WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- AFRL researchers completed an experimental no-load test of a 2.5 MW electrodynamic generator. Weighing in at just 360 lbs, the small but power-dense unit emerged as part of a Small Business Innovation Research effort by Electrodynamics Associates to develop a generator meeting directed energy weaponry's unique requirements, which include high power and relatively low duty cycle. During the effort, conducted at AFRL's Energy, Power, and Thermal Division test facilities, the generator spun close to its rated speed of 15,000 rpm, achieving 14,200 rpm. For enhanced characterization purposes, researchers then verified the generator at 14,200 rpm by exposing it to short circuit (2330 A) and open circuit (584 V) conditions to established saturation limits.

Future improvements to this generator technology will focus on minimizing friction losses caused by internal oil churning, replacing the unit's rotating silicon diodes with silicon carbide diodes, and performing additional experimental testing--this time at full load power. Experts anticipate that generators of this type will provide an extremely small and lightweight source of electrical power for future airborne directed energy weapon systems.