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 driven 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 current required to start
115-
Volt
motors connected
to
medium
starting
loads will
be
approximately
as
follows:
MOTOR
SIZE
AMPS
FOR
AMPS
FOR
(HP)
RUNNING
STARTIN~)
(AMPERES)
(AMPERES
1/6
3.2
6.4
to
22.4"
1/4
4.6
9.2
to
32.2"
1/3
5.2
10.4
to
72.S·
1/2
7.2
14.4
to
29.2'
3/4
10.2
20.4
to
40.8*
1
13
26
to
52
*NOTE:
In
the
above
table
the
maximum
Amps for Starting
is
more
for
some
small
motors
than
for larger
ones.
The
reason
for
this
is
that
the
hardest starting
types
(split-phase)
are
not
made
in
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, tum
off all other electrical loads and,
if
possible, reduce the load
on the electric motor.
Required
Operating
Speed
Run the generator 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
ampere meter is not installed to monitor voltage
and load, check it with a portable meter and amp probe.
NOTE:
When
the
vessel
in
which
the
generator
is
installed
contains
AC equipment
of
120 volts
only,
it
is
recommended
that
the
generator's AC tenninal block
be
configured
to
pro-
vide
one
120
volt AC hot
leg
for
the
vessel's distribution
panel.
This
will
ensure
good motor starting
response
from
the
generator.
Generator
Frequency
Adjustment
Frequency is a direct result
of
engine/generator speed, as
indicated by the following:
• When the generator is run at 1800 RPM, the AC voltage
output frequency is
60 Hertz.
• When the generator is run at 1500 RPM, the
AC
voltage
output frequency is
50 Hertz.
Therefore, to change the generator's frequency, the genera-
tor's drive engine's speed must
be
changed. A reconfiguration
of
the
AC
output connections at the generator is also neces-
sary.
Generator
Maintenance
• Maintaining reasonable cleanliness is impOliant.
Connections
of
terminal boards and rectifiers may
become corroded, and insulation surfaces may start conducting
if
salts, dust, engine exhaust, carbon, etc. are
allowed to build up. Clogged ventilation openings may
cause excessive heating and reduced life
of
windings.
• For unusually severe conditions, thin rust-inhibiting petroleum-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-
410" and Ashland "Tectyle 506" or equivalent.
• In addition to periodic cleaning, the generator should be
inspected for (a) tightness
of
all connections, (b) evidence
of
overheated terminals and (c) loose or damaged wires.
• 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.
• The rear armature bearing is lubricated and sealed; no
maintenance is required. However,
if
the bearing becomes
noisy or rough-sounding, have it replaced.
• 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
tJ:.l.ust
be made quickly or major components will
rub and cause major damage to generator.
Engines & Generators
44