Alternator run at zero power factor lagging

AI Thread Summary
An alternator cannot operate at zero power factor lagging purely inductively due to inherent losses and resistance in the stator winding. Shorting the leads may increase reactance, but achieving a phase shift beyond 45° is challenging. The user is measuring voltage and current phase angles using an oscilloscope and a 14 gauge wire, but increasing excitation current has not yielded the desired results. The discussion highlights the limitations of passive components in achieving a purely inductive state. Ultimately, achieving a zero power factor lagging operation in an alternator is likely impractical.
electricalguy
Gold Member
Messages
20
Reaction score
2
Hello, I'm wondering if it's possible to make an alternator run at zero power factor lagging (purely inductive). I was researching this topic and apparently by shorting the leads of the alternator the output will become fully reactive. Yet I've attempted this on a small scale and the most I can get the phase between voltage and current to shift is 45°. I've increased the excitation current without a change in the phase angle. Is there something I'm missing? Is there a way I can make the alternator run purely inductive? I understand lagging power factor is demagnetizing, leading power factor is magnetizing and unity power factor is cross magnetized. Is the issues with the resistance of the stator winding?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
In reality - I doubt this is possible with passive components as there will always be real losses.

If you are shorting the output - how are you measuring the voltage in taking the PF?
 
I'm using an oscilliscope to take measurements of the line voltage and the phase current. I used a 14 gauge wire to connect the phases together. I measure the current waveform across the 14 gauge wire. I measure the difference in time between the voltage and current waveforms in milliseconds, then divide by one AC cycle in milliseconds, then multiple by 360 and this gives me the phase angle between the two in degrees.
 
I have recently moved into a new (rather ancient) house and had a few trips of my Residual Current breaker. I dug out my old Socket tester which tell me the three pins are correct. But then the Red warning light tells me my socket(s) fail the loop test. I never had this before but my last house had an overhead supply with no Earth from the company. The tester said "get this checked" and the man said the (high but not ridiculous) earth resistance was acceptable. I stuck a new copper earth...
Thread 'Electromagnet magnetic field issue'
Hi Guys We are a bunch a mechanical engineers trying to build a simple electromagnet. Our design is based on a very similar magnet. However, our version is about 10 times less magnetic and we are wondering why. Our coil has exactly same length, same number of layers and turns. What is possibly wrong? PIN and bracket are made of iron and are in electrical contact, exactly like the reference design. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks. edit: even same wire diameter and coil was wounded by a...
Thread 'Beauty of old electrical and measuring things, etc.'
Even as a kid, I saw beauty in old devices. That made me want to understand how they worked. I had lots of old things that I keep and now reviving. Old things need to work to see the beauty. Here's what I've done so far. Two views of the gadgets shelves and my small work space: Here's a close up look at the meters, gauges and other measuring things: This is what I think of as surface-mount electrical components and wiring. The components are very old and shows how...
Back
Top