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		nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2020 6:55 pm    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				I've had a few weeks (and road trips) to apply some
 'asphalt engineering' effort to a combination of
 threads discussing relative fragility of the
 Revmaster 'dual' alternators. The latest thread
 explored the notion that changing from SLVA to
 LiFePO4 was much more likely to burn an alternator winding.
 
 This is not a new topic here on the List . . . found
 a few other postings on the same problem.
 
 Without talking to the  designers, it's
 difficult to KNOW the original thinking behind the
 design. We also cannot know what efforts the factory
 has applied to this issue over the years. But I
 think we're on pretty firm ground to assert that
 the current design is marginal with respect to
 thermal robustness.
 
 Alternator windings should be as reliable as
 propeller bolts. You might smoke some regulators,
 trash some batteries, find yourself wanting for a
 few more amps of output . . . but suffering destruction
 of the windings suggests the alternator is a weak
 link in the system.
 
 Based on the drawing that Dan supplied a few weeks
 ago it seems that the designers intended that only
 one of the two windings be used at the same time.
 I'm guessing that this is a "normal-and-spare"
 design philosophy. Therefore, any time a winding fails due
 to exceedance of thermal limits, the other winding
 was off line.
 
 We don't know the internal configuration of the
 recommended rectifier/regulator but it's almost
 certain to included silicon controlled rectifier
 and one diode in series on each conduction half-
 cycle. That's 3, silicon junctions in series
 that carry alternator output current.
 
 My current hypothesis suggests that it would be
 much better to use BOTH windings all the time. Reduce
 the current in each winding by 50% or more. It seems
 better to have one configuration that's bulletproof
 than two relatively fragile configurations that 'back
 each other up'.
 
 Here's the line of reasoning supporting this design
 goal. Recall the bits-and-pieces of design? (1)
 properties of materials, (2) management of energy
 and (3)refinement of process. In this case, our
 weak link seems to center on an energy management
 issue. Some copper windings are heating past
 practical operating limits. This can be either
 an insulation failure, wire failure or both.
 
 Properties of Materials:
 
 We know that copper has a pretty significant positive
 resistance coefficient for temperature. We observed
 this in the temperature vs. current observations
 in battery contactors:
 
 https://tinyurl.com/mpcgp3t
 
 https://tinyurl.com/k6bwdqo
 
 We also considered the physics of why an overloaded
 wire tends to burn open at the center of a free-air
 span.
 
 As copper heats up, resistance goes up, voltage drop
 goes up, dissipated energy goes up, temperature rises
 some more . . . and you can see where this is headed.
 
 Take this tid-bit of knowledge about copper
 wire and consider how many times you've observed or
 heard of the windings or lead wires of any system
 failing due to overheat.
 
 I've seen some windings burn up on alternators for
 reasons OTHER than poor thermal management. I've never
 had a winding burn on my car. I've had one short
 and start popping fuses . . . but I doubt that it
 was due to burned insulation or melted wires!
 
 The point is, ANY configuration that demonstrates
 repeated failure to do open wires or cooked insulation
 is MARGINAL at best; hazardous at worst.
 
 Okay, how to reduce the load in Revmaster alternator
 wires . . . hopefully without compromising ability
 to deliver ENERGY into the system. Here's the energy
 management consideration:
 
 We know that PM alternators have a checkered history
 of performance . . . but mostly due to stone simple
 regulators that DO NOT offer active current limiting.
 Furhter, many versions use a full wave bridge consisting
 of two pairs of junction diode and silicon controlled
 rectifiers. Alternator output current flows through
 two of these devices with total drop on the
 order of 2 volts. 2 volts out of a 14v system is
 a substantial proportion of energy . . . something
 on the order of 15 to 25 watts that needs to be
 managed in those cute little castings . . . but
 that's another story.
 
 Harking back to the earliest days of my studies
 in electron herding, ac rectifiers were vacuum
 tubes (not junctions) and ac power sources were transformers
 plugged into the wall (not spinning magnets).
 
 Except for the systems with very low energy
 requirements (table top radios), the rectifiers
 were dual diodes driven from either side of a
 center tapped transformer secondary. This configuration
 had some profound effects in thermal management.
 
 EACH diode carries 1/2 the total current. These
 devices have considerable resistance . . . watts =
 I(squared) x R so if you reduce current by 1/2,
 watts goes down to 1/4.  Same thing happens in the
 transformer secondary . . . the secondary wire
 size can be made smaller in a trade off between
 energy lost and transformer size.
 
 Refinement of process:
 
 So take a peek at the simplified proposal diagram.
 Hook the two Revmaster windings in series-aiding
 and bring out the center-tap. Connect in full wave
 configuration with only TWO junction rectifiers.
 Feed this resulting energy off to a filter capacitor
 size to be determined.
 
 This will give us a 'supply voltage' of some value
 ideally adjust to about 20VDC at cruise RPM and
 alternators full load design point.
 
 This voltage is going to be all over the place
 depending on load and engine rpm . . . but that's
 the nature of the PM alternator.
 
 Now, let's power condition that energy with a constant
 current, constant voltage, switch-mode regulator.
 NOW we have a BIG difference in performance:
 
 Voltage is adjustable and controlled by active electronics.
 
 Current is adjustable and limited by active electronics.
 
 I suggest this configuration offers
 significant improvement in Revmaster's engine
 driven power source. Energy being delivered
 to the regulator is at significantly higher than
 the output set point, CURRENT in from the alternator
 will be LOWER than current delivered by the regulator.
 Further, each winding works 1/2 of the time so it
 follows that heating effects on each winding are much
 reduced from the current configuration.
 
 Silicon junctions in the rectifier are significantly
 reduced off-setting some new losses introduced by
 the electronic CCCV regulator.
 
 It seems that we could craft an engine driven power
 system that almost never fails in exchange for one
 that fails too many times and for the wrong reasons.
 
