Homopolar Generator Concept for Versatile Pulsed Output

Abstract : A description of a pulse generator based on inductive storage energized by a self-excited homopolar generator (HPG) is presented. The proposed system uses separate inductors for energy storage and HPG excitation field. Parallel connection at the low-impedance HPG provides voltage isolation of the inductors and yet preserves mechanical-to-electrical conversion efficiency over a wide range of currents. At given stored energy, output current and voltage are determined by altering storage inductance and switch selection. To determine the maximum current output of given HPG design, experiments have been done to determine the current density capability of brush contacts at rotor rim speeds as high as 475 m/s.