High-Frequency Electric Machines for Boundary Layer Ingestion Fan Propulsor

High specific power electric motor is a key enabling technology for electric/hybrid-electric propulsion for aircraft. High-frequency, air core machine topologies show potential for high specific power when the machines are integrated within jet engines at high speed, e.g. 15,000 rpm. In this paper, we explore how these machines scale to a boundary layer ingestion (BLI) fan application in newly proposed Single-aisle Turboelectric Aircraft with an Aft Boundary Layer Propulsor (STARC-ABL). Detailed analytical models that have been experimentally verified, and an evolutionary genetic algorithm are utilized to choose an optimized design for the BLI propulsor. Analyses show that a 2.6 MW, 11 kW/kg, 98% electric motor is achievable.