HTS Ship Propulsion Motors
Breakthrough technology for marine applications
Through the application of HTS (high temperature superconductor) technology, AMSC is revolutionizing electric marine propulsion
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View the HTS podded ship propulsion animation in Quicktime or Windows Media Player |
Discover the benefits of HTS Ship Propulsion Motors and Generators
High power density. The HTS field windings achieve denser magnetic fields than those of conventional machines. As a result, weight and size are significantly reduced and potential for longer ranges and greater payloads is increased.
High partial load efficiency. With higher efficiency at part load (down to 5% of full speed), HTS machines reduce fuel use and operating costs—as much as 10% or more at low loads.
Low noise. HTS machines have lower sound emissions than conventional motors and generators.
Low synchronous reactance. HTS air-core machines provide greater stiffness during transients.
Harmonic-free voltages. Better power quality translates into greater quality and reliability.
Cyclic load insensitivity. HTS field windings operate at nearly constant temperature—therefore they are not subject to thermal fatigue.
Mechanical compatibility. HTS propulsion motors work with commercially available variable speed drives, so service procedures are no more complex than those for standard motor technologies.
Significantly reduced maintenance. Unlike conventional motors, HTS machines do not require the common rotor overhaul, rewinding or re-insulation.
>>Download the HTS Ship Propulsion Motors data sheet
The latest AMSC motor advance: 36.5 MW HTS Ship Propulsion Motor

AMSC’s 36.5 MW HTS Ship Propulsion Motor out-powers conventional marine motors.
Working in conjunction with Northrop Grumman Corporation, American Superconductor Corporation successfully completed the full-power testing of the world’s first 36.5 megawatt (49,000 horsepower) HTS ship propulsion motor.
>> View the video of the motor testing.
This was the first-ever successful full-power test of an electric propulsion motor sized for a large Navy combatant. Additionally, the motor’s 36.5 MW rating doubled the Navy’s power rating test record.
>> Learn more about the test.
NEW SeaTitan™ Wind Turbines: More power per tower.
Developed by AMSC Windtec®, SeaTitan wind turbines will be the most powerful in the world, capable of generating 10 MW of power or more. The secret? A HTS rotor enables the direct drive generator to be much smaller, lighter, more efficient and less costly than conventional large-scale wind turbine generators.
>> Learn more about SeaTitan Wind Turbines.
Products
» Second Generation (2G) Wire- 344 Superconductors
» First Generation (1G) HTS Wire
» Insulated HTS Wire
Applications
» HTS Cables
» HTS Motors and Generators
» HTS Degaussing Coils
» HTS Magnets
» Secure Super Grids™ Technology
» About Superconductivity
» Wire Glossary
Next Steps…
Events
5-8 September - EcoGen 2010
AMSC Attending
7-9 September - Eolica Expo 2010
AMSC Attending
Windtec Speaking
Multi-media
» President Obama discusses American Superconductor job growth during weekly radio address
» CEO Greg Yurek's Interview on FOX Business Network
» CEO Greg Yurek’s Interview on CNBC
» View an animation showing AMSC’s Wind Energy Offerings
More Multimedia »
About Us
AMSC offers an array of proprietary technologies and solutions spanning the electric power infrastructure – from generation to delivery to end use. The company is a leader in alternative energy, providing proven, megawatt-scale wind turbine designs and electrical control systems.
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