Airbus has launched its ‘Advanced Superconducting and Cryogenic Experimental powertraiN Demonstrator’ (ASCEND) to explore the impact of superconducting materials and cryogenic temperatures on the performance of an aircraft’s electrical propulsion systems.
The introduction of superconducting materials can lower electrical resistance, meaning that electrical current can supply power without energy loss. When coupled with liquid hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures (-253°C) electrical systems can be cooled in order to significantly increase the performance of the overall electric propulsion system.
Airbus will use ASCEND to explore the feasibility of these technologies in order to optimise propulsion architecture ready for low-emission and zero-emission flight. Results are expected to show the potential for component weight and electrical losses to be at least halved, as the volume and complexity of systems installation is reduced, as well as a reduction in voltage to below 500V, compared to current systems.
ASCEND will also assess electric architectures from several hundred kW to multi-MW applications — with and without liquid hydrogen on board. Airbus will design and build the demonstrator over the next three years at its E-Aircraft System House.
Solutions that could be adapted to turboprop, turbofan and hybrid propeller engines will be tested and evaluated by the end of 2023. ASCEND is expected to support performance improvements on existing and future propulsion systems across the entire Airbus portfolio, including helicopters and eVTOLs, as well as regional and single-aisle aircraft.