High-intensity discharge lighting system and alternator power supply

A high intensity lighting system, comprising a plurality of high intensity discharge lamps electrically connected to a polyphase alternator and a prime mover mechanically connected to said alternator, wherein said alternator comprises:

• (a) at least one stator assembly comprising:
• a stator core comprising a plurality of tooth sections extending from a backiron section;
• and a plurality of stator phase windings, each winding comprising a plurality of connected coils, each coil encircling one of said tooth sections;
• (b) at least one rotor assembly supported for rotation about an axis and including a plurality of poles, said rotor assembly being arranged and disposed for magnetic interaction with said at least one stator assembly;
• and
• (c) wherein said alternator has an inherent impedance characteristic for limiting the current to said lamps and for maintaining lamp operation without any separate impedance.

A method for setting the inductance of an electrical machine comprising:

• (a) at least one stator assembly comprising:
• a stator core comprising a plurality of tooth sections extending from a backiron section and terminating in a free end opposite said backiron section;
• and at least one stator phase winding comprising a plurality of connected coils, each coil encircling one of said tooth sections and being disposed over a portion of that tooth section to a point of separation from said free end;
• (b) at least one rotor assembly supported for rotation about an axis and including a plurality of poles, said rotor assembly being arranged and disposed for magnetic interaction with said at least one stator assembly,
• the method comprising selecting said point of separation such that said separation is sufficient to provide said machine with a preselected inductance.

A polyphase alternator, comprising:

• (a) at least one stator assembly comprising:
• a stator core comprising a plurality of tooth sections extending from a backiron section;
• and a plurality of stator phase windings, each phase winding comprising a plurality of connected coils, each coil encircling one of said tooth sections;
• (b) at least one rotor assembly supported for rotation about an axis and including a plurality of poles, said rotor assembly being arranged and disposed for magnetic interaction with said at least one stator assembly;
• and
• (c) wherein said tooth sections of said stator core consist of pairs of circumferentially adjacent teeth, an equal number of said pairs being associated with each of said phases of said alternator, and said coils encircling said respective teeth of each pair being wound in opposite sense and connected in series.

A method for illuminating a remote location, comprising:

• (a) providing a polyphase alternator and a prime mover mechanically connected thereto, said alternator comprising:
• (i) at least one stator assembly comprising:
• a stator core comprising a plurality of tooth sections extending from a backiron section;
• and a plurality of stator phase windings, each phase winding comprising a plurality of connected coils, each coil encircling one of said tooth sections;
• (ii) at least one rotor assembly supported for rotation about an axis and including a plurality of poles, said rotor assembly being arranged and disposed for magnetic interaction with said at least one stator assembly;
• and
• (iii) wherein said tooth sections of said stator core consist of pairs of circumferentially adjacent teeth, an equal number of said pairs being associated with each of said phases of said alternator, and said coils encircling said respective teeth of each pair being wound in opposite sense and connected in series;
• (b) providing a plurality of high intensity discharge lamps;
• (c) electrically energizing said plurality of high intensity discharge lamps with said alternator, one of said lamps being connected to each phase of said alternator.

A method for constructing a polyphase alternator, comprising:

• (a) providing at least one stator assembly comprising:
• a stator core comprising a plurality of tooth sections extending from a backiron section;
• and a plurality of stator phase windings, each phase winding comprising a plurality of connected coils, each coil encircling one of said tooth sections, wherein said tooth sections of said stator core consist of pairs of circumferentially adjacent teeth, an equal number of said pairs being associated with each of said phases of said alternator, and said coils encircling said respective teeth of each pair being wound in opposite sense and connected in series;
• and
• (b) providing at least one rotor assembly supported for rotation about an axis and including a plurality of poles, said rotor assembly being arranged and disposed for magnetic interaction with said at least one stator assembly.