How can I build a DIY AC motor dyno for small engine development?

  • Thread starter Thread starter greasemoneky
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Build Dyno Engine
Click For Summary
A DIY AC motor dynamometer is needed for developing small displacement engines (50cc to 200cc) to gather comparative data on tuning and components. The focus is on steady-state data rather than inertia or water brake systems, with interest in using an AC motor to vary load and measure engine resistance. The user seeks guidance on electronics and resources, as they have a CNC machine shop and some automotive background. They also mention existing simulation software but question its effectiveness compared to building a custom solution. The discussion emphasizes the need for practical advice and detailed understanding of the project.
greasemoneky
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Here's what the plan is I need a dyno for a new engine development program. small displacement engines, 50cc some day up to 200cc+. I need comparative data engine to engine, tuning, proto components, etc..
this is all diy budget stuff please keep this in mind. I come from automotive and race engine background so i might know enough electrical stuff to be dangerous, so that's what i need to most help with. I've been searching for more info for awhile and not getting what info i really need.

I do NOT want to run a inertia, nor a water brake. I really need steady state data. I really like the idea of a motoring dyno, edddy current, AC dyno, which ever you may call it. I've been through some other posts:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=117800
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=357995&highlight=dynamometer

Now I've read very little about using a AC motor and varying voltage into it to change the load, and I could drive or "motor" the engine and measure the engine mechanical resistance/friction (test piston ring design, or spin-tron) that's about all i could find about that, please let me know if i understood that correctly, and how to go about it.

I need help pointing me toward some info, and i really would like your ideas too. I have a cnc machine shop at hand, and trying to teach myself electronics so if you have some good resources please let me know!

There is a lot more on the details of the project but didn't want to get anymore long winded than it already is.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
You might find it useful to focus one one specific question. Try to be descriptive including your understanding of the problem.
 
Whats wrong with the simulation software already out there? I have an earlier version ofhttp://www.proracingsim.com/dynosimmainpage.htm" and it has to be far cheaper than making a new software. On horsepower tv, where I heard about it, they designed an engine on it and then built one to match. There was only a few HP difference(if I remeber correctly it was a 383 stroker). Pro racing sim offers a book to go along with their software, which describes how they do it through airflow calculations, pulse modulation, etc, and build algorithms that allows them to punch in numbers, without having to build each different setup. It might help you in your quest of building your own software to check it out.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
What mathematics software should engineering students use? Is it correct that much of the engineering industry relies on MATLAB, making it the tool many graduates will encounter in professional settings? How does SageMath compare? It is a free package that supports both numerical and symbolic computation and can be installed on various platforms. Could it become more widely used because it is freely available? I am an academic who has taught engineering mathematics, and taught the...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
12K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
20K
Replies
5
Views
6K