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  #1  
Old 02-19-2011, 11:44 AM
C-GRVT C-GRVT is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 305
Default alternator overvoltage failure mode/protection

Question for those who know about alternators.
The AeroSport engine that I have was supplied at my request with an internally regulated 40 amp LAMAR alternator.
How do I make provision for overvoltage protection of an internally regulated alternator?

The AeroElectric Connection that I have (circa 2005) figure Z-24 describes a "crowbar" protection, but cautions that it only be used with an externally regulated alternator:
"Figure Z-24 used to suggest a means by which alternators having internal regulation could be safely and economically applied to aircraft. Recent discoveries and discussions have raised questions about this philosophy...all suggestions for using internally regulated alternators have been removed from the Z-figures."

The Vertical Power installation guide compares internally/externally regulated alternators and suggests that an internally regulated alternator may have failure modes in which an overvoltage event will not be controllable by removing power from the field wire (which is how the VP-X controls overvoltage).

So, it seems that neither a crowbar system (AeroElectric) nor a field wire power system (VP-X) is assured to work with all failure modes.
The PlanePower alternator seems to have solved the problem. LAMAR has not responded to questions that I twice sent to them over the last few weeks - a fact that would influence my decision to choose their product the next time.
So:
How does one deal with overvoltage protection of an internally regulated alternator? Is there a supplier that offers a solution that works?

Bill Brooks
Ottawa, ON
RV-6A finishing kit
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  #2  
Old 02-19-2011, 03:32 PM
DGlaeser DGlaeser is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Rochester Hills, MI
Posts: 878
Default Search the AeroElectric Matronics list...

LOTS of discussion about this has occured on the AeroElectric list. Here's a Cliff's Notes summary:
1) Trust that the IR has the proper protections.
2) Run the alternator B-lead through a contactor which is controlled by an OVP device (crowbar, Perihellion's OVP module, ...). If an OV is detected, the contactor is turned off, saving the electronics, but sometimes to the detriment of the alternator (which may or may not be already fried). LOTS of discussion on this (search on 'load dump')
3) Bob Nuckolls is currently working on a better solution.
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Dennis Glaeser CFII
Rochester Hills, MI
RV-7A - Eggenfellner H6, GRT Sport ES, EIS4000, 300XL, SL30, TT Gemini, PMA6000, AK950L, GT320,
uAvionixEcho ADSB in/out with GRT Safe Fly GPS
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