High temperature superconductivity applied to electric motors

The application of high temperature superconductors to electric motors is discussed. Both the advantages and limitations of using superconductors in motors are reviewed. A synchronous motor with a high-temperature superconductor field winding for pump and fan drive applications is described and some of its unique features are identified. A 10000-hp superconducting motor design and its advantages in terms of improved efficiency and reduced size are described. The performance requirements for the superconducting wire necessary for motor applications are considered, and the progress being made toward realizing these requirements is assessed