Superconducting AC generator with a magnetic steel outer rotor

The specific power output per unit length of large superconducting AC generators is limited by the material properties of the outer rotor. By manufacturing this component from a high strength magnetic steel, such as is used in conventional turbogenerator rotors, the diameter of this component can be increased producing an increase in the specific power output. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of using a magnetic outer rotor and shows that advantages are to be gained in respect of generator systems performance and ease of manufacture as well as improved specific power output