 I'm tied up in some house remodeling and we've
 added another grandson to the population of Medicine
 Lodge Jr High School . . . so refinement of this idea
 will be slow. But I'm building an alternator drive stand,
 power supply and load bank out in the mess-making shop. B&C has
 provided me with both PM and wound-field test articles.
 
 I have a couple of those CCCV regulators that we discussed
 on hand right now. They may not be the right size in all
 respects but satisfactory for proof-of-concept experiments. I
 already have some LiFePO4 and SLVA batteries on hand.
 
 The pieces are coming together. Comments and considered
 critical review are most welcome.
    Bob . . .
 
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		user9253
 
 
  Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1944 Location: Riley TWP Michigan
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				 Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2020 7:39 am    Post subject: Re: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				Using both windings is a good idea.
 What about the phase angle between the two windings?  Do we know what it is?
 Suppose the two windings are 90 degrees out of phase or some other unknown angle.  
 How will that affect the proposed circuit?  Will the peak AC voltage be higher?
 Do capacitors help very much to smooth the DC voltage in a power circuit?
 It would help to have a Revmaster alternator to play with.
 
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 _________________ Joe Gores | 
			 
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		nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2020 8:18 am    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				At 10:39 AM 8/31/2020, you wrote:
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  --> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "user9253" <fransew(at)gmail.com>
 
  Using both windings is a good idea.
  What about the phase angle between the two windings?  Do we know what it is? | 	  
    No . . .
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  Suppose the two windings are 90 degrees out of phase or some other unknown angle.  
  How will that affect the proposed circuit?  Will the peak AC voltage be higher? | 	  
    
    Good question.
 
    I doubt they are polyphase . . . you gotta go to a
    lot of mechanical fuss to achieve it. It's a function
    of stator/magnet ring geometry. They might be different
    but it's doubtful.  Issue 80 of Contact! magazine has
    some nice pictures of the stator arrangement:
 
   http://www.contactmagazine.com/Issue80/Issue-80L.pdf
 
  
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | Do capacitors help very much to smooth the DC voltage in a power circuit? | 	  
    They can . . . it's all about current/capacitance ratio
    versus frequency. If a capacitor is necessary, it will
    be dictated by the CCCV down converter tolerance for
    ripple.
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | It would help to have a Revmaster alternator to play with. | 	  
    You got that right!
 
  
  
    Bob . . .
 
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		echristley(at)att.net Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2020 8:36 am    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				Would this scheme work for other PM generators?  I'm using a 32-amp generator from a Harley-Davidson.  The 74518-88 model regulator for these seems to be as plentiful as light bulbs, but I can't find any good details of what the internals look like.  It has two wire input from the stator, and one wire out to the battery positive.  The case serves as ground. No means of control or way to indicate failure, prompting me to build my own.
 
                   
                                                                     On Sunday, August 30, 2020, 10:58:25 PM EDT, Robert L. Nuckolls, III <nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com> wrote:                 
                  
 
                  
 
                  I've had a few weeks (and road trips) to apply some
 
 'asphalt engineering' effort to a combination of
 
 threads discussing relative fragility of the
 
 Revmaster 'dual' alternators. The latest thread
 
 explored the notion that changing from SLVA to
 
 LiFePO4 was much more likely to burn an alternator winding.
 
 This is not a new topic here on the List . . . found
 
 a few other postings on the same problem.
 
 Without talking to the  designers, it's
 
 difficult to KNOW the original thinking behind the
 
 design. We also cannot know what efforts the factory
 
 has applied to this issue over the years. But I
 
 think we're on pretty firm ground to assert that
 
 the current design is marginal with respect to
 
 thermal robustness.
 
 Alternator windings should be as reliable as
 
 propeller bolts. You might smoke some regulators,
 
 trash some batteries, find yourself wanting for a
 
 few more amps of output . . . but suffering destruction
 
 of the windings suggests the alternator is a weak
 
 link in the system.
 
 Based on the drawing that Dan supplied a few weeks
 
 ago it seems that the designers intended that only
 
 one of the two windings be used at the same time.
 
 I'm guessing that this is a "normal-and-spare"
 
 design philosophy. Therefore, any time a winding fails due
 
 to exceedance of thermal limits, the other winding
 
 was off line.
 
 We don't know the internal configuration of the
 
 recommended rectifier/regulator but it's almost
 
 certain to included silicon controlled rectifier
 
 and one diode in series on each conduction half-
 
 cycle. That's 3, silicon junctions in series
 
 that carry alternator output current.
 
 My current hypothesis suggests that it would be
 
 much better to use BOTH windings all the time. Reduce
 
 the current in each winding by 50% or more. It seems
 
 better to have one configuration that's bulletproof
 
 than two relatively fragile configurations that 'back
 
 each other up'.
 
 Here's the line of reasoning supporting this design
 
 goal. Recall the bits-and-pieces of design? (1)
 
 properties of materials, (2) management of energy
 
 and (3)refinement of process. In this case, our
 
 weak link seems to center on an energy management
 
 issue. Some copper windings are heating past
 
 practical operating limits. This can be either
 
 an insulation failure, wire failure or both.
 
 Properties of Materials:
 
 We know that copper has a pretty significant positive
 
 resistance coefficient for temperature. We observed
 
 this in the temperature vs. current observations
 
 in battery contactors:
 
 https://tinyurl.com/mpcgp3t
 
 https://tinyurl.com/k6bwdqo
 
 We also considered the physics of why an overloaded
 
 wire tends to burn open at the center of a free-air
 
 span.
 
 As copper heats up, resistance goes up, voltage drop
 
 goes up, dissipated energy goes up, temperature rises
 
 some more . . . and you can see where this is headed.
 
 Take this tid-bit of knowledge about copper
 
 wire and consider how many times you've observed or
 
 heard of the windings or lead wires of any system
 
 failing due to overheat.
 
