Advanced current collection research

This program is for the research and development of advanced, solid-brush current collection systems for application to innovative electrical machinery. The objectives of the program are to increase the useful lifetime, reduce the sliding contact losses and increase the operating current density of solid brushes operating to transfer current between moving portions of electrical machines. The advances in current collector performance can be utilized to satisfy the requirements for electrical machines of high power density. The report covers the first year of work, during which time a spectrum of brush and slip ring materials were characterized and promising candidate materials selected for in-depth testing. Two, high-speed test rigs were commissioned to extend the brush performance range to anticipated machine speeds. The fundamental aspects of the sliding interface were investigated, and directions of future research established. Fiber brushes were developed and tested to examine the potential of this promising concept.