Near-lossless electrical machines

By Kiruba Haran on 04/23/2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Kiruba Haran of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as he presents in person at the Spring 2026 Kent Seminar Series Thursday, April 23 from 2-3 p.m. (CT).

The Spring 2026 semester is set to feature 14 presentations, each addressing a topic related to innovation trends in aviation. See the full lineup of speakers for Spring 2026 semester.

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ICT Classroom. 

All presentations will be held on Zoom, but some speakers will present in person at ICT.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://go.illinois.edu/KentSeminar

Meeting ID: 856 1731 4207  
Passcode: 019160

Abstract and Bio

Cryogenic motors and drives promise high power density and increased efficiency through reduced conduction losses in windings and power electronics. Early applications are expected in systems such as liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft and liquefied natural gas shipping. This presentation will provide a status update on two efforts to increase the technology readiness of these devices: the ARPA-E Cryogen-Free Ultra-High Field Superconducting Electric (CRUISE) Motor and a superconducting electric drivetrain for the Center for High-Efficiency Electrical Technologies for Aircraft (CHEETA) NASA University Leadership Initiative project.

Haran is the Grainger Endowed Director’s Chair in electric machinery and electromechanics in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He earned a doctorate in electric power engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2000. His research focuses on high-specific-power machines for transportation and renewable energy.