Re: AC line generator (60 hz) characteristics

From: john jardine (john_at_jjdesigns.fsnet.co.uk)
Date: 10/02/04 

Date: Sat, 2 Oct 2004 05:03:40 -0700

"ge" <e_c_l_e_s@a-znet.com> wrote in message
news:ij4sl0p9k2nu60od5hr1gs01g7cs56qk5g@4ax.com...
> We have a customer who's trying to run some of our uP-based equipment
> on a 15KW gas-driven generator. Things are not going well. (Like,
> our box won't boot. Oops.) We're still trying to get information
> from him, and we're going to get a generator here, etc. But, there's
> the big rush; so, in the meantime, I thought I'd enquire here.
>
> The generator in question is "a step above consumer-grade." We know
> the frequency is not dead-on 60 hz, but we don't think that should
> create the problems they're seeing. Transients might, depending on
> their characteristics - particularly at the zero-crossing point.
>
> If anyone wanted to share their experience with the output quality of
> these things, I'd appreciate it.
>
> TIA,
> George

Assume output voltage will only be nominal and related to engine speed.
Assume output frequency anywhere from -10% to +40%. Assume waveshape will
have only only a passing resemblance to a sine wave. Assume third harmonics
will be present along with higher frequency components (eg 360Hz) that can
ride on the main waveform and upto 10%-20% of the output voltage. Depending
on generator quality, assume a non-linear series output inductance of up to
50mH. Bear in mind that generators have limited power capabilities and poor
power factors that can be tolerated when using a normal mains supply can
cause problems when a generator is used.
I.e just assume that the generated power is guaranteed to be of a crap
quality and design accordingly :-).

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