 I've seen some windings burn up on alternators for
 
 reasons OTHER than poor thermal management. I've never
 
 had a winding burn on my car. I've had one short
 
 and start popping fuses . . . but I doubt that it
 
 was due to burned insulation or melted wires!
 
 The point is, ANY configuration that demonstrates
 
 repeated failure to do open wires or cooked insulation
 
 is MARGINAL at best; hazardous at worst.
 
 Okay, how to reduce the load in Revmaster alternator
 
 wires . . . hopefully without compromising ability
 
 to deliver ENERGY into the system. Here's the energy
 
 management consideration:
 
 We know that PM alternators have a checkered history
 
 of performance . . . but mostly due to stone simple
 
 regulators that DO NOT offer active current limiting.
 
 Furhter, many versions use a full wave bridge consisting
 
 of two pairs of junction diode and silicon controlled
 
 rectifiers. Alternator output current flows through
 
 two of these devices with total drop on the
 
 order of 2 volts. 2 volts out of a 14v system is
 
 a substantial proportion of energy . . . something
 
 on the order of 15 to 25 watts that needs to be
 
 managed in those cute little castings . . . but
 
 that's another story.
 
 Harking back to the earliest days of my studies
 
 in electron herding, ac rectifiers were vacuum
 
 tubes (not junctions) and ac power sources were transformers
 
 plugged into the wall (not spinning magnets).
 
 Except for the systems with very low energy
 
 requirements (table top radios), the rectifiers
 
 were dual diodes driven from either side of a
 
 center tapped transformer secondary. This configuration
 
 had some profound effects in thermal management.
 
 EACH diode carries 1/2 the total current. These
 
 devices have considerable resistance . . . watts =
 
 I(squared) x R so if you reduce current by 1/2,
 
 watts goes down to 1/4.  Same thing happens in the
 
 transformer secondary . . . the secondary wire
 
 size can be made smaller in a trade off between
 
 energy lost and transformer size.
 
 Refinement of process:
 
 So take a peek at the simplified proposal diagram.
 
 Hook the two Revmaster windings in series-aiding
 
 and bring out the center-tap. Connect in full wave
 
 configuration with only TWO junction rectifiers.
 
 Feed this resulting energy off to a filter capacitor
 
 size to be determined.
 
 This will give us a 'supply voltage' of some value
 
 ideally adjust to about 20VDC at cruise RPM and
 
 alternators full load design point.
 
 This voltage is going to be all over the place
 
 depending on load and engine rpm . . . but that's
 
 the nature of the PM alternator.
 
 Now, let's power condition that energy with a constant
 
 current, constant voltage, switch-mode regulator.
 
 NOW we have a BIG difference in performance:
 
 Voltage is adjustable and controlled by active electronics.
 
 Current is adjustable and limited by active electronics.
 
 I suggest this configuration offers
 
 significant improvement in Revmaster's engine
 
 driven power source. Energy being delivered
 
 to the regulator is at significantly higher than
 
 the output set point, CURRENT in from the alternator
 
 will be LOWER than current delivered by the regulator.
 
 Further, each winding works 1/2 of the time so it
 
 follows that heating effects on each winding are much
 
 reduced from the current configuration.
 
 Silicon junctions in the rectifier are significantly
 
 reduced off-setting some new losses introduced by
 
 the electronic CCCV regulator.
 
 It seems that we could craft an engine driven power
 
 system that almost never fails in exchange for one
 
 that fails too many times and for the wrong reasons.
 
 I'm tied up in some house remodeling and we've
 
 added another grandson to the population of Medicine
 
 Lodge Jr High School . . . so refinement of this idea
 
 will be slow. But I'm building an alternator drive stand,
 
 power supply and load bank out in the mess-making shop. B&C has
 
 provided me with both PM and wound-field test articles.
 
 I have a couple of those CCCV regulators that we discussed
 
 on hand right now. They may not be the right size in all
 
 respects but satisfactory for proof-of-concept experiments. I
 
 already have some LiFePO4 and SLVA batteries on hand.
 
 The pieces are coming together. Comments and considered
 
 critical review are most welcome.
 
    Bob . . .
 
  |  | - The Matronics AeroElectric-List Email Forum - |  |   |  Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
 
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		dj_theis
 
 
  Joined: 28 Aug 2017 Posts: 68 Location: Minnesota
  | 
		
			
				 Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 7:14 pm    Post subject: Re: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				>>Without talking to the designers, it's 
 
 >>difficult to KNOW the original thinking behind the 
 
 >>design. 
 
 I've spoken to Joe Horvoth a couple of times, before and just after purchasing my engine. I spoke to him at least once regarding the alternator and ignition system.  Joe is not a particularly "chatty" fella but I think he is rightly proud of his design. His innovation in the design and improvements of the VW are truly impressive.  Joe is clearly gifted when it comes to mechanical design and engine building. Unfortunately, I think the electrical systems were done by a hired gun and not by Joe directly (an unconfirmed rumor I am starting).
 
 As noted in the earlier posts and comments, Joe has strongly recommended not to run both alternator sides at the same time and has also strongly discouraged the use of anything but traditional lead acid (wet) batteries.  I've never heard him go into any detail on the reasons behind these recommendations.  I should have asked when I visited him a few years back.
 
 >>So take a peek at the simplified proposal diagram. 
 >>Hook the two Revmaster windings in series-aiding 
 >>and bring out the center-tap. Connect in full wave 
 >>configuration with only TWO junction rectifiers.
 
 I like the approach and two questions come to mind:
  How well the current will be equally divided by the two windings?
   This is half wave rectification, right?
 
 I have not spun my engine yet but from examination of the windings I expect to see the two PMAs "IN PHASE" and as noted, single phase, not polyphase.  Does this configuration change the expectation of roughly evenly divided current?  If the two PMAs were out of phase by 180 degrees (which is possible if my talents with the "right hand rule" are off abit) I assume the center tap would not operate the same, if at all.
 
