Multiple electric generators on the same drive shaft

[Questioneverything]

What are the pros and cons of having multiple generators on a common drive shaft?
As the torque on the drive shaft varies, is it more effective / efficient to switch on and control individual generators to match the shaft torque or to have a large single generator and vary the load to match the shaft torque ?

 

[Baluncore]

Welcome to PF.
That will depend on the source and variation of shaft power.
One single unit is easier to control, with one control circuit.
Three separate generators would give redundancy in the case of a failure.

 

[Rive]

There are exceptions, but usually to control a single generator is simpler than to sync between independent control circuits.

 

[Questioneverything]

Hi, Thanks for your reply and comments.