System-Level Optimization of Electric Machines for Aircraft Propulsion

High Specific Power Electric Machines are essential for enabling aircraft electrification. The application requirements can greatly influence the design & capabilities of potential electric machines. In this paper, an improved model of a high-frequency, air core PM machine that accounts for considerations such as drive type, network voltage, and mission profile is presented. Results from the optimization process are presented & effects of these considerations are discussed, along with comparisons to prior multiphysics machine optimization efforts. Results indicate that the addition of these considerations to the machine sizing model can increase best-case power density by approximately 25% and reduce losses by approximately 10% in efficiency-focused designs.