 I have to pull my engine once more before I start it (hopefully, yet this fall) and will examine the windings on the PMAs closely to convince myself of the phase relationship between the two halves.
 
 One final note.  I've thought about this a little (clearly not as much as Bob). I plan on installing thermo-couples as close to the center of each stator base as I can.  My thought is to run the engine as deigned, with OEM regulators and running one halve at a time.  I am planning on a Odyssey battery (PC680) with added (2) shunt resistors in the charge circuit to increase the load seen by the PMAs.  I plan on trying to identify what the conditions are that lead to the high temperature in the PMAs.  I hope to be able to install the TCs close enough to the windings to obtain a warning before they overheat.  I think the expected meltdown of the "enamel" insulation is a bit over 200C.  Can anyone confirm?
 
 In the long term, I'd like to install something like the CCCV regulator mentioned.  Is there actually such a regulator designed and available for a PMA on an OBAM aircraft?
 
 Dan Theis
 
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 _________________ Dan Theis
 
Scratch building Sonex #1362
 
Revmaster Alternator problem solved. | 
			 
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		user9253
 
 
  Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1944 Location: Riley TWP Michigan
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				 Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 5:22 am    Post subject: Re: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				Actually it is desired that the two windings be 180 degrees out of phase.
 That way, only one winding will conduct at a time and the output will be pulsing 
 DC.  If the two windings are in phase, no problem, just reverse the leads on 
 one of the windings.  Then the windings will be 180 degrees out of phase.
 
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 _________________ Joe Gores | 
			 
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		nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect Guest
 
 
 
 
 
  | 
		
			
				 Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 5:28 am    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				 	  | Quote: | 	 		  >>So take a peek at the simplified proposal diagram. 
  >>Hook the two Revmaster windings in series-aiding 
  >>and bring out the center-tap. Connect in full wave 
  >>configuration with only TWO junction rectifiers.
 
  I like the approach and two questions come to mind:
   How well the current will be equally divided by the two windings?
    This is half wave rectification, right? | 	  
    No, full wave . . . the current doesn't
    NEED to be exactly shared . . . each winding
    conduct on 1/2 cycle of the time independently
    of each other. Unlike the legacy, single winding
    PMA and bridge rectifier approach, this
    configuration splits the two halves onto
    separate windings . . . but it's still
    full wave rectification.
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | I have not spun my engine yet but from examination of the windings I expect to see the two PMAs "IN PHASE" and as noted, single phase, not polyphase.  Does this configuration change the expectation of roughly evenly divided current?  If the two PMAs were out of phase by 180 degrees (which is possible if my talents with the "right hand rule" are off abit) I assume the center tap would not operate the same, if at all. | 	  
    From what I understand, the Revmaster 
    PMA is wound BI-FILAR meaning two strands
    of wire side-by-by side. This produces
    two, identical windings that COULD and
    perhaps SHOULD be wired in parallel. This
    would cut the current in each winding to
    1/2 of the total.
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | I have to pull my engine once more before I start it (hopefully, yet this fall) and will examine the windings on the PMAs closely to convince myself of the phase relationship between the two halves. | 	  
    The result is predictable. You have two, identical
    windings sharing the same physical space
    on the stator. Voltages induced by the
    mechanics and magnetics are identical.
    Given that the burning the 'active' winding
    also burns the 'standby' winding, you do
    not have redundant systems. You might as
    well run the two windings in parallel
    which would greatly reduce the stress on
    the wires and may well drive the 'lithium'
    failure rate to zero.
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | One final note.  I've thought about this a little (clearly not as much as Bob). I plan on installing thermo-couples as close to the center of each stator base as I can.  My thought is to run the engine as deigned, with OEM regulators and running one halve at a time.  I am planning on a Odyssey battery (PC680) with added (2) shunt resistors in the charge circuit to increase the load seen by the PMAs.  I plan on trying to identify what the conditions are that lead to the high temperature in the PMAs.  I hope to be able to install the TCs close enough to the windings to obtain a warning before they overheat.  I think the expected meltdown of the "enamel" insulation is a bit over 200C.  Can anyone confirm? | 	  
   I don't know of any manufacturer of aviation
   hardware that doesn't call out Class H insulation
   for their magnet wire
 
   https://tinyurl.com/y3a7o26s
 
   Without going to some exotic wire coated
   with un-obtainium, Class H is the best
   you can buy off the shelf. So yeah, 200C
   max operating for the copper . . . 
 
   Thermocoupling the windings is not a bad idea.
   Are those stator windings varnished? Getting
   a 'real' copper temperature number on a running
   machine is not easy. The closest I ever
   got to 'real' measurements was by bringing
   leads for winding-under-observation outside
   so that it could be quickly switched from
   'service' to 'measure' mode by exciting the
   winding with a calibrated current and then
   measuring the voltage drop. Copper temperature
   can be calculated by knowing the temperature coefficient
   of resistance for copper. This had to be done
   quickly (under 100 mS) 'cause the copper cools
   very rapidly when the loads are removed and the
   heat soaks out.
 
   Generally speaking, with your 200C rated wire,
   getting thermocouple readings over 170-180C
   would be cause for concern.
 
   We KNOW this design is thermally deficient . . .
   too many of them have burned up in service.
   Too many band-aids have been suggested
   and attempted with little if any relief.
 
  
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | In the long term, I'd like to install something like the CCCV regulator mentioned.  Is there actually such a regulator designed and available for a PMA on an OBAM aircraft? | 	  
   Sure, they're commercial off the shelf items.
   I've got a couple on the bench now that I'm
   going to use in a proof-of-concept study. But
   after reading about the bi-filar windings
   design, I'm not sure there's much value to
   be secured by 'upgrading' the rectifier/regulator
   design for this engine.
 
   As currently configured, there is NO REDUNDANCY
   of engine driven power sources. I'm beginning
   to think one would be well advised to
   simply parallel the two windings and treat
   them as one. This alone would produce a profound
   drop in wire temperatures for any given load.
 
