Rotation Test rig HTS Geno

The use of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) in rotating motors and generators in power engineering enables a significant increase in power density and efficiency compared to conventional machines. For the successful development of HTS rotating machines a reliable and safe operation is of utmost importance. Therefore, tests must be carried out under real operating conditions (rotational speed and cryogenic temperature). Currently, such a test rig is not available worldwide.

The aim of the project is to build such a test rig. Rotor components of a superconducting machine, such as the HTS windings and the cooling system can be developed and tested on a 1:1 scale. Potential applications are power plant generators, wind power generators, ship propulsion systems, industrial drives or aircraft generators.

The detailed design of the test facility with the safety measures has been carried out in a joint project with Siemens Corporate Technology, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Industry. Vacuum rotary feedthroughs, a first test coil and other components have been developed and procured. The spin bunker with measuring cabin has already been built.

The main objective of this project is the construction of the test facility with the main parameters listed in the figure above. Specifically challenging is the safety evaluation considering rotating masses of up to some tons.