Amplidyne
An amplidyne is an obsolete
How an amplidyne works
An amplidyne comprises an
The amplidyne's frequency response is limited to low frequencies, it cannot even handle audio frequencies, so its use is limited to amplifying low frequency control signals in industrial processes.
Historically, amplidynes were one of the first amplifiers to generate very high power (tens of kilowatts), allowing precise
Amplidynes are now obsolete technology, replaced by modern
Use in gun mount control systems
The amplidyne was first used in the US Navy in servo systems to control the electric motors rotating naval gun mounts, to aim the gun at a target. The system (diagram right) is a
- a synchro control transformer;
- an amplifier;
- the amplidyne motor-generator, which is similar to a Ward Leonard control drive;
- and the follow-up DC motor which drives the load to be positioned.
Chapter 10 of the
- "The synchro control transformer receives the order signal which indicates electrically what the position of the load should be. The rotor of the synchro control transformer is turned by the response shaft, which is geared to the load and so indicates what the position of the load actually is. The synchro compares the actual load position with the ordered position; and, if the two do not agree, it generates an alternating-current signal which is transmitted to the amplifier. The angular difference between the two positions is called the error, and the signal to the amplifier is the error signal. The error signal indicates by its electrical characteristics the size and direction of the error. If no error exists, the system is said to be in correspondence and the error signal is zero."[2]
Specifically, the phase of the control transformer's output (in phase with the synchro power source, or opposite phase) provided the polarity of the error signal. A phase-sensitive demodulator, with the synchro AC power as its reference, created the DC error signal of the required polarity.
Applications
Amplidynes were initially used for electric elevators and to point
Used to remotely operate the
Alternating current linear induction pump for secondary sodium in
See also
- Brushed DC electric motor
- Harry Ward Leonard
- Magnetic amplifier
- Metadyne
- Motor-generator
References
- ^ "Amplidyne - Working and Application | A Complete Guide". StudyElectrical.Com. 2019-09-15. Retrieved 2019-10-03.
- ^ a b Naval Ordnance and Gunnery, Volume 1, 1957, U.S. Navy Manual, Chapter 10.
- ^ G. J. Thaler and M. L. Wilcox, Electric Machines, Wiley, New York, 1966, pp. 135-149.
- ^ Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II): An Integrated Experimental Fast Reactor Nuclear Power Station, Leonard J. Koch, American Nuclear Society (2008) ISBN 978-0-89448-042-1