A DC Transformer, Year 1

The goal of the project was to demonstrate a true direct current (DC) transformer, a new electro-mechanical component with potentially high power applications; in other words, an elementary device that could convert DC voltage/current directly to a different DC voltage/current. Alternating current (AC) transformers achieve this conversion for AC voltages/currents through the use of coils, ferrous cores, and an application of the Faraday Induction Law, where time varying magnetic fields are created by and then create alternating voltages in a coil. During the period of this project three different possible DC transformer concepts were proposed, theoretically modeled, and then experimentally tested with the intent of demonstrating a true dc transformer; i.e. an electrical device into which a given DC voltage and current can be applied and which will generate a different voltage and current, effectively changing the impedance of a power supply. A component level DC transformer is described in which no alternating currents or voltages are present. It operates by combining features of a homopolar motor and a homopolar generator, both DC devices, such that the output voltage of a DC power supply can be stepped up (or down) with a corresponding step down (or up) in current. Based on demonstrated technology, this DC transformer should be scalable to low megawatt levels, but it is more suited to high current than high voltage applications. Significant development would be required before it could achieve the kilovolt levels needed for DC power transmission. More »