Force Needed to Turn Generator at Maximum Output

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the amount of radial force required to keep a 10,000W generator turning at maximum output, particularly when using a pulley system. Participants explore the relationship between power, force, torque, and generator design, with a focus on theoretical calculations and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the need for radial force to keep a generator turning, suggesting that energy is a product of force and distance.
  • Another participant states that when a generator has a load, it becomes more difficult to turn, asking for the force required to maintain 10,000W output with a specific drive wheel radius.
  • A participant mentions that it is possible to turn the generator at different speeds with varying forces, indicating that the required force depends on the generator's design and operational parameters.
  • There is a reference to the relationship between power, RPM, and torque, with an assumption of perfect mechanical to electrical conversion.
  • One participant introduces the concept of efficiency, questioning how it affects the motive force needed for the desired power output.
  • Another participant challenges the clarity of the power-torque relationship, suggesting that the formula is often misrepresented in non-standard units.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and calculation of radial force, with no consensus reached on the exact force required or the best approach to calculate it.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on various assumptions regarding efficiency, generator design, and the relationship between mechanical and electrical power, which may not be universally applicable.

Giesick
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Hi I was hoping someone could tell me the approx. amount of radial force needed to keep a 10000W generator turning while producing maximum output if there is a 1ft pulley connected to it that does the turning.
Thanks
 
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There shouldn't be any radial force to keep a generator turning.

Energy is force * distance, and power is energy/time.
So if you have a 1 metre radius drive wheel on the turbine and a force of 1 Newton at the edge pushing it around then the energy for each turn will be 2*pi*1 = 6.3 Joules, if you turn it once/second you will get 6.3Watts.
 
When generator has a load on it, it becomes more difficult to turn. So how many N do you need to turn it while it produces 10000W if the drive wheel is 0.3m?
 
I could turn it at one rpm with 10,000N or at 60Hz with 2.8N
Depends on the generator - normally they are designed for a particular speed which depends on the electricty frequency, the number of phases and the generator design.
 
Assuming perfect conversion of mechanical to electrical work, power=rpm*torque. You should be able to take it from there.
 
So if there are 746 watts/horsepower for turning it and the generator frame is 78% efficient. What would the motive force be for my 10,000 watt goal.
 
C'mon, make an attempt to calculate it with the formula given! This site is for learning, not spoon feeding!
 
Power = rpm * torque only in some amazingly bastardized units!

Power = omega * T = (2*pi*rpm/60) * Torque

in more conventional SI units.
 

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