Variable Speed Constant Frequency Electrical Generating System with Integrated Gearbox for Low Speed Pad Retrofit Application

The proposed Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of using a modern Variable Speed Constant Frequency (VSCF) system mounted on a low speed engine gearbox pad, using an innovative integral gearbox-generator concept. This concept is valid for both the Switched Reluctance generator or Synchronous generator based VSCF system. In the Phase I part of the program, a concept of an integrated gearbox-generator for a 40 KVA VSCF system will be studied and its specific weight, size and other performance parameters will be established. A detailed hardware and test plan will also be developed for the follow-on Phase II of the program. A specific application of this technology to aircraft such as F-16, A-10 or KC-135 or More Electric Aircraft program will be targeted for the second phase of the program. The concept developed here will have direct applicability to a number or operational military aircraft where less reliable and higher life cycle cost hydromechanical transmission based electrical generating systems are being used today. This work is also applicable to the More Electric Aircraft initiative.