alternator output characteristics at various loadings

[elliott87]

I am working on characterizing a wind turbine's alternator, specifically at lower rpms. I have the output voltage characteristics for the alternator for full load and no load conditions (see link), but I am looking to find out the output voltage for conditions between no load and full load (ie. 10% load, 20% load, etc.). Does anyone know what the diagram is likely to look like at lower rpm's for these loading conditions? Also does any one know of any methods that have been used to characterize alternators, other than using a dyno?

http://files.engineering.com/getfil...fff-4b6e-b5fa-c1834365cbe4&file=alt_stats.bmp

Thanks,

elliott87

 

[edison123]

The output voltage stays the same from no-load to full load and every other load in between.

 

[itsmoked]

The output voltage and power are just a family of curves laid out between the no-load and rated current lines on the graph. You can interpolate between them at any particular rpm.

The top chart shows the impact of rpm. I don't understand your question in that regard.

How would you use a dyno? This is a generator it's not a motor. You want to know what a generator is doing you use a resistive load, a voltmeter, an ammeter, and a calculator or wattmeter.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[elliott87]

Thanks itsmoked, the family of curves makes sense but would the family of curves between the no load and rated current conditions cut off at 175 rpm like the rated current lines or would they just be linear to the origin like the no load lines?

 

[itsmoked]

It would probably be quasi linear down to there but you would actually have to check. It could drop to zero before zero rpm. Chances are the maker didn't bother testing down there and so doesn't want to guess about it and get bugged by a user down the road.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com