Development of an HTS Rotor for a High-Speed Generator

M Fee1, M P Staines2, R G Buckley2 and L Long3

1 HTS-110 Ltd., PO Box 31310, Lower Hutt, New Zealand 5040
2 Industrial Research Ltd., PO Box 31310, Lower Hutt, New Zealand 5040
3 Long Electromagnetics Inc. 271 Quail Run Road, Venetia PA, USA 15367

HTS technology is unique in the high current density it can provide in compact applications.
Combining this with a high rotational speed rotor can result in a compact lightweight
generator, with a very high power-to-weight ratio, suitable for airborne applications or
emergency deployment. To gain these advantages at rotational speeds up to 15,000 rpm a
number of technical challenges need to be met. In particular there is a need to develop an
understanding of the mechanical performance of HTS wire under the high inertial forces to be
experienced in such a generator. In this presentation we will discuss results of loading 1G and
2G HTS coils to failure at 77K that demonstrate the viability of a critical technology required
for high-speed HTS generators.