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Re: Putting alternators on line

I don't know how the power companies do it, but it's very simple to put
a small 115-volt alternator on line:  Connect two 115-volt lightbulbs in
series and put them between line and alternator.  Start the alternator
and bring it up to speed.  As the alternator frequency approaches that
of the line, the bulbs will begin to flash-- there are 230v across the
lamps when the two sources are 180 deg. out of phase, that's why you
need two bulbs in series.  Make the bulbs flash very slowly, and when
both are extinguished, close a shorting switch across the bulbs.  Your
alternator now locks itself to the line, and the more mechanical power
you put into it, the more electricity goes into the line.

If it's a 3-phase alternator, you will need three sets of lightbulbs.
Also, put fuses in the line in case you goof and throw the switch at the
wrong time.

Frank Reid
reid@gold.bacs.indiana.edu