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SuperThermo Motors

Pioneering motor technology with superconductors and thermoelectric cooling.

Electric aviation has been a growing area of research, but one of the key challenges is ensuring electric motors can operate efficiently over long periods without overheating. The SuperThermo Motors research focuses on integrating High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) and thermoelectric materials to enhance thermal management and cooling for electric motors. This will make electric aviation a safe and reliable solution for all types of aircraft, enabling them to function over extended durations without risk.

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01

Project Overview 

Started in September 2024, SuperThermo Motors is a research initiative focused on enhancing thermal management and cooling for electric motors in electric aviation. By integrating High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) and thermoelectric materials, the project aims to ensure safe, long-duration, emission-free flights, advancing the future of clean aviation.

02

Significance 

The need for reliable, efficient, and sustainable electric motors in aviation is growing rapidly as the industry shifts toward clean energy solutions. SuperThermo Motors is essential because it focuses on improving thermal management, which will help facilitate long-range, emission-free flights. This will significantly reduce aviation's environmental footprint and contribute to the future of sustainable air travel.

DALL·E 2024-12-26 16.53.40 - A conceptual illustration showing a modern electric airplane
Square_Motor_Temperature_vs_Flight_Time.png

03

Challenges

A major challenge in electric aviation is the overheating of electric motors, which limits their ability to function efficiently over long durations. Current motor technology struggles with thermal management, leading to overheating that restricts motor performance and safety, especially in long flights over oceans. Without effective cooling solutions, electric motors cannot meet the operational demands of aviation, presenting a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of electric aircraft.

04

Research Approach 

SuperThermo Motors addresses the challenge of thermal management by integrating HTS and thermoelectric materials into electric motor designs.

 

  • HTS materials maintain superconductivity at elevated temperatures, enable more efficient power transmission and reduce resistive losses, leading to less heat generation.

  • Thermoelectric materials facilitate heat absorption and conversion into usable energy, enhancing overall cooling performance.
     

By combining these technologies, th research aims to significantly improve heat dissipation in electric motors, enabling them to operate at optimal performance over extended periods without the risk of overheating.
This approach is poised to provide a more reliable and energy-efficient solution for long-duration, emission-free flights, advancing the field of clean aviation.

DALL·E 2024-12-26 16.26.37 - A technical illustration of an electric motor designed with H
DALL·E 2024-12-26 16.29.14 - A cross-sectional view of a BLDC (Brushless DC) motor showing

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University of Washington
185 E Stevens Way NE
Seattle, WA 98195

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