ARPA-E Aviation-class Synergistically Cooled Electric-motors with iNtegrated Drives ASCEND - concept

Sponsor Deadline: 

Jan 31, 2020

Letter of Intent Deadline: 

Jan 31, 2020

Sponsor: 

DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy

UI Contact: 

ARPA-E Aviation-class Synergistically Cooled Electric-motors with iNtegrated Drives ASCEND
DE-FOA-0002238    https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/#FoaId22888746-6728-479a-8b27-f53f97f587a9

The ASCEND program supports the development of innovative lightweight and ultra-efficient electric motors, drives, and associated thermal management systems (collectively referred to as the all-electric powertrain) that will help enable net-zero carbon emissions in single-aisle, 150-200 passenger commercial aircraft, such as the Boeing 737. The ASCEND program sets a benchmark of the fully integrated all-electric powertrain system at a power density of ≥ 12 kW/kg with an efficiency at ≥ 93%. Currently, these targets, among others, are beyond the capability of state-of-the-art technologies and will require creative thinking and innovation in the electric motor and power electronics space. The ASCEND performers will work in two phases, delivering the:

  • Conceptual designs and computer simulations of the motor, its drive, and their integration, as well as subsystem/component level demonstrations for the proposed key enabling technologies to support the performance projections. Phase I will be 18 months long.
  • Development, fabrication, and testing of an integrated sub-scale all- electric powertrain (≥ 250 kW), including its thermal management system. (Successful projects may proceed to Phase II subject to budgetary restrictions.)

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