The design of equalizer windings for lap-wound DC machines

The design of equalizer windings for DC machines is generally of an empirical nature. This paper presents an analytical technique for the design of equalizer windings. Use is made of a modern computer-aided analysis and design tool called finite-element analysis and machine circuit theory. The analysis is limited to simplex lap-wound DC machines, but should equally well apply to multiplex windings. The technique was successfully applied to a 4.1 MW DC generator. The generator's equalizer windings burned out, after the machine was rebuilt due to a mechanical failure.