Abstract: A brush holder apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the brush holder apparatus includes: a first support member; a second support member affixed to the first support member; a brush retainment member affixed to the first support member and extending substantially parallel with the second support member; and a cam member operably connected to the second support member, the cam member configured to retain a brush against the brush retainment member.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a brush holder; a radio frequency identification (RFID) device affixed to the brush holder, the RFID device including: a temperature sensor system for determining temperature(s) at one or more distinct locations on the brush holder; and a transmitter for providing indication of the temperature(s).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for cooling superconducting devices. The system includes a cryogen cooling system configured to be coupled to the superconducting device and to supply cryogen to the device. The system also includes a cryogen storage system configured to supply cryogen to the device. The system further includes flow control valving configured to selectively isolate the cryogen cooling system from the device, thereby directing a flow of cryogen to the device from the cryogen storage system.

Abstract: A brush wear detector system for a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The brush wear detector system includes a brush holder, and at least one brush located within the brush holder. At least one spring is in contact with the brush and the spring operates to force the brush against an electrically conductive member of the dynamoelectric machine. A wireless sensor is configured to detect when a predetermined amount of wear has occurred to the at least one brush, and is also configured to identify the brush having the predetermined amount of wear. The wireless sensor is attached to the at least one brush.

Abstract: A generator collector ventilation system includes a ventilation inlet duct formed in a support foundation. The ventilation inlet duct has a first end that extends to a second end. The second end is configured and disposed to direct ventilation fluid into a generator collector housing. A ventilation outlet duct is formed in the support foundation. The ventilation outlet duct includes a first end portion that extends to a second end portion. The second end portion is configured and disposed to direct ventilation fluid from the generator collector housing. A silencer module is arranged in one of the ventilation inlet duct and the ventilation outlet duct. The silencer module is configured and disposed to condition the ventilation fluid passing through the generator collector housing to lower an overall noise signature of the generator collector ventilation system.

Abstract: A brush wear detector system for a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The brush wear detector system includes a brush holder, and at least one brush located within the brush holder. At least one spring is in contact with the brush and the spring operates to force the brush against an electrically conductive member of the dynamoelectric machine. A wireless sensor is configured to detect when a predetermined amount of wear has occurred to the at least one brush, and is also configured to identify the brush having the predetermined amount of wear. The wireless sensor is attached to the at least one brush.

Abstract: A brush holder apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the brush holder apparatus includes: a first support member; a second support member affixed to the first support member; a brush retainment member affixed to the first support member and extending substantially parallel with the second support member; and a cam member operably connected to the second support member, the cam member configured to retain a brush against the brush retainment member.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for operating an electrical machine. The method includes the steps of, providing a brushless excitation system including a diode rectifier having at least one diode, sensing heat energy generated by at least one resistor connected in parallel with the diode, and detecting a deviation of the generated heat energy from the at least one resistor. Another step generates a signal indicating an error in a diode or a failed or faulty diode if the deviation in generated heat energy exceeds a predetermined threshold deviation level.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a brush in contact with a moving conductive surface, the apparatus includes: a rotatable member disposed adjacent to the brush; and a spring coupled to the brush and to the member and configured to bias the brush towards the moving conductive surface; wherein the rotatable member in a first position makes contact with the brush to secure the brush from movement and in a second position releases the brush from the contact to allow the spring to hold the brush in contact with the moving conductive surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a brush in contact with a moving conductive surface, the apparatus includes: a rotatable member disposed adjacent to the brush; and a spring coupled to the brush and to the member and configured to bias the brush towards the moving conductive surface; wherein the rotatable member in a first position makes contact with the brush to secure the brush from movement and in a second position releases the brush from the contact to allow the spring to hold the brush in contact with the moving conductive surface.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling a superconductive rotor coil. The system comprises a rotatable shaft coupled to the superconductive rotor coil. The rotatable shaft may comprise an axial passageway extending through the rotatable shaft and a first passageway extending through a wall of the rotatable shaft to the axial passageway. The axial passageway and the first passageway are operable to convey a cryogenic fluid to the superconductive rotor coil through the wall of the rotatable shaft. A cryogenic transfer coupling may be provided to supply cryogenic fluid to the first passageway.

Abstract: A cooling system for providing cryogenic cooling fluid to a thermal load, the system comprising: a main cryogenic refrigeration system; a cryogenic cooling fluid feed line having a feed line outlet coupled to the thermal load and a feed line inlet coupled to the cryogenic refrigeration system; a cryogenic cooling fluid return line having a return line inlet coupled to the thermal load and a return line outlet coupled to the cryogenic refrigeration system; a bypass cooling system further comprising isolation valves attached to the feed line and return line wherein each of said valves has a closed position and an open position, a bypass line extending between the feed line and return line, a bypass valve and a cooling device attached to one of said feed line and return line. The bypass cooling system may further include a cold box housing the bypass line and the cooling device, e.g., an open or closed heat exchanger coupled to a storage tank of cryogen.

Abstract: A cooling system for providing cryogenic cooling fluid to an apparatus comprises a re-circulation device, a passive cold storage device having a porous matrix of material which directly contacts the cryogenic cooling fluid as the cryogenic cooling fluid passes through the passive cold storage device, a first portion of a fluid communication feed line fluidly connecting the re-circulation device to the passive cold storage device, a second portion of a fluid communication feed line fluidly connecting the passive cold storage device to the apparatus for communicating cryogenic cooling fluid to the apparatus, and a fluid communication return line fluidly connecting the apparatus to the re-circulation device. The passive cold storage device may comprise a regenerative heat exchanger including a porous matrix of metal wire mesh, metal spheres or ceramic spheres.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a superconductor. The system may comprise a current sensor operable to detect a current flowing through the superconductor. The system may comprise a coolant temperature sensor operable to detect the temperature of a cryogenic coolant used to cool the superconductor to a superconductive state. The control circuit is operable to estimate the superconductor temperature based on the current flow and the coolant temperature. The system may also be operable to compare the estimated superconductor temperature to at least one threshold temperature and to initiate a corrective action when the superconductor temperature exceeds the at least one threshold temperature.

Abstract: A synchronous electromagnetic machine is disclosed having: a rotor coupled to a rotor cooling system; a stator around the rotor and separated from the rotor by an annular gap between the rotor and an inner surface of the stator, wherein the stator includes stator cooling passages; a stator ventilation system in fluid communication with the stator cooling passages, and the ventilation system including a cooling fluid driving device such as a stator mounted fan.

Abstract: A synchronous electromagnetic machine is disclosed having: a rotor coupled to a rotor cooling system; a stator around the rotor and separated from the rotor by an annular gap between the rotor and an inner surface of the stator, wherein the stator includes stator cooling passages; a stator ventilation system in fluid communication with the stator cooling passages, and the ventilation system including a cooling fluid driving device such as a stator mounted fan.