Converting Generator Frequencies to Supply 60Hz and 50Hz Power (1) Changing Engine Speed to Vary Output Frequency Present-day generators consist of an engine directly connected to an alternator to produce electricity. One of the most common ways of changing the output frequency of a generator is to change the rotation speed of the engine. The two factors are related as per the following formula – Generator Frequency (f) = Number of revolutions per minute of the engine (N) * Number of magnetic poles (P) / 120 Conversely, P = 120*f/N As per the above formulae, a 2-pole generator producing an output frequency of 60 Hz has an engine speed of 3,600 rpm. To change the output frequency to 60 Hz for the same generator configuration, the engine speed needs to be reduced to 3,000 rpm. Similarly, for a 4-pole generator, an engine speed of 1,800 rpm produces output of 60 Hz. Reducing the engine speed to 1,500 rpm yields an output of 50 Hz. In the case of small or residential generators, you can alter the engine rpm settings by making a few changes on the control panel of your unit. Follow the steps given below to alter your generator frequency from 60 Hz to 50 Hz: (a) Run your generator engine and tune the frequency meter on your control panel to read 50 Hz. (b) Check the AC voltmeter or potentiometer as the case may be and read the voltage output of the generator. The output voltage decreases as you reduce the frequency and may be lower than the desired value. (c) Adjust the AC voltmeter or potentiometer on your control panel till you obtain the desired output voltage at 50 Hz. (d) By making similar modifications on the control panel, you can increase the frequency from 50 Hz to 60 Hz. (e) If the control panel does not display the frequency, you will need to first connect a device that will measure the frequency while the generator is in operation and then change the engine rpm. Generator controller units undertake real-time monitoring and control of your unit. Built-in protective functions automatically shut down your generator in the case of excess engine rpm or very low output frequency. For addtional information on the functionality of a generator please read the following article,
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 12:24:40 +0000
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