Can the alternator in a reciprocating engine generator be used in another recip. engine generator?

[Howard]

i.e. can you swap them? This is assuming that both engines run at an operating speed of 1800RPM.

If so, can you use an alternator from a 3600RPM gasoline generator on an 1800RPM diesel engine, provided that the power ratings are similar?

 

[Zanix]

If the power ratings are similar, why not?

 

[Mark R]

Should be able to swap them without too much issue if the ratings are similar.

However, rated speed must match. Run a 3600 rpm generator at 1800 rpm and you'll get 30 Hz power and very likely an inadequate voltage - very bad for most things.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Can you? Yes. But you might not get rated output if you're not at the same RPM.

ZV

EDIT: Mark explained it much better.

 

[Howard]

Ah, thanks.

 

[Bozono]

Ask Minerva.

 

[Eli]

3600RRPM genheads are (generally) garbage.

 

[Minerva]

Originally posted by: Bozono
Ask Minerva.

Well I see someone has given me a namecheck. 🙂

Hmmm the use of generator and alternator in the same sentence disturbs me.

What are you trying to do? You absolutely can NOT swap a genny head out to a driver with differening RPM. If your PTO is half the speed your head must have twice the poles.

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: Mark R
Should be able to swap them without too much issue if the ratings are similar.

However, rated speed must match. Run a 3600 rpm generator at 1800 rpm and you'll get 30 Hz power and very likely an inadequate voltage - very bad for most things.

Although a AC motor probably wouldn't know the difference, along with a non-computer controled rectifier (ac-dc converters) such as what is in an automotive alternator (usable from 1k to 8k rpm)

Not that any of this really matters, as in practical uses, a 3600 rpm generator on a 1800 rpm motor is pretty much useless if not dangerous.