Investigation of the Efficiency of Using Non-Conductive Composite Brushes for Cleaning Collectors and Current-Removing Rings of Electric Machines

The article explores the possibility of effective maintenance of the sliding current collector unit (CCU) of electric machines (EM) by facilitating repair and preventive measures to prepare for operation of current collector rings and collectors. The authors propose to use non-conductive composite brushes based on talc powder to clean collectors and current-removing rings after routine operation or in case of technological deposits (“deposits”, inorganic and organic pollutants, etc.) from “improper” switching (increased spark level, circular fire, etc.). These brushes can be inserted into the socket of a free brush holder or fastened to a used standard brush in the form of a tip, followed by starting the engine (generator) at idle. The effectiveness of the measure was assessed visually and by the magnitude of the transient resistance of the sliding track. The effectiveness of this technique is shown on the copper collector MSHV2.230, the bronze collector of the generator GS-12TOK and the steel ring of the voltage converter PO-250 when installing these brushes on the sliding tracks brush-collector, brushring. The developed brushes are inexpensive to manufacture, have a high resource capacity and can act as an alternative to mass-produced grinding bars and stones. The authors have received priority for this type of product. To involve the development in the industry, the help of interested industrial partners is required.