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 co-linear 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, which in a preferred embodiment is disc shaped, located at least one of the four electrical connections and comprises at least one of the electrical connections. Furthermore, a magnetic flux path mechanically associated with the orbiting shaft intersects the armature. In operation, the orbiting shaft moves around the two stationary shafts. This motion causes relative rotational movement between the magnetic flux path and the armatures thereby creating an electrical potential across the armatures. Because the armature is located in one of the electrical connection points and comprises an electrical connection, any electrical energy generated by the armature can be removed from the two stationary shafts. Therefore, any electrical energy generated by the machine can be removed without the need for brushes. In a further embodiment, four armatures, each of the four comprising one electrical connection, generate electrical energy in series.