Best Way to Combine High V Low I and Low V High I

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for combining two generator systems with differing voltage and current characteristics to achieve a hybrid-summed output. The focus is on the technical challenges and potential solutions for integrating a low-medium voltage, high current alternator with a high voltage, low current generator system. Participants explore various approaches, including rectification and the use of op-amps.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the need to combine two generator outputs, specifying one has low-medium voltage and high current, while the other has high voltage and low current.
  • Another participant questions the role of op-amps in this context, suggesting that if both generators are AC, rectification would convert them to DC, and the outputs would simply be added together.
  • A participant expresses confusion over the possibility of achieving a high voltage, high current output from the combination of a high voltage, low current source and a low voltage, high current source, stating that the current capability would be limited by the lower current source.
  • One suggestion involves using an inverter to step up the lower voltage to match the higher voltage supply, with a note on the potential use of diodes for isolation.
  • Another participant proposes using transformers immediately after each alternator, emphasizing that the primary voltage rating should match the alternator generation voltage and that the secondary voltage ratings should be equal for connection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of achieving a high voltage, high current output from the proposed combination of generators. There is no consensus on the best method to combine the outputs, and multiple competing approaches are discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the nature of the generator outputs (AC vs. DC) and the implications of combining them. The discussion highlights the complexity of integrating systems with differing electrical characteristics.

aeonova
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Hi All -

We've got two generator systems that need to be combined for a hybrid-summed output.
One is a standard alternator gen-set with low-medium V and high I... the other is a high V low I system...
The outputs can be rectified or otherwise altered. But the goal is to increase the overall output of the alternator system by said combination.
Combination of the two is the goal...

We've had trouble with op-amp solutions. Anyone with a suggestion or experience would be appreciated. And we're hiring ;)

Thanks all and Godspeed ;)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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aeonova said:
Hi All -

We've got two generator systems that need to be combined for a hybrid-summed output.Both AC?
One is a standard alternator gen-set with low-medium V and high I... the other is a high V low I system...
The outputs can be rectified or otherwise altered.What do you mean? But the goal is to increase the overall output of the alternator system by said combination.What do you mean? Increase the overall output of what?
Combination of the two is the goal...

We've had trouble with op-amp solutions. Anyone with a suggestion or experience would be appreciated. And we're hiring ;)

Thanks all and Godspeed ;)

How is op-amp come into the picture? You have two generator assume to be AC. Then you said it can be rectified. So it become DC and add together. The output is the addition of two DC voltages. So what is the op-amp for.

I have no idea what you are trying to ask.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hey Yungman -

Thanks for the reply... Sorry for being vague. I'm asking what's the best method of adding two generator outputs, let's say two DC gen outputs, very different voltage and current aspects.
Your input on this is valuable... simply... take two DC electric outputs... one has high voltage and low current... one is high voltage and low current.. what's the best method of combining the two for an overall summed high V high I output?

Thanks again...
 
Toss the op-amps and AC... DC just makes it easier..
 
I don't think you can get high V and high I from one that is high V and low I with one that is low V and high I!

That is my big confusion. You only can sum the two voltage, but the current capability is equal to the low current one. The low current is the gating one.

Am I missing something?

Eg. If you put a 1000V 1mA supply in series with a 5V 1A supply. You get 1005V, but you can only draw 1mA. You draw over that, you either burn the 1000V supply or the voltage will collapse.

Op-amp is not going to help in any sense.
 
Last edited:
Have you considered building an inverter to step up the lower voltage to the same voltage as the higher voltage supply? You may want to consider isolating the supplies with forward biased diodes but they may not be necessary.
 
Use Transformers Immediately after each Alternator. The Primary Voltage Rating of the Transformers should equal the Alternator Generation Voltage. Their Capacity (KVA) should match the Alternator Capacity.
Secondary Voltage rating of both transformer should be equal, so that they can be connected together.
 

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