Hi all,
I've a question about efficiency in generation and motors, more electric than electronic!
I'm building a mobile milking system, and am considering the best way to power it.
I have to power;
2 x 2kw vacuum pumps
1x 2kw hydraulic pump
1x 4kw compressor
All this is 3 phase 415v
The easy way is to buy a 3 phase diesel generator, however how much energy will I lose over powering everything from one shaft driven direct from a small diesel?
If I use a shaft drive it will involve a bit of engineering which isn't a problem but there will be losses in belts which I would need to drive the pumps and in electric clutches to power them on and off.
The whole thing could ultimately end up running for 20 hours a day so savings in fuel would soon add up.
My gut says a direct drive would be most efficient but would it be enough to justify the extra work? The vacuum is mechanically regulated, as is the hydraulic system so fluctuations in shaft speed as stuff starts and stops shouldn't matter too much.
Thanks Geoff
I've a question about efficiency in generation and motors, more electric than electronic!
I'm building a mobile milking system, and am considering the best way to power it.
I have to power;
2 x 2kw vacuum pumps
1x 2kw hydraulic pump
1x 4kw compressor
All this is 3 phase 415v
The easy way is to buy a 3 phase diesel generator, however how much energy will I lose over powering everything from one shaft driven direct from a small diesel?
If I use a shaft drive it will involve a bit of engineering which isn't a problem but there will be losses in belts which I would need to drive the pumps and in electric clutches to power them on and off.
The whole thing could ultimately end up running for 20 hours a day so savings in fuel would soon add up.
My gut says a direct drive would be most efficient but would it be enough to justify the extra work? The vacuum is mechanically regulated, as is the hydraulic system so fluctuations in shaft speed as stuff starts and stops shouldn't matter too much.
Thanks Geoff