Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the current pulse from multiple pairs of pulsed alternators used for driving large loads such as an electromagnetic launcher (i.e., “rail gun”) load. Conventional current pulse ripples are reduced by interleaving pulses from multiple pairs of contra-rotating pulsed alternators. Current pulses supplied by different pairs of pulsed alternators are timed so that they are interspersed between one another to provide more pulses for a given launch time. The interleaved current pulses increase the frequency and reduce the magnitude of the ripple on the average load current.

Abstract: A method of operating a combustor (10), to provide intimately mixed hot combusted gas (44) for a gas turbine (46), includes feeding gaseous oxidant (12) and gaseous fuel (16) into the combustor (10) near a combustion flame (28) which has a tip end (39) and a root end (29), where corona discharge occurs through adjustment of an electric field (34), and where the corona discharge causes ionized particles (36) to form and also causes intimate turbulent mixing of the gases.

Abstract: A method of operating a combustor (10), to provide intimately mixed hot combusted gas (44) for a gas turbine (46), includes feeding gaseous oxidant (12) and gaseous fuel (16) into the combustor (10) near a combustion flame (28) which has a tip end (39) and a root end (29), where corona discharge occurs through adjustment of an electric field (34), and-where the corona discharge causes ionized particles (36) to form and also causes intimate turbulent mixing of the gases.

Abstract: An apparatus for powering a unipolar motor may include a solid oxide fuel cell having a plurality of sub-modules, a unipolar generator having a plurality of armature turns, and a plurality of jumpers. Each of the sub-modules may produce fuel cell electric power at the fuel cell terminals. Each of the armature turns may produce generator electric power at the generator terminals. The jumpers may interconnect the fuel cell terminals with the generator terminals in order to provide a configurable voltage-current profile for the unipolar motor. The fuel cell may have a fuel cell housing and the generator may have a generator housing. The fuel cell terminals may be located outside of the fuel cell housing and the generator terminals may be located outside of the generator housing. Each of the sub-modules and each of the armature turns may produce a voltage. The jumpers may interconnect the fuel cell terminals in series with the generator terminals in order to sum the voltages for the unipolar motor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher having spaced-apart rails for launching a projectile by means of a current-carrying armature between the rails includes a breech end loop connected to a current commutating firing switch. A low resistance shorted loop is positioned in proximity to the breech loop and generates a current in a direction counter to the commutated breech current. The arrangement reduces the equivalent breech inductance which in turn reduces communication arcing energy as well as the duration of arcing, thereby prolonging firing switch life.

Abstract: Electrical circuit inductively coupled to the circuit of an electromagnetic projectile launcher for beneficially reducing switch arcing duration and switch arc energy dissipation.

Abstract: An improved discrete excitation coil is provided in a continuous casting machine for generating an electromagnetic levitating and stabilizing force which acts upon the meniscus of the molten metal in a mold cavity of the machine at the region of an upper inlet to the cavity. The force counteracts the head pressure of the molten metal contained within a pouring tube which extends through the upper inlet from above the cavity and thereby providing a seal in an area of separation between the mold inlet and the pouring tube which prevents overflow of molten metal through the inlet. The excitation coil includes an outer electrical conductor which defines multiple electrical conductor turns disposed in series and being capable of carrying an electrical current of adequate density to generate the electromagnetic force. The coil also includes plural inner fluid channels which define fluid flow paths being surrounded by, and in contact with, the outer electrical conductor.

Abstract: An electrical machine with a radial path air-cooled rotor is provided with an axial duct inlet fairing. The inlet fairing, in conjunction with the other elements of the structure, reduces the inlet pressure drop by a substantial factor and provides more effective cooling. In addition, the fairing provides a simple means of orificing the rotor axial ducts for thermally balancing the rotor slot conductors.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting two fluid cooled stator coils of a turbine generator electrically in series and hydraulically in parallel. A two piece combination is bolted together to securely fasten an interconnective bundle of leads in such a way as to permit assembly of the leads without interference with a nozzle used in the coolant circuit. The apparatus is utilized in pairs, one for each connected stator coil, and with one bundle of conductive leads disposed between and fastened by each of the pair of the present invention.

Abstract: Current state of the art air core homopolar generators employ large time ying magnetic fields (4 Tesla Range). These high fields are required for proper voltage, but also induce significant eddy currents. Use of novel transposed rotor conductors and a novel transposed coil winding reduces these currents to acceptable levels. Furthermore use of a segmented stator current collection system further reduces the flow of eddy currents.