Abstract: A rotor assembly for an electromechanical machine includes a rotor core, an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The rotor core includes an outer diameter, and the outer sleeve is positioned about the outer diameter. The inner sleeve is positioned between the rotor core and the outer sleeve. One of the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve dampens electromagnetic flux generated by the rotor assembly.

Abstract: The segmented permanent-magnet rotor for high-speed synchronous machines reduces eddy-current losses by axially segmenting the containment sleeve and the permanent magnets. The axial segmentation of the containment sleeve includes forming grooves circumferentially around the outer surface of the containment sleeve. The circumferential grooves disrupt the generation of eddy currents on the outer surface of the containment sleeve and therefore reduce eddy-current losses in the containment sleeve. Axial segmentation of the permanent magnets also disrupts eddy current formation, thereby reducing eddy current losses in the permanent magnets. In addition, the presence of an electrically insulating layer between the containment sleeve and the permanent magnets reduces eddy current migration from the containment sleeve to the permanent magnets, and therefore provides additional reduction of eddy-current losses.

Abstract: A starter-generator for an aircraft engine comprises a dynamoelectric machine alternatively operable as a motor or as a generator, having a rotor. A support motor is coupled to the dynamoelectric machine to assist the machine. A torque converter selectively couples and decouples the rotor to the engine, coupling the rotor to the engine at some point when dynamoelectric machine is operated as a motor. A constant speed transmission has an input adapted to be connected to the engine and an output to be connected to the rotor. The unit provides a desired speed relation between input and output. The engine may be started by the dynamoelectric machine when operated as a motor through a first power train including the torque converter and may drive the dynamoelectric machine as a generator through a second power train including the constant speed transmission.

Abstract: A method for determining gross engine horsepower of an internal combustion engine coupled in driving relationship to an alternating current electric alternator, the alternator supplying electric power to variable loads, comprises measuring the field current and average per phase armature current supplied by the alternator; computing the magnitude of electric power supplied by the alternator from the measured values of field current and armature phase current; determining the engine efficiency at the computed magnitude of electric power; and converting the computed electric power to engine horsepower at the determined efficiency.

Abstract: A thermal protection apparatus for an AC traction motor including a stator, a rotor, a blower fan, and an inverter includes measuring apparatus for measuring ambient air temperature of the motor and atmospheric air pressure of the motor. A computer is provided for using the measured ambient air temperature and atmospheric air pressure values for estimating a plurality of temperatures in the AC traction motor and for calculating a plurality of motor torque limits imposed by the plurality of estimated temperatures. A control system is provided for controlling the inverter by providing a signal comprising the lowest of the calculated plurality of motor torque limits to an inverter controller. The control system can also be used to calculate a plurality of blower speed requirements imposed by the plurality of estimated temperatures and set the blower speed of the motor to the highest of the calculated plurality of blower speed requirements.

Abstract: A system provides dual power producing capability to a diesel locomotive. The diesel engine drives the power generating system on the locomotive when the locomotive is operating under normal conditions. An inverter is provided to drive the power generating system on the locomotive and for supplying auxiliary and head end power when the locomotive is operating on third rail power and the engine is de-energized.

Abstract: In a thermal overload protection system three system variables are sensed and provide the inputs required for a calculation conducted in real time at one second intervals. The system variables include ambient inlet air temperature to the alternator, alternator stator winding embedded sensor temperature, and traction motor armature current. A traction motor current limit is calculated using the inlet air temperature and the sensor temperature. The thermal overload is then controlled in response to the traction motor current.