg per meter and an approximate 10x reduction of volume. A strong reduction of weight is achieved for > 1000 Amp power transmission.