  
    Bob . . .
 
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		dj_theis
 
 
  Joined: 28 Aug 2017 Posts: 68 Location: Minnesota
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				 Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 6:25 pm    Post subject: Re: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				[quote]
 Actually it is desired that the two windings be 180 degrees out of phase. 
 That way, only one winding will conduct at a time and the output will be pulsing 
 DC. If the two windings are in phase, no problem, just reverse the leads on 
 one of the windings. Then the windings will be 180 degrees out of phase.
 [/quote]
 
 Ah, yes.  that makes perfect sense.  The end result is a full wave rectified waveform output.
 
 Thanks for the clarification Joe.
 
 Dan Theis.[/quote]
 
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 _________________ Dan Theis
 
Scratch building Sonex #1362
 
Revmaster Alternator problem solved. | 
			 
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		dj_theis
 
 
  Joined: 28 Aug 2017 Posts: 68 Location: Minnesota
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				 Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2020 6:38 pm    Post subject: Re: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				Bob,  for some reason your post made it to me on the digest but does not show up on the forum (as far as I can find).  You posted it just before Joe on Friday morning (I think).  It begins as follows:
 
 >> >>So take a peek at the simplified proposal diagram.
 >> >>Hook the two Revmaster windings in series-aiding
 >> >>and bring out the center-tap. Connect in full wave
 >> >>configuration with only TWO junction rectifiers.
 >
 >>I like the approach and two questions come to mind:
 >>  How well the current will be equally divided by the two windings?
 >>   This is half wave rectification, right?
 
  >  No, full wave . . . the current doesn't
  >  NEED to be exactly shared . . . each winding
  >  conduct on 1/2 cycle of the time independently
  >  of each other. Unlike the legacy, single winding
  >  PMA and bridge rectifier approach, this
  > configuration splits the two halves onto
  >  separate windings . . . but it's still
  > full wave rectification
 
 OK, I've convinced myself that the OEM design made use of 1/2 wave rectification.  Unless I'm wrong on this, running both sides with the OEM rectifiers (which is discouraged) would have the same current (total) heat generation as this very elegant center tap as you've shown.  
 
 The other issue is heat from the engine.  I have to wonder if the real culprit is not the windings at all but the proximity of the PMAs to the crankcase heat.  
 
 If we consider the report on the Onex where both sides failed (burned) when only one was operating, perhaps it is the engine heat and inability to reject that, along with the PMAs internal heating that conspire against us.
 
 Not to throw another apple into the barrel but can we effectively add a blast tube to the environment around the PMAs?  
 
 As far as I can see, there is one tiny little inlet hole for ventilation from above the engine into the PMA area.  This hole is mostly covered by the flywheel.  Not much of any opportunity to reject heat other than conduction through the surface of the casting at the back of the engine.
 
 Dan Theis
 
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 _________________ Dan Theis
 
Scratch building Sonex #1362
 
Revmaster Alternator problem solved. | 
			 
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		N509RV(at)eckenroth.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2020 5:44 am    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				I think that there might be a misunderstanding of the Revmaster architecture in that I don't believe that the windings for the two generators are in tandem but are a series of 5 coils each for two generators.   I have enclosed a picture of the stator from my friend's engine.  He was running one generator at the time and you can see how severely it was destroyed.  The Phenolic base was also destroyed.  The second generator coils don't look bad but they are also ruined.  To me one of the interesting things is that the ignition coils are still functional.  My primary purpose in starting this thread was to hopefully end up with a definite fix for the problem.  Trying this or that is not practicable due to the destructive nature of the overheating.  The stator is over $500 to replace and requires pulling the engine to do so.  I'll only really know that the problem is fixed when the smoke stays in the coils. 
 It seems to me that the most important change will be to use the B&C AVC1 volltage regulator since it is designed for firewall forward and can be adjusted down to 13.7 v  which is the minimum voltage that will fully charge the EarthX battery.  With the voltage reduction should come current reduction.  What I don't know (and hopefully the educated on the list can explain) is whether restricting the voltage will also restrict the current.  Can the generator still create abnormal current and therefore heat. I will try and incorporate thermocouples in with the coils but I'm not sure how much advance warning they can give.
 So, with the new voltage regulator set at 13.7 can the generator still pump out current based on engine speed and battery resistance or is the current capped since the voltage is restricted. I'm trying to determine if I have a good chance of success here.
 Does anybody want to redesign the generator to make it more robust.
 Paul
 
 On Mon, Aug 31, 2020 at 12:25 PM Robert L. Nuckolls, III <nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com (nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com)> wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		    At 10:39 AM 8/31/2020, you wrote:
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  --> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "user9253" <fransew(at)gmail.com (fransew(at)gmail.com)>
 
  Using both windings is a good idea.
  What about the phase angle between the two windings?  Do we know what it is? | 	  
    No . . .
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  Suppose the two windings are 90 degrees out of phase or some other unknown angle.  
  How will that affect the proposed circuit?  Will the peak AC voltage be higher? | 	  
    
    Good question.
 
    I doubt they are polyphase . . . you gotta go to a
    lot of mechanical fuss to achieve it. It's a function
    of stator/magnet ring geometry. They might be different
    but it's doubtful.  Issue 80 of Contact! magazine has
    some nice pictures of the stator arrangement:
 
   http://www.contactmagazine.com/Issue80/Issue-80L.pdf
 
  
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | Do capacitors help very much to smooth the DC voltage in a power circuit? | 	  
    They can . . . it's all about current/capacitance ratio
    versus frequency. If a capacitor is necessary, it will
    be dictated by the CCCV down converter tolerance for
    ripple.
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | It would help to have a Revmaster alternator to play with. | 	  
    You got that right!
 
