Abstract: A method of encapsulating an electrical winding in an encapsulant composition. The method includes: (i) providing an electrically insulated wire; (ii) applying the encapsulation composition to the electrically insulated wire to encapsulate the wire; and (iii) winding a further layer of wire around the encapsulated wire. The electrical encapsulant composition includes a silica containing inorganic-organic nano-hybrid matrix, and particles of refractory ceramic suspended in the inorganic-organic nano-hybrid matrix.

Abstract: The present application discloses a fuel system for a gas turbine engine. The engine includes a main alternating current electrical generator driven by an engine shaft such that the electrical output frequency of the electrical generator varies in dependence on shaft rotational speed. The fuel system includes a variable flow fuel pump for providing a fuel flow to the engine, a frequency and/or voltage controller configured to provide electrical power having at least one of a predetermined output frequency and a predetermined voltage, and a variable speed electric motor configured to drive the fuel pump. The electric motor includes an induction motor having a stator and at least a first rotor, the stator having first and second sets of stator windings. Each set of stator windings is configured to impart a torque on the rotor in use.

Abstract: An encapsulant composition comprises a silica containing inorganic-organic nano-hybrid matrix, particles of refractory ceramics suspended in the inorganic-organic nano-hybrid matrix, and, optionally, glass or ceramic fibres. The encapsulant may also contain ceramic coated metallic particles, and in some embodiments, a solvent or binder. The formulations can include a solvent, which may be removed during a curing process, or may be solvent-less.

Abstract: A termination unit for a superconductor network. Including a primary system that includes a first superconductor cable. Also a first superconducting coil and a first auxiliary magnetizing coil, each coil wound around the first superconductor cable. Also a terminal including a first leg, the first leg including an aperture configured to receive the first superconductor cable. The first leg defining a clearance about the first superconductor cable at ambient temperature and arranged to firmly clamp onto the first superconductor cable at a cryogenic temperature. The termination unit including a cooling system arranged to enclose and cool the primary system to cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: A termination unit for a superconductor network. Including a primary system that includes a first superconductor cable. Also a first superconducting coil and a first auxiliary magnetising coil, each coil wound around the first superconductor cable. Also a terminal including a first leg, the first leg including an aperture configured to receive the first superconductor cable. The first leg defining a clearance about the first superconductor cable at ambient temperature and arranged to firmly clamp onto the first superconductor cable at a cryogenic temperature. The termination unit including a cooling system arranged to enclose and cool the primary system to cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: A dynamo-electric machine, for example a marine propulsion unit, includes a stator and a rotor in the form of an impeller. The impeller is rim-driven and includes an annular core of ferromagnetic material, on which are provided layers in the form of an environmental enclosure and electrically conductive sleeves. Appropriate selection of the materials and thicknesses of the layers enables the starting and normal running performance of the machine to be optimized.

Abstract: The present application discloses a fuel system for a gas turbine engine. The engine includes a main alternating current electrical generator driven by an engine shaft such that the electrical output frequency of the electrical generator varies in dependence on shaft rotational speed. The fuel system includes a variable flow fuel pump for providing a fuel flow to the engine, a frequency and/or voltage controller configured to provide electrical power having at least one of a predetermined output frequency and a predetermined voltage, and a variable speed electric motor configured to drive the fuel pump. The electric motor includes an induction motor having a stator and at least a first rotor, the stator having first and second sets of stator windings. Each set of stator windings is configured to impart a torque on the rotor in use.

Abstract: An encapsulant composition has a silica containing inorganic-organic nano-hybrid matrix, particles of refractory ceramics suspended in the inorganic-organic nano-hybrid matrix, and, optionally, glass or ceramic fibres. The encapsulant may also contain ceramic coated metallic particles, and in some embodiments, a solvent or binder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a current limiter comprising a first circuit portion arranged in parallel with a second circuit portion, the first circuit portion comprising a superconductor element arranged in series with a switching arrangement, the second circuit portion comprising a load element, the superconductor element being disposed within a cooling chamber, and the cooling chamber and the switch being disposed within a vacuum chamber, wherein the switching arrangement comprises: a mechanical actuator which is operable between a closed condition in which current is conducted through the first circuit portion and an open condition in which current is diverted from the first circuit portion through the second circuit portion and a controller for monitoring and operating the switch.

Abstract: A flux-switching machine stator comprising two or more C-cores, each C-core having two legs and a back portion joining the legs, and a permanent magnet arranged between legs of adjacent C-cores. Each leg has a main portion and a tip portion further from the back portion characterized in that the tip portion of each leg is angled relative to the main portion of the respective leg.

Abstract: A dynamo-electric machine, for example a marine propulsion unit, includes a stator and a rotor in the form of an impeller. The impeller is rim-driven and includes an annular core of ferromagnetic material, on which are provided layers in the form of an environmental enclosure and electrically conductive sleeves. Appropriate selection of the materials and thicknesses of the layers enables the starting and normal running performance of the machine to be optimised.

Abstract: Electrical machine arrangements have advantages with regard to providing local electrical power and starting. Embedding such electrical machine arrangements in machinery such as gas turbine engines is advantageous in removing mechanical linkages and reducing aerodynamic drag. However, the components utilized must be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions and therefore the DC link capacitor used for smoothing of voltage fluctuations are limited to relatively low capacitance densities. Low density DC link capacitors require large sizes which render electrical machines less acceptable for embedded usage. By providing offset of electrical current in inductance elements such as stator windings and stator coils of electrical machines in dead periods of the cycle a reduction in DC link capacitor requirements is achieved reducing the size, weight and complexity of installing electrical machines in gas turbine engines.

Abstract: A variable reluctance electric machine comprising a rotor and a stator; the stator having two or more electromagnetic windings and the rotor having a plurality of salient poles, the salient poles defining axially extending cooling fluid channels; wherein the salient poles and the cooling fluid channels are circumferentially skewed along at least a part of their length whereby in use the cooling fluid channels impel cooling fluid in a substantially axial direction towards the electromagnetic windings and the stator to facilitate heat transfer and dissipation from the windings.

Abstract: A flux-switching machine stator comprising two or more C-cores, each C-core having two legs and a back portion joining the legs, and a permanent magnet arranged between legs of adjacent C-cores. Each leg has a main portion and a tip portion further from the back portion characterized in that the tip portion of each leg is angled relative to the main portion of the respective leg.