Liquid Metal Brush Contacts

We propose to develop liquid metal current collectors for Navy homopolar ship drives. Our concept utilizes a collector leaf (of finger brush) to deliver a film of liquid metal to the slipring surface. The proposed system has active collector actuation which helps maintain a stable film through improved slipring tracking. Our collector concept is aimed at improving serviceability while maintaining electrical performance. Multiple collector modules mounted to the return conductor form a collector ring. Each module consists of three parts; a manifold, a collector leaves assembly, and a guide block. Collector maintenance (if required) will involve only the replacement of the collector leaves assembly. Our Phase I effort will result in concept level drawings of the liquid metal current collector system needed for Navy homopolar ship drives. We will develop the tools needed to make knowledgeable design decisions. We will use these tools to perform a concept design of the ship drive collectors. In Phase II, we will continue collector development through testing at IAP Research, Inc. and the David Taylor Research Center.