Generator Head

R

RonL

New member
I would like to have a question answered if there are any electrical engineers on board.
The function of a generator as I understand and what has become an almost universal explanation of efficiency are a bit different.
I can give a brief overview of what I think, but only if someone is willing to discuss the details. This is a serious attempt to find out if my thoughts are in error.

Is there anyone that might have a strong background in this field, that will try to help me get things clear in my mind ?

Thanks
Ron
 
barnegatV20 said:
Electrician here, what's up?
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Thanks for stepping in,

In almost all cases I see people making the comment that generator efficiency is the same as motor efficiency, in most cases approximately 80%.
Construction being almost or identical and sometimes the same unit doing both jobs, it is hard to make a statement that comes across as correct.

As I understand it, the power turning the generator shaft is precisely the equal in wattage as to how much power can be drawn from the output terminals.

All power losses are in the prime mover as it overcomes the actions of the generator and then losses start on the output side in the conductors and continue through the motor or resistance work being performed (whatever that form might be).

If the prime mover is a fueled engine, the common rule is to multiply generator output by 1.34 in order to get the horsepower needed to supply proper power.

So with that said, would the power transferred across the generator be 100% instead of the 80% that seems to be what most think ?

Thanks I hope this is clear, or am I wrong ?

Ron
 
tsubaki said:
Out of curiosity, what are you contemplating?
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Hi tsubaki,
I'm always messing around with things started but usually unfinished, too many diy plans that have accumulated for a bunch of years.

The heat and skeeters have pretty much trapped me indoors, but I have a work in progress that involves compressed air/electric and battery storage.
Things look good so far.

Ron
 
there is loss in the gen itself if you feel the gen while running it will be hot and heat is lost energy. there are lots of variables in efficiency. i will try and find an old link that may help. From what i remember there gens were 98% eff. so you would have 2% loss across the generator but most gen are not that eff.
 
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chart said:
this is not the site i wanted but it may help. if i can find were i saved info from the ossa powerlight sight i will send it there info is easier to understand and in more depth than bentleys. http://www.bentley-marine.com/Technology.htm http://www.bentley-marine.com/AEPS.htm
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The Bentley site has some interesting products, I noticed a rating of 98% on the gear box and 96% on at least one of the motors.
The mention of a generator head 10" X 10" X 22" is the same size as mine.

You mentioned heat on the generator, now here is part of my mental blockage, If you consider bearing and air friction, they will produce some of that heat and the loss is not affecting the generator, it is accounted to the power that the prime mover provides.
The iron and copper losses are a product of motion induced by the prime mover, would they not fall into the same category as the bearings and air ?

Now the electric motor taking electric energy from some source is inducing it's own rotation, in this case the four sources of resistance are a loss that is taken out of the power delivered by the motor. This is to me what makes the 96% efficiency claimed by Bentley, a little bit suspect.:train:????:arrr:

Ron
 
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