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A two-dimensional numerical analysis of the cross section of a homopolar inductor alternator supplying a rectifier load is developed. Besides the effects of the nonlinearities of the magnetic materials, the eddy currents induced in the rotor by the nonlinear load are considered. Results for a 95-kVA homopolar inductor alternator are presented and include magnetic induction and flux distribution at two instants of time, output voltage, eddy current densities, and loss. The theoretical results have been found to be in good agreement with available test data on the alternator.

In former papers 1,2,3 the authors have analyzed the behavior of homopolar inductor alternators, considering all non-linearities and load conditions. As a logical sequence, a means to find the main dimensions of a new design for a specific aerospace power system is presented. The limitations imposed by the high-speed operation are pointed out. Dimensional analysis is used as a method for optimizing alternators for minimum armature leakage for frequency-changing power system. The relation of slot width to slot depth of the armature is optimized for minimum excitation.

The commutating impedance of homopolar alternators of medium frequency, as described by Trutt and Erdelyi [1], has to be kept at a low value in order to enable the various arrangements made up from solid-state elements to convert frequencies of 3500 Hz to the usual 400 or 60 Hz used in aerospace supplies. This can be achieved by fitting damping devices into homopolar inductor alternators. To study theoretically the effect of these devices, the inductances of the various windings must be known. This problem is treated here. For this purpose, the two-dimensional model of the alternator and the vector potential analysis of the cross section (as shown by Schenk et al. [2]) is used. Because of the varying position of the stator winding with respect to the rotor teeth, these reactances are time-dependent, and the coefficients of the differential equations describing the commutating (subtransient) regime are time-varying. The calculations were carried out for a 95-kVA, 115/200 V, 5 rotor teeth, 3400-Hz homopolar inductor alternator. The air gap of the alternator was 0.030 inch. Detailed data of the homopolar inductor alternator are in [1] and [6].

It is shown how ever-increasing enrollments, the explosion of knowledge, advances in technology, and social changes have affected undergraduate electrical engineering curricula to a point where they are seemingly unsatisfactory for a career in the power field. A program is outlined to provide undergraduate and graduate training to a limited number of engineers serving the public utilities. Concrete suggestions are made for the organization and financing of the proposed scheme. The importance of research at universities is emphasized.

The general differential equations for the circuits of a homopolar inductor alternator are established. The system of equations is modified for the case of nonsymmetrical subtransient operation. The Runge-Kutta and Adams-Moulton methods are used to solve the system of differential equations with variable coefficients. The solution is obtained for different initial conditions. Several damper winding designs are analyzed. A step-by-step correction method in the time domain is used to improve the approximate initial value of the subtransient reactance. This method takes care of saturation, which changes greatly during a subtransient. The analysis of the most advantageous design of the axial damper winding located in the armature slots is given in this paper. All calculations were carried out for the same alternator as used in the companion paper [1].