NASA is exploring the use of superconducting wires in future electrified aircraft propulsion systems to improve efficiency and minimize energy loss during operation.

Overview

A big challenge when designing propulsion system components for electrified aircraft is managing weight and energy loss during operation. When dealing with megawatt-levels of power, lightweight systems with minimal energy loss are crucial in ensuring high efficiency.  

NASA is collaborating with industry to advance research and development of superconducting wires for use in motors and generators on aircraft with turboelectric propulsion system configurations. The materials used in superconducting wires eliminate electrical resistance when cooled below a critical temperature, which helps support higher current loads with minimal energy loss.  

Technology Development  

Through a series of NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts, engineers at Hyper Tech Research developed new superconducting wires using fine-filament magnesium diboride (MgB2). Wires designed with this material showed a reduction in alternating current (AC) losses while enabling higher frequencies and reduced weight at a lower cost.

The company also demonstrated a new wire manufacturing process that uses magnesium-infiltration instead of magnesium boron powder mixtures typically used in the traditional method. This switch helped improve the wire’s current density and overall efficiency.

Aircraft Concepts

Learn more about NASA’s conceptual aircraft design studies for future electrified aircraft.

EAP Labs and Testbeds

Learn about NASA’s labs and testbeds enabling advanced electrified aircraft propulsion research.

Technology

Discover the innovative systems and technologies that enable safe and efficient electrified propulsion.