Re: Run PCs from a generator?

w_tom wrote:
On Dec 6, 8:16 am, Philip Herlihy <thiswillbounceb...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Thanks to everyone who replied in such useful detail. In our situation
I think a laptop is going to be the best option, with asurge-block for
good measure. It sounds as if a UPS could create more problems than it
would solve, and that even an otherwise unprotected PC may be able to
cope with a few voltage variations.

I don't see where anyone specifically noted the most serious
generator problemr. Some implied it. Some generators are poor. For
example a large load (ie refrigerator) removed means the generator is
still pushing current. Until magnetic fields in that coil collapse
and until the generator can slow down, then the generator will
continue to output high current resulting in a high voltage.

How high is that voltage? In better generators (Honda being a
benchmark), this problem is eliminated by design. In lesser
generators, that high voltage may exceed computer's max voltages.
Computers have robust power supplies. Any 230 volt power supply
should withstand without damage long periods of voltages above 265
volts and shorter voltages of 1000 volts. But how much voltage will
that generator create for how long when a large load is suddenly
removed?

Plug-in UPSes are confused by 'dirty' power. Problem is a function
of its cheap voltage monitor design. A cheap generator may create
noise that confuses a UPS voltage monitor circuit. Just another
reason why a superior designed generator make this question
irrelevant. You solution lies within the generator. Anything else
becomes a kludge solution. Your question is really why a better
generators (ie Honda) is recommended to make all discussed solutions
irrelevant..

Noted - thanks. I'm still hoping I can talk him out of this...

Phil
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: An OT puzzle. Was "FFT Questions - Zero Hz"
    ... The 6-volt generator of my friend's VW Microbus went bad, and the replacement he got from the junk yard was a mechanically compatible one out of a Karmann-Ghia. ... One was the reverse-current relay and had both a voltage and a current winding, the others were really analog devices, pulse-width modulating the field current in response to either terminal voltage or armature current depending on which coil -- voltage or current -- it had. ... If the armature stayed connected across the battery when the generator wasn't running fast enough to develop battery voltage, it would try to run as a motor. ...
    (comp.dsp)
  • Re: An OT puzzle. Was "FFT Questions - Zero Hz"
    ... The 6-volt generator of my friend's VW Microbus went bad, and the replacement he got from the junk yard was a mechanically compatible one out of a Karmann-Ghia. ... One was the reverse-current relay and had both a voltage and a current winding, the others were really analog devices, pulse-width modulating the field current in response to either terminal voltage or armature current depending on which coil -- voltage or current -- it had. ... If the armature stayed connected across the battery when the generator wasn't running fast enough to develop battery voltage, it would try to run as a motor. ...
    (comp.dsp)
  • Re: Does the earth "complete the circuit" to become ground?
    ... the secondary is your application voltage. ... >> generator is tied to a large ground rod at the power station. ... >> equipment isn't connected to earth then if you touch a earth line ...
    (sci.electronics.misc)
  • Re: How do laptops get their power?
    ... often generate "modified sine wave" (and having looked at some APC UPS' ... Even generators would not create electricity that dirty. ... One generator problem can cause computer damage. ... Some generators are not very good at voltage ...
    (comp.sys.laptops)
  • Re: Generator field coil regulator for field day?
    ... I've been given a 24KVA generator for use on field days. ... off it), it drops to about 320V, so it looks like the regulator has had it. ... suspect it's just residual magnetism that is providing this small voltage. ... If I remember correctly from my heavy current engineering classes, the output voltage will be proportional both to the speed and to the field current. ...
    (uk.radio.amateur)