  
  
    Bob . . .  
  | 	 
 
 
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		user9253
 
 
  Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1944 Location: Riley TWP Michigan
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				 Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2020 9:14 am    Post subject: Re: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				Current is not capped.  Current is determined by the load.  The load takes 
 what it wants.  Some loads such as batteries and resistance type loads will 
 take less current when the voltage drops.  Loads with switching power 
 supplies will take more current as the voltage drops because they operate with 
 constant power.  Many modern avionics have switching power supplies.
 Lowering the voltage will reduce the EarthX battery charging current.
 
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 _________________ Joe Gores | 
			 
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		ceengland7(at)gmail.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2020 10:52 am    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				On 9/9/2020 12:14 PM, user9253 wrote:
  	  | Quote: | 	 		   
 
  Current is not capped.  Current is determined by the load.  The load takes
  what it wants.  Some loads such as batteries and resistance type loads will
  take less current when the voltage drops.  Loads with switching power
  supplies will take more current as the voltage drops because they operate with
  constant power.  Many modern avionics have switching power supplies.
  Lowering the voltage will reduce the EarthX battery charging current.
 
  --------
  Joe Gores
 
 Ohm's Law sets the current. The battery has a source impedance when 
 | 	  
 supplying energy, and it has a load impedance when being charged. The 
 battery mfgr should be able to tell you the battery's load impedance 
 while charging (ask for worst case). That number, and the charge 
 voltage, will give you the charging current. Off-the-shelf 'smart' 
 battery chargers manage current by adjusting voltage 'on the fly', 
 tailored to optimum charge rates for a particular battery.
 
 If I were dealing with a 'locked in' flaky design like the Revmaster, 
 I'd be looking at using a constant current source between the 
 alternator-regulator and the rest of the airframe. With lithium tech 
 being found everywhere now, constant voltage/constant current 
 (misleading term...) battery chargers are everywhere at very reasonable 
 prices. By inserting one between the regulator's output and the 
 airframe's bus, you can set the current limit in the charging module at 
 a point lower than the 'at risk' point for your alternator.
 
 BTW, with a $500 price point, I'd be finding the original source for 
 that armature. That style alternator is used in dozens (hundreds?) of 
 products. I'd bet that with a little research, you could find that model 
 from the actual mfgr for a lot less money. If not, I'd be finding a way 
 to install an external alternator. I wouldn't be able to stand it.  
 
 Charlie
 
 -- 
 This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
 https://www.avast.com/antivirus
 
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		echristley(at)att.net Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2020 2:29 pm    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				Well, for $500 you could rewind the stator by hand, and use a heavier gauge wire.
 
 I don't understand why this would be so expensive. You can get the entire charging system for a Harley for around $150.
 
 Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android
  
   	  | Quote: | 	 		    On Wed, Sep 9, 2020 at 6:45, Paul Eckenroth
 <N509RV(at)eckenroth.com> wrote:
  
   I think that there might be a misunderstanding of the Revmaster architecture in that I don't believe that the windings for the two generators are in tandem but are a series of 5 coils each for two generators.   I have enclosed a picture of the stator from my friend's engine.  He was running one generator at the time and you can see how severely it was destroyed.  The Phenolic base was also destroyed.  The second generator coils don't look bad but they are also ruined.  To me one of the interesting things is that the ignition coils are still functional.  My primary purpose in starting this thread was to hopefully end up with a definite fix for the problem.  Trying this or that is not practicable due to the destructive nature of the overheating.  The stator is over $500 to replace and requires pulling the engine to do so.  I'll only really know that the problem is fixed when the smoke stays in the coils. 
 It seems to me that the most important change will be to use the B&C AVC1 volltage regulator since it is designed for firewall forward and can be adjusted down to 13.7 v  which is the minimum voltage that will fully charge the EarthX battery.  With the voltage reduction should come current reduction.  What I don't know (and hopefully the educated on the list can explain) is whether restricting the voltage will also restrict the current.  Can the generator still create abnormal current and therefore heat. I will try and incorporate thermocouples in with the coils but I'm not sure how much advance warning they can give.
 So, with the new voltage regulator set at 13.7 can the generator still pump out current based on engine speed and battery resistance or is the current capped since the voltage is restricted. I'm trying to determine if I have a good chance of success here.
 Does anybody want to redesign the generator to make it more robust.
 Paul
 
 On Mon, Aug 31, 2020 at 12:25 PM Robert L. Nuckolls, III <nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com (nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com)> wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		    At 10:39 AM 8/31/2020, you wrote:
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  --> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "user9253" <fransew(at)gmail.com (fransew(at)gmail.com)>
 
  Using both windings is a good idea.
  What about the phase angle between the two windings?  Do we know what it is? | 	  
    No . . .
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  Suppose the two windings are 90 degrees out of phase or some other unknown angle.  
  How will that affect the proposed circuit?  Will the peak AC voltage be higher? | 	  
    
    Good question.
 
    I doubt they are polyphase . . . you gotta go to a
    lot of mechanical fuss to achieve it. It's a function
    of stator/magnet ring geometry. They might be different
    but it's doubtful.  Issue 80 of Contact! magazine has
    some nice pictures of the stator arrangement:
 
   http://www.contactmagazine.com/Issue80/Issue-80L.pdf
 
  
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | Do capacitors help very much to smooth the DC voltage in a power circuit? | 	  
    They can . . . it's all about current/capacitance ratio
    versus frequency. If a capacitor is necessary, it will
    be dictated by the CCCV down converter tolerance for
    ripple.
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | It would help to have a Revmaster alternator to play with. | 	  
    You got that right!
 
  
  
    Bob . . .  
  | 	  
  
 
  
   | 	 
 
 
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				 Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 5:50 am    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				At 08:43 AM 9/9/2020, you wrote:
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  I think that there might be a misunderstanding of the Revmaster
  architecture in that I don't believe that the windings for the
  two generators are in tandem but are a series of 5 coils each
  for two generators. | 	  
    Hmmmm . . . if that's the case, then it's probably
    accurate to call it a 'dual' alternator system . . .
    or perhaps 1/2 + 1/2 alternators system.
 
