Mechanical design of a compensated pulsed alternator prototype

A prototype of a compensated pulsed alternator (compulsator) is presently under construction at the Center for Electromechanics (CEM) of The University of Texas at Austin. The unique machine configuration and peak output current (150 kA) generate large forces not typically seen by conventional rotating machines. The rotor is made of 2913 laminations shrink fitted on a vertical shaft. Since the rotor has an L/D of 3.2 and a maximum speed of 5400 rpm, these insulated laminations are clamped on the ends with large Belleville washers to increase the effective stiffness. The stator is mounted on a torque frame which allows it to rotate during discharge to reduce the forces transmitted to ground. The mechanical considerations and design of this machine are presented