A helical armature is a form of air-gap electric motor or generatorarmature wound in a helical fashion as opposed to a conventional random or orthocyclic winding. Such a design is of interest in superconducting motor and generation technology,[1] though comparatively little research has been done on the subject. An important and remarkable feature of helical armature windings is that they have no end windings.[2] Moreover, as each conductor follows a helical path of constant pitch, helical windings are not easily divided into active and end regions.[1] An important downside, though, is that such armatures provide poor winding factors.[3]
Motors of helical armature design have a lower winding resistance, allowing the motor to run more efficiently, and giving it a longer lifespan.[2] Helical windings also provide low inertia and smooth torque for low-speed DC motors.[1] A disadvantage is that they have relatively low winding ratios.[3][2]
Use in generators
An advantage of helical armature windings in superconducting generators is that they have higher VA ratings, lower armature resistance, and lower synchronous reactance.[3] Future superconducting generators would benefit from a helical winding because due to the absence of active and end zone it can be supported uniformly, unlike a conventional winding. There is a <10% loss in motor flux though, but this would be compensated for by the various advantages in this design.[1]
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