Analysis of a dc commutator machine for exchange of energy with a superconducting coil

A 500-kW dc commutator machine, C, is analyzed for use in an LC circuit with a ringing period of approximately 4 s with a superconducting coil, L. Electrical measurements and the important design equations and characteristics are listed. Attention is paid to the calculation of the commutating voltage, which is an important design feature because it sets a limit to the current allowable in the LC circuit, amounting to 6 times rated machine current. The equations for the energy loss components of the generator are given and fitted to experimental coast-down data. With a fitting accuracy of 1.2%, the loss coefficients for the bearing loss, brush loss, windage loss, and tooth eddy current loss in the remanent stator field are thus determined.