Advances in the development of synchronous machines with high-temperature superconducting field winding at Siemens AG

Synchronous machines employing high-temperature superconductors offer several significant advantages compared to conventional ones. The development of superconducting electrical machines has a long tradition within Siemens AG. Starting with low-temperature superconducting materials in the 1970s, more than 30 years of experience in the field of superconducting electrical machinery have been accumulated. This knowledge represents the foundation for current research and development activities, which lead to the successful completion of a 4 MVA synchronous generator with a high-temperature superconducting field winding for ship-borne application. At this time, this generator represents the world's highest rated 2-pole, 60 Hz HTS-machine. This paper reflects on recent development programs carried out successfully, including selected test results of the 4 MVA HTS-machine, and gives an insight into current development activities in the field of high-temperature superconducting electrical machines at Siemens.