Homopolar dynamoelectric machine with externally actuated brushes

摘要

A homopolar dynamoelectric machine is provided with a stator structure having an interior surface defining an internal space for receiving a generally cylindrical rotor which is mounted for rotation with respect to the stator structure. A plurality of brush assemblies are positioned between the stator interior surface and an exterior surface of the rotor and are capable of making sliding electrical contact with the rotor exterior surface. Each of the brush assemblies is connected by way of a brush drive rod to a brush actuator which is positioned on an external surface of the stator structure, to control radial displacement of the brushes. By mounting the brush actuators on an external stator surface, a reduction in stator size and weight is achieved.