Fundamental Limitations and Topological Considerations for Fast Discharge Homopolar Machines
- 1 December 1975
- journal article
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
- Vol. 3 (4) , 209-215
- https://doi.org/10.1109/tps.1975.4316909
Abstract
Fusion research experiments require high energy short duration pulses. A homopolar machine, as an inertial energy storage system, offers an attractive source of energy meeting these requirements. The Energy Storage Group at The University of Texas at Austin has investigated the fundamental limitations to the discharge time of homopolar machines of various topological configurations. This paper presents a mathematical model for fast discharge homopolar machines. Based on this model, various machine configurations are analyzed. A new configuration - the spool type machine - is also discussed, criteria for the evaluation of different alternatives are presented, and it is concluded that highly efficient (≅ 95%), high energy (≅ gigajoules), fast-discharge (≅ 5 to 30 milliseconds) homopolar inertial energy storage systems are technically feasible. Brief reference is also made to some of the experimental results obtained from the existing laboratory models.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
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