Abstract: Improved structure for reducing heating a monolithic suuperconducting winding due to friction generated at an interface between a "low eddy current" support structure and the winding is disclosed. Such improved structure comprises a low shear modulus, compliant material and high thermal conductivity sheet metal disposed in the interface region between the super-conducting winding on the support structure. The low shear modulus, compliant material yields in the shear direction, thereby reducing frictional heating, and whatever frictional heat is generated is removed by the high conductivity sheet metal and transferred to helium cooling channels which are located in the low eddy current support structure.

Abstract: In a superconducting machine, differential thermal alterations in axial length of the torque tube, together with angular deflections thereof with respect to the rotor electromagnetic shield, are accommodated by a flexible support having a thin-wall circular diaphragm extending radially from an axially-oriented torsion shaft. The support structure acts as a stiff brace for the torque tube in the radial direction, so as not adversely to affect the rotor critical speeds.

Abstract: Cooling channels are provided within a resin impregnated superconducting winding by introducing inserts between wrappings of successive layers of superconducting winding and leaving them in place during impregnation of the winding with resinous bonding materials, and thereafter extracting the inserts from the winding. The resultant spaces within the resin provide discrete coolant passages distributed throughout the superconducting winding, thereby providing circulation paths for coolant to maintain the coil at superconducting temperatures during operation thereof, including periods of rapid change in the excitation field current.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a stator winding in a superconductive generator. The apparatus includes a plurality of integral stator bars positioned in the air-gap between the yoke and the rotor and a plurality of non-conductive supporting teeth interspaced between the stator bars. The supporting teeth are rigidly attached to the yoke of the generator and are engaged by a plurality of wedge members. The wedge members and the supporting teeth secure the stator bars in a rigid supporting arch.

Abstract: Cryogenic liquid coolant for cooling the rotor of a superconducting generator is deposited on the inner surface of a rotating conduit extending within the rotor, forming an annulus of liquid surrounding a vapor core. The liquid coolant from the rotating tube is transferred to two radial tubes in the rotor and, upon emerging therefrom, splashes on the surface of a pool of coolant bathing the rotor windings. Evaporated coolant is returned from the rotor in separate streams from the driven end and the collector end, allowing cooling of the driven and collector ends to be equalized by independently controlling flow of the returning streams.

Abstract: Cryogenic liquid coolant for cooling the rotor of a superconducting generator is deposited on the inner surface of a rotating conduit extending within the rotor, forming an annulus of liquid surrounding a vapor core. The liquid coolant from the rotating tube is transferred to two radial tubes in the rotor and, upon emerging therefrom, splashes on the surface of a pool of coolant bathing the rotor windings. Evaporated coolant is returned from the rotor in separate streams from the driven end and the collector end, allowing cooling of the driven and collector ends to be equalized by independently controlling flow of the returning streams. The liquid coolant supply pressure determines the position of the coolant pool surface in the rotor.

Abstract: A superconducting rotor for an electrical machine is divided into three chambers, each of the two outer chambers being encircled by thermal distance extensions. Excess cryogenic coolant vapor due to coolant pool boiling in the center chamber of the rotor is released to a circumferential heat exchanger of larger diameter than the thermal distance extensions, warmed therein to ambient temperature, and returned to be reliquefied, thus avoiding thermal distance extension overcooling and attendant adverse mechanical consequences.

Abstract: Cryogenic liquid coolant is transferred from a stationary liquefier through a bayonet to a conduit rotating with the rotor of a superconducting generator, using a cryogenic fluid transfer joint attached to the collector end of the rotor. A relative-motion gap about the bayonet has its inner and outer diameters reduced in size near the outlet end of the bayonet. The gap thus stepped downward in size extends into a core of boil-off coolant within the rotating conduit, preventing liquid coolant centrifugally forced against the inside of the conduit from entering the gap, and allowing only boil-off coolant to enter.

Abstract: Cryogenic liquid coolant is transferred from a stationary liquefier through a bayonet to a conduit rotating with the rotor of a superconducting generator, using a cryogenic fluid transfer joint attached to the collector end of the rotor. A relative-motion gap about the bayonet has its inner and outer diameters reduced in size near the outlet end of the bayonet. The gap thus stepped downward in size extends into a core of boil-off coolant within the rotating conduit, preventing liquid coolant centrifugally forced against the inside of the conduit from entering the gap, and allowing only boil-off coolant to enter.

Abstract: Rigid support for the rotor winding of a superconductive A.C. generator is achieved by combining a plurality of modular racetrack-shaped sections to form the winding. Each section is separately supported to withstand the centrifugal forces and load forces on the winding during operation. The windings and support members are machined in close tolerance, and the support member material is selected so that differential thermal contraction during cooldown results in an interference fit and compression at the winding-support interface.