Abstract: A rotating electrical machine, such as an aircraft starter-generator, that may be operated in either a motor mode or an generator mode. The machine includes a main rotor that is selectively configurable as an M-pole rotor or an N-pole rotor. The machine can also include DC brushes that are selectively moveable into, and out of, electrical contact the main rotor, to thereby electrically couple and decouple a DC power source to and from, respectively, the rotor windings.

Abstract: A rotating electrical machine, such as an aircraft starter-generator, that may be operated in either a DC motor mode or an AC generator mode. The machine includes a main stator that is selectively configurable as a multi-pole AC stator and a multi-pole DC stator. The machine also includes DC brushes that are selectively moveable into, and out of, electrical contact the main rotor, to thereby electrically couple and decouple a DC power source to and from, respectively, the rotor windings.

Abstract: A coil support wedge for a high speed generator is integrally constructed and includes a plurality of flow passageways. Because it is integrally formed, the support wedge is substantially fluid tight. Thus, it is less susceptible to cooling fluid leakage from the flow passageways, which increases the overall reliability of the generator into which the wedge is installed.

Abstract: A high speed generator has its main rotor located within the main generator shaft assembly. The main rotor is mounted on a substantially hollow rotor shaft, which is also mounted within the main generator shaft assembly. The main stator surrounds at least a portion of the main generator shaft assembly. Main rotor cooling supply orifices extend through the rotor shaft. Main stator cooling supply orifices, which are in fluid communication with the main rotor cooling supply orifices, extend through the main generator shaft assembly. Cooling fluid is directed into the main generator shaft assembly, and flows through the main rotor cooling supply orifices and the main stator cooling supply orifices. The main rotor and main stator cooling supply orifices are configured to supply the main rotor and main stator with a cooling fluid spray. This configuration reduces the rotational fluid mass associated with flood-cooled rotors, which increases structural integrity, lowers material stresses, improves rotor dynamics.

Abstract: A coil support wedge for a high speed generator is integrally constructed and includes a plurality of flow passageways. Because it is integrally formed, the support wedge is substantially fluid tight. Thus, it is less susceptible to cooling fluid leakage from the flow passageways, which increases the overall reliability of the generator into which the wedge is installed.

Abstract: A terminal block assembly for electrical generators, such as high speed AC generators used in aircraft, is made from components that are readily assembled and disassembled for ease of installation, maintenance, and repair. The terminal block assembly is formed of a terminal block and one or more terminal assemblies. The terminal block has a main body with at least an upper surface and a lower surface. A first cavity is formed in the main body lower surface, and an opening that extends through the main body between the upper surface and the first cavity. A threaded fastener is inserted into the opening and into the first cavity, and a bolt is coupled to the fastener to secure the fastener in the opening. Each terminal assembly is coupled to the terminal block and includes one or more electrically conductive terminal plates, feed-throughs, and slugs for connection to stator output leads, that are electrically and mechanically coupled together using electrically conductive fasteners.

Abstract: A stator insulating bobbin is disclosed including a plurality of insulating elements. These insulating elements are configured and dimensioned to substantially enclose and insulate an inner surface of a stator assembly. Each of the insulating elements includes a first flange portion and a second flange portion joined by an intermediate web portion.

Abstract: A control scheme for a wound rotor synchronous generator whereby feedback signals corresponding to the exciter field current and the generator output voltage potential combine together to control the generator output voltage in such a way that at lower generator speeds and lower load requirements, exciter field current saturation is eliminated by reducing generator output voltage. The generator control scheme includes a circuit for sensing exciter field current in logic cooperation with a circuit for sensing generator voltage. Both sensing circuits regulate the current applied to the exciter field which corresponds to the rectified current applied to the field windings of the power generator. During steady state operations the generator output voltage is regulated using the generator output voltage as a feedback signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dissipating heat in a generator. A rotor having support wedges between each of its poles is mounted on a bored shaft in which a bored spindle having helical grooves along its outer diameter is fixed. A cooling medium is circulated through the bored shaft upon rotation of the shaft. The shaft has at least one outlet and one inlet through which the cooling medium can radially exit and return, respectively. Each of the support wedges has an inlet and an outlet between which a bore extends. In a preferred embodiment, a manifold is disposed about the bored shaft and mated to each of the support wedges so as to circulate the cooling medium from the bored shaft to the support wedges and back to the bored shaft, thereby dissipating heat from the generator rotor. In alternate embodiments more than one manifold is used to circulate the cooling medium through the support wedges.

Abstract: A drive mechanism which couples a generator shaft to a gear box or other source of mechanical power is disclosed. The drive mechanism is an assembly of a drive shaft, a rod, a bar shaped nut and a compression spring. The rod is inserted into a bore in the drive shaft with the compression spring about the rod. The bar is secured to a portion of the rod which extends from the drive shaft. The rod is adapted so that it may be depressed and rotated within the bore in the drive shaft such that the compression spring exerts a force on a head in the rod opposing the depression. A retaining mechanism is inserted the generator shaft for receiving the bar shaped nut such that the drive mechanism is retained within the generator shaft.