by tech1906
Hi.
I was wondering if anyone out there can tell me how feasible it would be to use a locomotive main alternator or even auxiliary power generator as a source of AC power during a wide spread, extended power grid outage? I was wondering if the output frequency could be adjusted to 60 Hz with the engine at a certain RPM? Would the output voltage be anywhere near a useable 120/240/480 VAC? Or are the frequency and voltage so far out there that this is not possible?
For example, we had a large ice storm a couple winters ago that left many people with no power for two months in some places. Could a locomotive be used to power a few essential things like pumping municipal water (480 V, 3 phase motor)? Tie cabling to the alternator terminals and run them to the device you want to power, etc...assuming you could get the locomotive close enough...
Any ideas on this? I appreciate your input.
Greg
tech1906
I was wondering if anyone out there can tell me how feasible it would be to use a locomotive main alternator or even auxiliary power generator as a source of AC power during a wide spread, extended power grid outage? I was wondering if the output frequency could be adjusted to 60 Hz with the engine at a certain RPM? Would the output voltage be anywhere near a useable 120/240/480 VAC? Or are the frequency and voltage so far out there that this is not possible?
For example, we had a large ice storm a couple winters ago that left many people with no power for two months in some places. Could a locomotive be used to power a few essential things like pumping municipal water (480 V, 3 phase motor)? Tie cabling to the alternator terminals and run them to the device you want to power, etc...assuming you could get the locomotive close enough...
Any ideas on this? I appreciate your input.
Greg
tech1906