I have a permanent magnet generator. AKA alternator. Seven magnets on a rotor that are turning in close proximity to three coils.
Output of the coils is AC. Then converted to DC via a rectifier. Then the DC voltage is controlled by a shunt regulator.
For a constant rotor speed, I observe that the AC output current is a function of the load that is applied. That is, the electrical power being created is dependent upon the load. No load, no power. Bit of a load, more power. More load, more power.
Can anyone tell me in layman's terms why this is happening? I would have expected the maximum electrical power to have been created all of the time.
Output of the coils is AC. Then converted to DC via a rectifier. Then the DC voltage is controlled by a shunt regulator.
For a constant rotor speed, I observe that the AC output current is a function of the load that is applied. That is, the electrical power being created is dependent upon the load. No load, no power. Bit of a load, more power. More load, more power.
Can anyone tell me in layman's terms why this is happening? I would have expected the maximum electrical power to have been created all of the time.