Five-megajoule homopolar upgrade

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6521396

Bullion, T M; Zowarka, R C; Aanstoos, T A; Weldon, W F; Rylander, H G; Woodson, H H

The five-megajoule homopolar generator (5-MJ HPG) designed and built in 1974 by the Center for Eelctromechanics at the University of Texas at Austin (CEM-UT) was the result of an engineering feasibility study that examined alternate means of pulsed energy storage for controlled thermonuclear fusion experiments. The machine proved very reliable and useful in a variety of applications, notably pulsed resistance welding, and was modified in 1978 to improve its flexibility and ease of maintenance. CEM-UT is now completing a major upgrading of this HPG to a hydraulically motored, 10-MJ, 47-V, 1.02-MA device capable of welding large-section, high-carbon railroad rail. This report considers the design and fabrication of the new rotor, shaft, brush mechanisms, field coil, making switch, busbar system, and control system, as well as the addition of the 31-MPa (4500 psi) hydraulic motoring system. Future applications of the 10-MJ HPG are also discussed.

• Research Organization: Texas Univ., Austin (USA). Center for Electromechanics
• DOE Contract Number: AS05-77ET52029
• OSTI ID: 6521396
• Report Number(s): CONF-810659-32; ON: DE83005100
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700203* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Power Supplies
Energy Storage
DESIGN
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
POWER SUPPLIES
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES