creating 480 volts AC
creating 480 volts AC
(OP)
I am looking to combine 4 hot legs from 2 standard generators to create 480 volts of outgoing power. Is this possible? If so, can someone help me out?
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RE: creating 480 volts AC
RE: creating 480 volts AC
Running them in series will give you a voltage that varies between 0 Volts and 480 Volts.
It may be possible to put enough instrumentation on the generators to hold them steady but the cost of instrumentation and controls will cost much more than a 480 Volt generator or a 240V:480V transformer.
And it still won't work very well.
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: creating 480 volts AC
You might have better luck connecting the two generators in parallel (if needed for capacity) and using a transformer to boost the voltage. The generators will need controls for parallel operation, but that is usually doable.
RE: creating 480 volts AC
RE: creating 480 volts AC
RE: creating 480 volts AC
NO
Long answer:
You can waste a lot of time and money to find out that the answer is;
NO
If no is not an option, look at locking both generators in step with a timing belt. Unless you have access to a machine shop it will probably be cheaper to buy a transformer or a 480 volt generator.
Well you may be able to sync the generators with a transformer floating on the windings. The transformer would not have to be full capacity but would have to supply enough current to hold synchronism. You could sync with a couple of lamps but without some more control gear expect early failure.
A theoretical yes turns into a resounding NO when practical factors are considered.
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: creating 480 volts AC
There is only one practical way I know of creating 480VAC, 3-phase from single phase. Use a single-phase input, 3-phase output VFD. The problem is that this type of VFD is typically only available for low power levels (like 5-10kW) and low power level gensets generally can't be paralleled. Also, the VFD is really just meant to power a single motor, not multiple or other loads.
RE: creating 480 volts AC
In order to even begin to talk about them working together, the regulators and governors have to be designed and set up for parallel operation, and if we're talking about two single-phase generators, trying to get three-phase power out of them is theoretically possible, but impractical in my experience. LionelHutz's VFD idea is the only practical approach, unless you have access to an old MG set.
old field guy
RE: creating 480 volts AC
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: creating 480 volts AC
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