    The energy generation potential for these alternators
    is a function of the magnetics/mechanics. Magnet
    strength, magnetic cross-section of the stator
    and rotor, permeability of the steels, air gaps
    between moving parts, rates of change for
    magnetic lines of force acting on the windings (rpm)
    and a few other little details like losses in
    the steels and windings.
 
    Bottom line is that by dividing the two windings
    between stator 'halves', the ability to do
    the mechanical to electrical energy conversion
    for each alternator is about 1/2 that of the
    potential whole.
 
    It would seem more practical to have all
    the stator magnetics to participate in the
    energy conversion efforts using fewer turns
    per pole of heavier wire. One might then
    achieve more robustness and more energy
    output at the same time.
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  |  I have enclosed a picture of the stator from my friend's engine. | 	  
    I don't see that image . . . how did you 'enclose'
    it?
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  It seems to me that the most important change will be to use the B&C AVC1
  volltage regulator since it is designed for firewall forward and can be
  adjusted down to 13.7 v which is the minimum voltage that will fully charge
  the EarthX battery.  With the voltage reduction should come current reduction. | 	  
   Probably not. Keep in mind that as you rotate of the
   runway into the blue, there are two kinds of loads
   on your alternator. Battery recharge + system running
   loads.  The TOTAL of these two values is exceeding
   the alternator's limitations for thermal management
   and has not much to do with the bus voltage set-point.
   The fact that an EarthX battery seems to exacerbate
   the failure rate only speaks to that battery's
   lower internal resistance and willingness to accept
   charge at a lower voltage than SLVA.
 
   I.e. the LiFEPO4 battery is NOT ROOT CAUSE of the
   unhappy condition . . . only a slightly greater
   stress on the alternator seems to exacerbate
   failure rates. Adjusting the voltage down by
   exploiting the features of the AVC1 might
   reduce the failure rate but I kinda doubt it.
   I've got a fully discharged ETX36D on the bench
   that I'll try to plot the recharge profile when
   impressed with a 13.7V set-point. But I'm
   confident that an adjustable regulator will not
   'fix' fundamental shortcomings of the alternator.
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  What I don't know (and hopefully the educated on the list can explain)
  is whether restricting the voltage will also restrict the current. | 	  
   Maybe a little
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | Can the generator still create abnormal current and therefore heat. | 	  
   You betcha . . . but system loads are much more
   significant than characteristics of the battery.
 
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  I will try and incorporate thermocouples in with the coils but I'm
  not sure how much advance warning they can give. | 	  
   Lots of warning. Those wires don't smoke in tens
   of milliseconds like fuses. The insulation degrades
   over time . . . probably hours of operation at
   temperatures exceeding design limits of the INSULATION.
 
   I think this system would benefit greatly by some
   extensive testing on a drive stand to optimize
   wire size and turns against instrumented performance
   measurements. The SD8 from B&C got tested with about
   a half dozen exploratory configurations before the
   final configuration went to production.
 
   I'd like to see the performance characteristics
   of the existing stator wound with fewer turns
   of fatter wires on ALL available energy
   production poles. 
 
  
  
    Bob . . .
 
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				 Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 7:25 am    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				At 05:25 PM 9/9/2020, you wrote:
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  | Well, for $500 you could rewind the stator by hand, and use a heavier gauge wire. | 	  
    THAT would be a really good experiment!
 
  
  
    Bob . . .
 
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		dj_theis
 
 
  Joined: 28 Aug 2017 Posts: 68 Location: Minnesota
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				 Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 8:36 am    Post subject: Re: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				 	  | nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect wrote: | 	 		  At 08:43 AM 9/9/2020, you wrote:
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  I think that there might be a misunderstanding of the Revmaster
  architecture in that I don't believe that the windings for the
  two generators are in tandem but are a series of 5 coils each
  for two generators. | 	  
    Hmmmm . . . if that's the case, then it's probably
    accurate to call it a 'dual' alternator system . . .
    or perhaps 1/2 + 1/2 alternators system.
 
   
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  |  I have enclosed a picture of the stator from my friend's engine. | 	  
    I don't see that image . . . how did you 'enclose'
    it?
 
  | 	  
 
 Images as attachments of the R2300 from when I first received my engine in 2017.
 There are two separate stator windings, 5 coils on each stator with relatively large wires (12 AWG ?).  Next time I pull the engine, I'll mic the wires on the coils.  
 Note, setting this up as a center tap as suggested should be straight forward.  Again I have to state that I think the average current with your center tap arrangement will be the same as the OEM half wave R/R with both sides enabled.
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  
   I think this system would benefit greatly by some
   extensive testing on a drive stand to optimize
   wire size and turns against instrumented performance
   measurements. The SD8 from B&C got tested with about
   a half dozen exploratory configurations before the
   final configuration went to production.
 
   I'd like to see the performance characteristics
   of the existing stator wound with fewer turns
   of fatter wires on ALL available energy
   production poles. 
 
  
  
    Bob . . . | 	  
 
 I will try to obtain some fundamental characteristics of the alternators within the next 30 days.  (i.e. short circuit current, open circuit voltage at starter rpm, inductance...).
 
 Let me point out the obvious,... "redesigning this system puts the builder in a situation of complete ownership of the problem as it is doubtful Revmaster will support a modified system."  The OBAM pilot takes on that responsibility (or should he/she does) regardless of the OEM support, so maybe that is not worth mentioning.
 
   Adding an external alternator is not obvious (to me) where it would mount but earlier versions of the engine had external alternators (I believe), so the design components could be available Revmaster.  I amazed (concerned) that with the close proximity of the CDI power coils and ignition electronics that there are no reported failures of that system, related to the alternator failures.  makes me want to consider returning to 2 mags and an external alternator for the R2300.  Again, maybe easier said the executed but certainly a design that was once available.
 
