Efficient HTS DC- Cable for Power Distribution in Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

With respect to a substantial reduction of greenhouse gas emission, noise reduction and combustible consumption in aircraft an increasing interest in hybrid-electric propulsion systems has emerged in the last years. In the frame of a German research project we actually develop a HTS superconducting busbar system for DC currents able to join the different components as generator, motors and battery systems on the plane.
Main features of this busbar system are large currents at moderate voltages and in particular low ohmic contacts, including T-type, Y-type and cross connections between system segments, this with a minimization of outer dimensions and weight. The two-pole cable consists of two stacks of REBCO tapes. Compensation of Lorentz forces between the two poles, compensation of thermal length changes and sufficient electric insulation are the major challenges. We will present details of the cable design and first test results on a lab-scale cable demonstrator.