• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.93-114
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• 2011

The current status of Canadian research on rotor-based actively controlled technologies for helicopters is reviewed in this paper. First, worldwide research in this field is overviewed to put Canadian research into context. Then, the unique hybrid control concept of Carleton University is described, along with its key element, the "stiffness control" concept. Next, the smart hybrid active rotor control system (SHARCS) projected's history and organization is presented, which aims to demonstrate the hybrid control concept in a wind tunnel test campaign. To support the activities of SHARCS, unique computational tools, novel experimental facilities and new know-how had to be developed in Canada, among them the state-of-the-art Carleton Whirl Tower facility or the ability to design and manufacture aeroelastically scaled helicopter rotors for wind tunnel testing. In the second half of the paper, details are provided on the current status of development on the three subsystems of SHARCS, i.e. that of the actively controlled tip, the actively controlled flap and the unique stiffness-control device, the active pitch link.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.139-150
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• 2018

A variable electromotive-force generator (VEG), which is a modified generator with an adjustable overlap between the rotor and the stator, is proposed to expand the operational range of a regular generator through a simple and robust active control strategy. It has a broad range of applications in hybrid vehicles, wind turbines, water turbines, and similar technologies. A mathematical model of the VEG is developed, and a novel prototype is designed and fabricated. The performance of the VEG with an active control system, which adjusts the overlap ratio based on the desired output power at different rotor speeds for a specific application, is theoretically and experimentally studied. The results show that reducing the overlap between the rotor and the stator of the generator results in reduced torque loss of the generator and an increased rotational speed of the generator rotor. A VEG can improve the fuel efficiency of hybrid vehicles; it can also expand operational ranges of wind turbines and water turbines and harness more power.

• Transactions of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering
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• v.11 no.8
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• pp.338-348
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• 2001

A hybrid self-hearing motor, which Is a functional combination of general permanent magnet (PM) motor and hybrid active magnetic bearing(AMB), was proposed a few years ago. In this paper the hybrid self-bearing motor is modified to a disk type, in which one of two magnetic hearings was substituted for a thin yoke to make the system more compact. An outer rotors in this self-hearing motor is actively controlled only in two radial directions while the ocher motions are passively salable owing to the disk-type structure. Main advantages of the proposed self-hearing motor are simple control mechanism, low power consumption and smart structure. Mathematical model for the magnetic force Is built wish consideration of the radial displacement of the rotor. The model helps us not only to design a levitation controller but also to expect the system performance. Some experimental results show good capability and feasibility of the Proposed self-bearing motor.