Analysis of Weight Advantages in Superconducting DC Power Distribution Systems for All Electric Aircraft

Abstract:
In this paper we discuss and evaluate the use of superconducting systems in future electric aircraft. This includes the combination of superconducting engines and the necessary cooling with a superconducting energy transmission system to power them. We will give a comprehensive overlook over the advantages and disadvantages of using superconductors in the energy systems, based on the newest findings and state of the art research. A comparison will be made between a conventional energy system using aluminium wires and a superconducting energy system. We will show that a supercon-ducting network has significant advantages in weight over conventional cables for most architectures similar to the one described below. Finally, we will define the areas in which future research and advancements will help the most in real-izing future electrical aircraft.