Optimizing a transformer for both 50 and 60Hz
Optimizing a transformer for both 50 and 60Hz
(OP)
Something I have wondered on for a while:
Lets say you have a big transformer that will be used on both 50 and 60 Hz. i.e. a land-supply transformer on a ship.
When you make the transformer you would select the optimum transformer frequency to be somewhere in between. At first, one would think that 55Hz would be it. However, 50 to 55Hz is a 10% increase, but from 55 to 60 Hz it is 9.09%.
To find the right frequency f I put this equation:
50*x=f
60/x=f
then 50*x = 60/x
so x is sqrt(60/50)
And the frequency f would be 50*sqrt(6/5)=54.77
Not a big change, but I really wonder what would be the best. I thought about the problem for other engineering cases too, with wider operating conditions.
Lets say you have a big transformer that will be used on both 50 and 60 Hz. i.e. a land-supply transformer on a ship.
When you make the transformer you would select the optimum transformer frequency to be somewhere in between. At first, one would think that 55Hz would be it. However, 50 to 55Hz is a 10% increase, but from 55 to 60 Hz it is 9.09%.
To find the right frequency f I put this equation:
50*x=f
60/x=f
then 50*x = 60/x
so x is sqrt(60/50)
And the frequency f would be 50*sqrt(6/5)=54.77
Not a big change, but I really wonder what would be the best. I thought about the problem for other engineering cases too, with wider operating conditions.





RE: Optimizing a transformer for both 50 and 60Hz
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Optimizing a transformer for both 50 and 60Hz
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Optimizing a transformer for both 50 and 60Hz
Stadt?
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.
RE: Optimizing a transformer for both 50 and 60Hz
itsmoked - Makes sense to me! I remember those 400Hz transformers we had at work was pretty small compared to their rating. They were used transmitting power to underwater ROV's. Guess they would saturate quickly at lower frequencies.
I havent been deep into transformer theory, but i have installed many bobbins and torodials and im pretty sure they say 230v 50-60Hz, even if they only got one Primary.
Thanks for answers.
RE: Optimizing a transformer for both 50 and 60Hz
An AC solenoid coil may not develop enough force to pull in at low voltage.
A solenoid coil rated for 230 Volts 50-60 Hz will have enough impedance at 50 Hz to prevent burnout at 230 Volts and will generate enough force to pull in at 60 Hz, 230 Volts although the Volts/per/Hertz relationship tells us that normally the proper voltage at 60-Hz is 230 x (6/5) or 276 Volts.
A a solenoid coil designed for use only at 230 Volts, 50 Hz may need as much as 276 Volts at 60 Hz to pull in.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Optimizing a transformer for both 50 and 60Hz
I guess you'd have to go through the entire ship to make sure everything connected to this supply is compatible with 50/60 Hz.