A novel electromechanical approach to constant frequency power generation

An alternate design approach to the hydromechanical constant speed drive (CSD) used on aircraft to drive synchronous generators at constant speed has been evaluated. The alternative design replaces hydraulic devices with advanced technology permanent magnet (PM) motor/generators which rely on power semiconductors in the speed compensation link to produce a constant speed output to the synchronous generator. The feasibility study for the product, electrically compensated CSD (ECCSD), has been demonstrated. The ECCSD program demonstrates the basic axial gear differential CSD concept of passing the power and speed trimming functions through gearing, while at the same time efficiently accomplishing the closed-loop speed control function electromechanically with small, high-speed motors. The ECCSD configuration chosen for development uses a 50000 r/min PM generator and a 50,000 r/min motor. A thyristor-based AC-to-DC converter conditions the PM generator output. A transistor-based brushless DC-type motor drive is used with the PM motor. The hardware is described, and test results are presented