Not under load with 50 volts at one amp makes no sense. If it not under load then there is no current. 0 amps.NY Operations Tech said:TL;DR Summary: Generator wiring question
I am building a small generator. 12 - 5/8″ magnets rotating around 9 - 3/4″ diameter, 28-gauge copper enameled wire. Not under load, I am getting 50 volts at 1 amp. But when I increase the wire size to 24-gauge, I am getting 15 volts at .25 amps. I thought amps go up when volts go down.
As has been mentioned, "no-load" means no output current.NY Operations Tech said:28-gauge copper enameled wire. Not under load, I am getting 50 volts at 1 amp. But when I increase the wire size to 24-gauge, I am getting 15 volts at .25 amps. I thought amps go up when volts go down.
For the same amount of power, Yes.NY Operations Tech said:TL;DR Summary: Generator wiring question
I thought amps go up when volts go down.
Changing the wire gauge in a generator affects the voltage and current because the thickness of the wire influences its electrical resistance. Thicker wires (lower gauge numbers) have less resistance, allowing more current to flow through them, which can result in higher power output. Conversely, thinner wires (higher gauge numbers) have higher resistance, reducing the current flow and potentially affecting the voltage output as well.
Wire resistance impacts generator performance by determining how efficiently electrical energy can be transmitted through the generator's coils. Lower resistance (thicker wires) means less energy is lost as heat, enhancing the generator's efficiency and allowing it to produce more power. Higher resistance (thinner wires) increases energy losses and can lead to overheating, reduced efficiency, and lower power output.
Yes, changing the wire gauge can affect the lifespan of a generator. Using a wire gauge that is too thin can lead to excessive heat buildup due to higher resistance, which can damage the insulation and other components, potentially leading to premature failure. Conversely, using a thicker wire reduces resistance and heat buildup, which can enhance the generator's durability and operational lifespan.
When selecting the right wire gauge for a generator, factors to consider include the expected electrical load, the generator's power output, efficiency requirements, and thermal management. Designers must balance the wire size to optimize performance while preventing excessive heat buildup and ensuring the generator can handle the expected electrical load without degradation over time.
Yes, wire gauge affects both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) generators in similar ways by influencing resistance and thus the flow of electricity. However, the specific impacts might vary slightly due to differences in how AC and DC generators operate. AC generators typically deal with alternating currents which can lead to additional considerations like frequency and reactance, whereas DC generators have steady current flow, focusing more on direct resistance management.