“High Power Density Dual Rotor Permanent Magnet Motor with Integrated Cooling and Drive for Aircraft Propulsion”

ECE Seminar with Philippe Masson, Ph.D.

Abstract

Air travel contributes a significant and increasing share of U.S. energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, air travel emissions make up 2.5% of total emissions, projected to rise based on passenger-miles data. Electrifying aircraft holds the potential for more efficient, quieter, and sustainable flight, promising reductions in fuel consumption and operating costs for airlines. However, current electric powertrains lack the power density and efficiency required for narrow-body aircraft to compete and achieve full decarbonization. A critical challenge is developing a lightweight, ultra-efficient all-electric powertrain to convert electric power to thrust. The presentation will cover system-level optimization of the drivetrain, focusing on motor design and the key technologies driving high power density. Detailed design insights, simulations, and experimental validation of critical components will be presented. The system prototype is currently in production, with testing scheduled for 2025.

Career Bio

Dr. Philippe Masson has worked in motors, generators, electromechanical systems, power applications of superconductivity, analysis-driven design, and multi-physics modeling since 1999. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in academia and industry, covering a broad range of technical areas, including applied superconductivity, electromechanical systems, and advanced numerical modeling. Dr. Masson served as Editor for Large Scale Applications of the IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity for 13 years and was an elected member of the Applied Superconductivity Conference board. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and AIAA, and a member of the Cryogenic Society of America. Dr. Masson has authored over 50 journal papers and delivered more than 80 conference presentations in motors, generators, applied superconductivity, and multi-physics modeling. He has served as Principal Investigator on numerous government-funded projects and industry collaborations. Dr. Masson earned his Ph.D. from Université Henri Poincaré in Nancy, France.