If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Alternator field cycling & alternator damage
Scenarios:
#1. Most planes have an over-voltage protection that opens the circuit to the alternator field windings. Let's say that while the alternator is delivering about 30amps (lights, avionics, pitot heat, etc) - the OVR gets tripped, causing the alternator field to be dropped immediately to 0 volts. #2. Assume scenario #1 happens (due to a transient condition - not an alternator failure)... It takes the pilot some time to realize the alternator is offline, so the avionics and lights drain the battery for several minutes. Anyway, the pilot cycles the alternator field current to bring the alternator back online. The battery is run-down a bit, so the current delivered by the alternator spikes from zero to around 30-40 amps, and then gradually tapers off as the battery is charged. Question: Can either one of these dramatic swings in the alternator field voltage/current, and/or the alternator output current damage the alternator? Last, does anyone have a link to a good tutorial on the components in a typical alternator? Thanks, Nathan |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|