Browsing by Author "Smith, Wayne Anthony"

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    Commissioning a 400 Hz rotary inverter
    (2009) Smith, Wayne Anthony; Inggs, Michael
    This dissertation covers the commissioning and testing of an aircraft's constant frequency alternator as the power supply for the Blue Parrot radar. The Blue Parrot is an X-band radar which forms part of the navigation and weapon-aiming system onboard the Buccaneer S-50 SAAF aircraft. The radar set uses a source of three-phase power at 400 Hz, which the constant frequency alternator can supply with the aid of certain auxiliary systems. The auxiliary systems include a prime mover, blower fan and a telemetering system. The prime mover has high starting currents which were reduced significantly by the use of a soft-starter. During testing, the constant frequency alternator started overheating and a blower fan was selected based on its thermal requirements. Significant cooling of the constant frequency alternator's case temperature was achieved by the use of a blower fan and shroud. The generator control unit monitors and regulates all parameters on the unit except for case temperature and blower fan pressure. A telemetering system was designed and built to monitor and display these parameters.