Yes David I can describe it, then tell us if it will fit your plans.
Assume an 8 KW generator/load.
Build some resistor banks from nichrome heating elements. say 1 KW, 1 KW, 2 KW, and 4 KW. Arrange these to be switch connected.
Now add an auto transformer and load of about 2 KW. On single phase,this will generate the same heat and take the same generator capacity as a 3 KW three phase load. Pre-set the base load and fine tune it by adding load with the auto-transformer.
I see a problem here and a possible solution. Many electrical and quite a few mechanical breaking schemes are speed dependent. As the speed drops, the generated voltage will drop and the dissipated energy will drop be a square factor.
As an example, we want to look at the performance of a motor at 10,000 RPM and 28,000 RPM
Calculate the resistance needed to load the motor at 28,000 RPM and set up a resistor bank and auto-transformer setting combination that will match power output at 28,000 rpm.
Do the same for 10,000 RPM, but subtract the amount of resistance in place for 28,000 RPM.
Now, with the motor running and loaded at 28,000 RPM, switch in the resistance block for 10,000 RPM. This will create an overload condition which will slow the motor until the speed and load stabilize at around 10,000 RPM.
Switch out the added resistance and the motor can be expected to accelerate to 28,000 RPM.
You may use an auto-transformer for each speed, or if time constraints permit, use the auto-transformer to determine the resistance required and make a fixed resistance for that setting. Ni-chrome elements are easy to to connect and tap.
Of course this may end up pricing above controllers, but if you don't do the numbers you don't know.
If it fits your plans and you are testing a group of similar motors, consider a fixed setting and reporting both HP and speed.
One motor may be reported at 6 HP at 28,000 RPM and the next motor reported at 6.3 HP at 30,000 RPM
Stated another way, you may set the test for a given HP at a given RPM and then see if the motor under test meets or exceeds the test points.
Reporting both over HP and over speed may be a more accurate description of the motors expected performance, or maybe not. You tell me. grin
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter