Power output of a theoretical generator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the power output of a theoretical generator, focusing on how to calculate voltage and current when those values are not directly measurable. Participants explore various equations and concepts related to generator operation, efficiency, and design considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for equations to calculate power output, specifically in word form, indicating a lack of understanding of symbols.
  • Another participant states that power output can be expressed as "Power equals Voltage times Amperes," but questions whether the inquiry is about maximum power output.
  • There is a discussion about the reality of voltage and current, with one participant expressing confusion over why these values might not be considered real.
  • A participant mentions that voltage is related to the rate of change of a magnetic field in the presence of a conductor.
  • Another participant emphasizes that current depends on the load rather than the generator itself, noting that zero load results in zero current.
  • Basic electrical equations like Ohm's law and the definition of electrical power are referenced, with a request for confirmation of the original poster's comfort with these concepts.
  • One participant provides a practical example, stating that 1 Horsepower is approximately 746 Watts and discussing generator efficiency.
  • Another participant explains that output voltage is influenced by generator design factors such as winding turns, flux density, and RPM, while current drawn is dependent on the load connected.
  • A later reply suggests calculating the back EMF constant to determine no-load output voltage, linking it to field flux and generator speed.
  • Another participant notes that the current capacity is limited by how quickly the armature can dissipate heat, relating it to armature resistance and design considerations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the relationship between voltage, current, and generator design, with no consensus reached on how to approach the calculations or the nature of the theoretical generator.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established a common understanding of the theoretical generator's parameters, leading to uncertainty in the discussion. The conversation includes assumptions about basic electrical principles and the implications of generator design on performance.

topcatthomas
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so, assuming that you know all of the aspects of your theoretical generator, apart from the voltage and current, how would you work it out. I know that it is possible, but i can't find anything that I understand, or is even valid online. There should be some equations i can use to work it all out, so what are those?
Thanks.
please could you use word equations as I may not know what the symbols mean.
 
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The power output of a generator, in a "wordy equation" would simply be:
Power equals Voltage times Amperes.

Or are you asking what the maximum power output would be?
 
OmCheeto said:
The power output of a generator, in a "wordy equation" would simply be:
Power equals Voltage times Amperes.

Or are you asking what the maximum power output would be?
Yes, but how do you work out the voltage and current? I can't measure it if it isn't real.
 
topcatthomas said:
Yes, but how do you work out the voltage and current? I can't measure it if it isn't real.
I don’t understand, why isn’t voltage and current real.
 
topcatthomas said:
Yes, but how do you work out the voltage and current? ...
Voltage is equal to the rate of change of a magnetic field. Typically in the presence of a conductor, from what I hear.
 
topcatthomas said:
so, assuming that you know all of the aspects of your theoretical generator, apart from the voltage and current, how would you work it out. I know that it is possible, but i can't find anything that I understand, or is even valid online. There should be some equations i can use to work it all out, so what are those?
Thanks.
please could you use word equations as I may not know what the symbols mean.
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Can you say what your application is? It's a bit hard to help you without knowing more. Especially if you want the description without any equations -- that is especially challenging, but we will try out best if you can tell us more about what you are trying to do.
 
Even without your background, I can tell you that the current depends on the load, not the generator. Zero load zero current.
 
topcatthomas said:
please could you use word equations as I may not know what the symbols mean.
Also, are you comfortable with basic equations like Ohm's law: V = I * R and the definition of electrical power, P = V * I ? That would be a big help if you are okay with those basic equations. :smile:
 
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Don’t know if this helps you, but 1 Horsepower is about 746 Watts, and most generators are about 90-95% efficient. So, a 10 HP generator will probably give you about 7 KW. Is that what you were asking?
 
  • #10
The output voltage depends on the type and design of the generator. Things like the number of turns in the windings, the flux density and the rpm.

The current drawn depends on the load connected to the generator. What you probably want to know is the maximum current that the load can be allowed to draw. Fundamentally that is limited by the power input to the generator, the voltage and the efficiency of the generator. Practically it depends on the design of the generator.

What type of generator are you talking about?
 
  • #11
CWatters said:
What type of generator are you talking about?
a fictitious one

topcatthomas said:
so, assuming that you know all of the aspects of your theoretical generator,
 
  • #12
topcatthomas said:
...assuming that you know all of the aspects of your theoretical generator, apart from the voltage and current, how would you work it out?
You would calculate the back EMF constant (Kω) of the generator. The no-load output voltage is then equal to x field flux x generator speed.
 
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  • #13
The current capacity of a generator depends on how quickly the armature can dissipate heat. The rate at which heat is produced = current2 x armature resistance. The maximum current output that still permits reasonable lifespan is estimated by the design engineer based on experience and then verified with lab testing.
 
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