Superconducting AC Homopolar Machines for High-Speed Applications

Swarn Kalsi, Kent Hamilton, Robert George Buckley and Rodney Alan Badcock
Additional contact information
Swarn Kalsi: Kalsi Green Power Systems; Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
Kent Hamilton: Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 33436, Lower Hutt 5046, New Zealand
Robert George Buckley: Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 33436, Lower Hutt 5046, New Zealand
Rodney Alan Badcock: Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 33436, Lower Hutt 5046, New Zealand

Energies, 2018, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: This paper presents a novel high-speed alternating current (AC) homopolar motor/generator design using stationary ReBCO excitation windings. Compact, lightweight, high-efficiency motors and generators are sought for a multitude of applications. AC homopolar synchronous machines are an ideal choice for such applications as these machines enable very high rotational frequencies. These machines include both AC armature winding and direct current (DC) excitation winding within the stationary part of the machine. The stationary excitation winding magnetizes a solid steel rotor, enabling operating speeds limited only by the mechanical stress limit of the rotor steel. The operating speeds are many multiples of conventional power 50/60 Hz machines. Significant cooling requirements limit machines of this type utilizing copper excitation windings to only a few kilowatts. However, megawatt ratings become possible when superconductor coils are used. This paper describes the design and analysis of an AC homopolar machine in the context of developing a 500 kW flywheel system to be used for energy recovery and storage in commuter rail subway systems. Different approaches are discussed for an AC armature employing conventional copper coils. Challenges of building and cooling both armature and field coils are discussed and preferred approaches are suggested. Calculations of the machine performance are then made.

Keywords: superconducting machines; superconductors; high-speed machines; AC homopolar machines; energy storage; flywheel energy storage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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