The discussion centers on the relationship between the force required to turn a generator and the current load it experiences. Participants explore concepts related to generator operation, load effects, and frequency regulation in power systems.
Participants generally agree that load affects the force required to turn a generator and that frequency regulation is complex. However, there are competing views on the specifics of how generators manage load and frequency, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.
Some assumptions about ideal generator behavior and the mechanisms of frequency regulation are not fully explored, leaving room for further clarification and discussion.
Yup, it does. The conservation of energy applies everywhere.Originally posted by philipc
Basically I’m wondering if it would take more force to turn a generator when there is a load, apposed to if there were zero load?
Also correct.Originally posted by philipc
chroot,
Thanks for the quick response,
So could it also be said the only forces on the generator without load(not including friction ect) would be from losses in the generator it self?
In other words an "Ideal" generator would spin indefinitely until there was a current load put on it?
Wow this Physics II stuff is making me go crazy!
Thanks again
Philip
I think you have it but its a little unclear. Frequency in ac motors/generators is a function of the physical design and rpms. So on the supply side, the rpms are controlled (very precisely as a matter of fact) to regulate the frequency. Its done electronically but I don't know exacly how. On the demand side, the motor always runs at its design rpm (unless it has a variable frequency drive). If you add load to the motor, the amperage will go up and the rpm will stay the same. Obviously, if you overload it, it will fail to maintain the rpm and the power output will drop radically (or you'll just burn out the motor). The supply side is a similar delicate balance as seen recently with cascade power failures in NY and Italy. One little blip can destabilize the whole grid and knock it off line if they are riding the edge of their capacity.Originally posted by turin
There are usually hundreds of generator that can be turned on and off. If the load reduces for a given number of generators, the frequency goes up. If the load increases frequency goes down. The frequency is used as an indicator to signal generators to turn on and off. Turning on more generators will increase the frequency. Turning off generators will decrease the frequency.