Insights & cases: Product & Innovation

Optimus V-Type – Engineered Balance for Reliable Generator Performance

At Carbex, we have developed the Optimus V-Type as an in-house carbon brush holder designed to fit most common generators on the market. The design is focused on achieving consistent performance while minimizing brush wear and maintenance requirements.

The Optimus V-Type is based on a design that ensures controlled and uniform force across all brushes within a phase. This is achieved through a shared main spring combined with a constant 90° angle to the slip ring.

Maintaining this angle is essential for controlling the interaction between the brush and the slip ring. It also allows adjustment of the pressure finger angle, making it possible to compensate for both spring characteristics and changes in brush weight over time. The constant angle also supports even current distribution and contributes to reduced brush wear.

Together, these elements create a stable mechanical foundation that supports consistent operation throughout the brush lifecycle.

To maintain reliable contact conditions, the V-Type incorporates a pressure plate that distributes force evenly across the brushes. This improves contact stability, reduces localized stress, and helps maintain uniform electrical contact.

The design also prevents internal conductors from reaching the slip ring when brushes are worn down, protecting critical components from unintended damage.

Carbon brushes are not fully homogeneous components. They are manufactured with a defined density, which naturally leads to small variations between individual brushes.

The Optimus V-Type addresses this through individual compensation springs for each brush. These ensure that each brush maintains appropriate contact pressure regardless of minor material differences. As a result, the system achieves a more controlled and uniform wear pattern across all brushes.

Beyond performance, the V-Type is developed with real-world operation in mind. Its compact design and reduced weight make it easy to integrate into existing systems, even in space-constrained environments.

Key operational benefits include:

  • Lower maintenance requirements through controlled wear behavior
  • Integrated mechanical wear stop for increased reliability
  • Improved accessibility for inspection and servicing

These features enable longer service intervals, simplify maintenance planning, and help reduce downtime.

The Optimus V-Type is a purpose-built solution for improving generator reliability and operational efficiency. By combining controlled mechanical design with practical usability, it enables:

  • Longer service life for carbon brushes
  • Stable and predictable operation
  • Reduced maintenance effort and cost

For operators looking to improve reliability while maintaining efficiency, the Optimus V-Type represents a robust and space-efficient upgrade tailored to modern generator requirements.

To further support operation and maintenance, Carbex offers dedicated accessories for the V-Type system:

  • A brush wear sensor that emits a signal when it is time to replace the carbon brushes
  • A sensor for external fan control, designed to maintain an optimal operating temperature of approximately 80°C

These accessories provide operators with better control over both maintenance timing and operating conditions.

Facts

Balanced spring system

A shared main spring ensures equal pressure across all brushes in the same phase.

Constant 90° contact angle

Delivers even current distribution and up to 25% reduced brush wear.

Individual compensation springs

Compensates for material variations to ensure uniform brush wear.

Integrated pressure plate

Distributes force evenly and improves contact stability.

Reduced maintenance

Even wear and stable operation enable longer service intervals.

Want to know more?

John Sköld

SALES SUPPORT & TECHNICAL ADVISOR

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