DIRECT CURRENT HOMOPOLAR MACHINE

This invention relates to a homopolar machine. The homopolar machine can be used as a generator or a motor. In one embodiment, the homopolar machine has a conductive shaft which orbits around two stationary conductive shafts. There are four electrical connection means, two located on the orbiting shaft and one located on each of the stationary shafts. Each of the two electrical connections on the stationary shafts are connected to an electrical connection on the orbiting shaft. In this way, the three shafts are electrically connected. There is also an armature means, which in a preferred embodiment is disc shaped, located at at least one of the four electrical connections and comprising at least one of the electrical connection means. furthermore, a magnetic flux path mechanically associated with the orbiting shaft intersects at least one of the armature means. In operation, the orbiting shaft moves around the two stationary shafts. This motion causes relative rotational movement between the magnetic flux path and the armature means thereby creating an electrical potential across the armature means. Because the armature means is located in one of the electrical connection points and comprises an electrical connection means, any electrical energy generated by the armature means can be removed from the two stationary shaft means. Therefore, any electrical energy generated by the machine can be removed without the need for brushes. In a further embodiment, four armature means, each of the four comprising one electrical connection means, generate electrical energy in series.