Design and Comparative Analysis of Rotating Cold Rotor Support Scheme for Superconducting Motor

For a 2.4 MW high-temperature superconducting (HTS) motor, a rotating cold mass support with good strength and stiffness was required. In this research, arch-shaped support was ultimately suggested by the good performance of strength, deformation, thermal leakage, and manufacturability. The arch-shaped support, which was made of Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), had a good capability for resisting multiple physical field loads and heat insulation at the same time. Tests were carried out and proved that the compressive strength of the support could reach 322.85 MPa and the average coefficient of thermal conductivity of the support was less than 0.43W/(m•K) at room temperature. According to the results of the stress and deformation study, the tangential deformation of the arch support won't significantly vary when the direction of rotation changes. Additionally, when electromagnetic and thermal loads were introduced, arch support performed better at resisting radial and tangential deflection, which was beneficial for maintaining the electromagnetic and mechanical environment of the motor and safeguarding HTS magnets.