 One thing that puzzles me though.  At least one failure of BOTH alternators, as reported by Eric or Paul, occurred with only one alternator activated.  How is it possible to overheat both sides simultaneously (through heat conduction I have to assume) without damaging the ingnition coils that sit between the two alternators ??
 
 (Molex connectors and wires in my photo from the two ignition coils and the timing signals are shown).
 
 I have to suspect there is another heat source or cause that is contributing to these PMA failures.  Engine heat?
 
 Dan Theis
 
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 _________________ Dan Theis
 
Scratch building Sonex #1362
 
Revmaster Alternator problem solved. | 
			 
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		user9253
 
 
  Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1944 Location: Riley TWP Michigan
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				 Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 9:07 am    Post subject: Re: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				There are 4 black screws in the picture that look like they might hold a cover 
 on.  Is it possible to pipe pressurized air into that cover to cool the coils?
 If the coils were kept cool, their ampacity would be greatly increased.
 
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 _________________ Joe Gores | 
			 
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		N509RV(at)eckenroth.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 12:23 pm    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				Hopefully here is the image of the stator that I thought was sent previously.
 
 Paul
 On Thu, Sep 10, 2020 at 12:51 PM dj_theis <djtheis58(at)gmail.com (djtheis58(at)gmail.com)> wrote:
 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  --> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "dj_theis" <djtheis58(at)gmail.com (djtheis58(at)gmail.com)>
  
  
  nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect wrote:
  > At 08:43 AM 9/9/2020, you wrote:
  >  
  > > I think that there might be a misunderstanding of the Revmaster
  > >  architecture in that I don't believe that the windings for the
  > >  two generators are in tandem but are a series of 5 coils each
  > >  for two generators.
  > 
  >    Hmmmm . . . if that's the case, then it's probably
  >    accurate to call it a 'dual' alternator system . . .
  >    or perhaps 1/2 + 1/2 alternators system.
  > 
  >   
  >  
  > >  I have enclosed a picture of the stator from my friend's engine.
  > 
  >    I don't see that image . . . how did you 'enclose'
  >    it?
  > 
  > 
  
  
  Images as attachments of the R2300 from when I first received my engine in 2017.
  There are two separate stator windings, 5 coils on each stator with relatively large wires (12 AWG ?).  Next time I pull the engine, I'll mic the wires on the coils.  
  Note, setting this up as a center tap as suggested should be straight forward.  Again I have to state that I think the average current with your center tap arrangement will be the same as the OEM half wave R/R with both sides enabled.
  
  
  > 
  >   I think this system would benefit greatly by some
  >   extensive testing on a drive stand to optimize
  >   wire size and turns against instrumented performance
  >   measurements. The SD8 from B&C got tested with about
  >   a half dozen exploratory configurations before the
  >   final configuration went to production.
  > 
  >   I'd like to see the performance characteristics
  >   of the existing stator wound with fewer turns
  >   of fatter wires on ALL available energy
  >   production poles. 
  > 
  >  
  >  
  >    Bob . . .
  
  
  I will try to obtain some fundamental characteristics of the alternators within the next 30 days.  (i.e. short circuit current, open circuit voltage at starter rpm, inductance...).
  
  Let me point out the obvious,... "redesigning this system puts the builder in a situation of complete ownership of the problem as it is doubtful Revmaster will support a modified system."  The OBAM pilot takes on that responsibility (or should he/she does) regardless of the OEM support, so maybe that is not worth mentioning.
  
    Adding an external alternator is not obvious (to me) where it would mount but earlier versions of the engine had external alternators (I believe), so the design components could be available Revmaster.  I amazed (concerned) that with the close proximity of the CDI power coils and ignition electronics that there are no reported failures of that system, related to the alternator failures.  makes me want to consider returning to 2 mags and an external alternator for the R2300.  Again, maybe easier said the executed but certainly a design that was once available.
  
  One thing that puzzles me though.  At least one failure of BOTH alternators, as reported by Eric or Paul, occurred with only one alternator activated.  How is it possible to overheat both sides simultaneously (through heat conduction I have to assume) without damaging the ingnition coils that sit between the two alternators ??
  
  (Molex connectors and wires in my photo from the two ignition coils and the timing signals are shown).
  
  I have to suspect there is another heat source or cause that is contributing to these PMA failures.  Engine heat?
  
  Dan Theis
  
  --------
  Scratch building Sonex #1362
  
  
  
  
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		dj_theis
 
 
  Joined: 28 Aug 2017 Posts: 68 Location: Minnesota
  | 
		
			
				 Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 12:47 pm    Post subject: Re: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
				     | 
			 
			
				
  | 
			 
			
				 	  | user9253 wrote: | 	 		  There are 4 black screws in the picture that look like they might hold a cover 
 on.  Is it possible to pipe pressurized air into that cover to cool the coils?
 If the coils were kept cool, their ampacity would be greatly increased. | 	  
 
 It is possible and I agree it's worth considering.   I'll look at the CDI eletronics casting (which is what those screws hold in place) to see if there is a pathway to generate an inlet and egress for air.  I don't have any good photos of the inside of that casting.  Maybe I can pull that casting off without pulling the engine.  I'll look tonight.
 
 Thanks for the suggestion.
 
 Dan Theis
 
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 _________________ Dan Theis
 
Scratch building Sonex #1362
 
Revmaster Alternator problem solved. | 
			 
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		nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect Guest
 
 
 
 
 
  | 
		
			
				 Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2020 1:21 pm    Post subject: Revmaster 'dual' alterantors | 
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				At 03:18 PM 9/10/2020, you wrote:
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  Hopefully here is the image of the stator that I thought was sent previously.
 
  Paul | 	  
    Excellent . . . thank you. I agree, this definitely
    appears to be a PAIR of 5-pole alternators.
 
    Good data point.
 
  
  
    Bob . . .
 
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