GENERATOR
INFORMATION
USE
OF
ELECTRIC
MOTORS
The power required
to
start an electric motor
is
considerably
more than is required to keep it running after it is started.
Some
motors
require
much
more
current
to
start
them
than
others. Split-phase (AC) motors require more current to start,
under
similar
circumstances,
than
other
types.
They
are
com-
monly used on easy-starting loads, such as washing
machines, or where loads are applied after the motor is
started, such as small power tools. Because they require 5 to
7 times as much current to start
as
to run, their use should be
avoided, whenever possible,
if
the electric motor is
to
be dri-
ven
by
a
small
generator.
Capacitor
and
repulsion-induction
motors
require
from
2
to
4
times
as
much
current
to
start
as
to
run. The current required to start any motor varies with the
load
connected
to
it.
An
electric
motor
connected
to
an
air
compressor, for example, will require more current than a
motor to which no load is connected.
In
general, the cunent required
to
start
115-
\bIt
motors connected
to medium starting loads will be approximately as follows:
MOTOR
SIZE
AMPS
FOR
AMPS
FOR
(HPJ
RUNNING
(~TARTIN~)
(AMPERES)
AMPERES
1/6
3.2
6.4
to
22.4'
114
4.6
9.2
to
32.2'
113
5.2
10.4
to
72.8'
112
7.2
14.4
to
29.2'
314
10.2
20.4
to
40.8'
1
13
26
to
52
"NOTE:
In
Ihe
above
lable
Ihe
maximum
Amps for Starting is
more
for
some
small
molors
Ihan
for
larger
ones.
The
reason
for
Ihis
js
Ihallhe
hardesl
slaning
types
(Splil-phase)
are
nol
made
jn
larger
sizes.
Because the heavy surge
of
current needed for starting
motors
is
required
for
only
an
instant,
the
generator
will
not
be damaged
if
it can bring the motor up to speed in a few
seconds.
If
difficulty is experienced in starting motors, turn
off all other electrical loads and,
if
possible, reduce the load
on the electric motor.
Required
Operating
Speed
Run the genera)or first with no load applied, then at half the
generator's capacity, and finally loaded
to
its full capacity
as
indicted on the generator's data plate. The output voltage
should be checked periodically to ensure proper operation
of
the generating plant and the appliances it supplies.
If
an AC
voltmeter or ampmeter is not installed to monitor voltage and
load, check it with a portable meter and amp probe.
Generator
Frequency
Adjustment
Frequency
is
a direct result
of
engine/generator speed,
as
indi-
cated by the following:
o When the generator
is
run at 1800 RPM, the AC voltage
output frequency is
60 Hertz.
Therefore, to change the generator's frequency/voltage, the
generator's drive engine's speed must be changed using the
dips witch on the
ECU. The
AC
output configuration
of
the
generator
changed
and
the
connections
on
the
voltage
sensing PC board changed.
Generator
Maintenance
o Maintaining reasonable cleanliness is important.
Connections
of
terminal boards and rectifiers may become
corroded, and insulation surfaces
may
start conducting
if
salts, dust, engine
exhaus~
carbon, etc. are allowed
to
build up. Clogged ventilation openings may cause exces-
sive heating and reduced life
of
windings.
o For unusually severe conditions, thin rust-inhibiting petro-
leum-base coatings, should be sprayed
or
brushed over all
surfaces to reduce rusting and corrosion. Typical materials
suggested are Daubert Chemical Co.
"Non-Rust AC-4!o"
and Ashland "Tectyle 506"
or
equivalent.
o
The
drive discs on single bearing generators should be
checked periodically
if
possible for tightness
of
screws
and for any evidence
of
incipient cracking failure. Discs
should not be allowed
to
become rusty because rust may
accelerate cracking. The bolts which fasten the drive disc
to the generator shaft must be hardened steel
SAE
grade
8, identified by 6 radial marks, one at each
of
the 6 cor-
ners
of
the head.
o The rear armature bearing is lubricated and sealed;
no
maintenance
is
required.
However,
if
the
bearing
becomes
noisy
or
rough-sounding, have it replaced.
o Examine bearing at periodic intervals.
No
side movement
of
shaft should be detected when force is applied.
if
side
motion
is
detectable,
bearings
are
wearing
or
wear
on
shaft
of
bearing socket outside bearing has occurred.
Repair must be made quickly or major components
wiJI
rub
and
cause
major
damage
to
generator.
,-----
Carbon
Monoxide
Detector
-----,
WESTERBEKE recommends mounting a carbon
monoxide detector in the vesssel's Jiving quarters.
Carbon
Monoxide, even in
small
amounts,
is deadly.
The presence of carbon monoxide indicates an exhaust leak
from the engine
or
generator or from the exhaust elbow/
exhaust hose,
or
that
fumes
from
a
nearby
vessel
are
entering your boat.
If
carbon monoxide is present, ventilate the area with clean
air and correct the problem immediately!
Eng/nes & Generators
83
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