POWER GENERATOR SYSTEM HAVING DIODE SUPPORT AND RUPTURE CONTAINMENT DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

摘要

A power generator system (10) is provided having a power generator (15) and an exciter (20) for excitation of the power generator (15). The exciter (20) preferably includes a diode wheel (30). The diode wheel (30) has an a rotating support structure (31), a plurality of diodes (35) mounted to the rotating support structure (31), and a plurality of a diode support and rupture containment devices (40) each positioned adjacent a respective one of the plurality of diodes (35) to support the diode (35) and contain the diode (35) within the confines thereof in the event the diode ruptures. Each of the diode support and rupture containment devices (40) preferably includes a pair of spaced-apart containment members (42, 47) having the diode (35) positioned therebetween. Each of the containment members (42, 47) is preferably formed of an insulating material and has a substantially annular shape to thereby define an insulative disc. A method of containing material ejected from a diode (35) of a power generation system (10) is also provided.