Abstract

Electrification of aviation propulsion is in progress. New electric motor architectures — beyond axial and radial fluxes — may be required to unlock its full potential in meeting the demanding functional requirements (in terms of power, weight and efficiency) and certification requirements (from airworthiness authorities) set for airborne operating engine. This article presents a new class of toroidal-flux reluctance electric motors, where the rotor travells inside the coils — the Rotor-Through-Coils (RTC) Reluctance E-Motor. Extensive finite element magnetic model analysis was conducted (including motor operational characteristics assessment), following from an existing validated approach. The power delivered by five series-mounted motors rivales fuel-injected engines powering existing acrobat airplanes, including similar dimensions. A further important advantage will follow in a sequel publication showing the substantial advantage of this motor architecture to be entirely and effeciently air-cooled (like high pressure turbines already do in turbofans), removing the added complexity, weight, cost and certification issues implied in using onboard liquid coolants.

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