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Cummins Generators Data
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Useful Formulae

The power output of an engine may be quoted in bhp (brake horse power) or
kWm (kilowatt mechanical) kWe is the electrical output of the alternator
1bhp is equivalent to 0.746kWm or 1kWm is equivalent to 1.34bhp
kWe is kWm multiplied by the efficiency of the alternator (varies between 0.75 and 0.97)
kVA = kWe divided by power factor (0.8 power factor is generally used for an inductive load)
If the load is totally resistive then the power factor is 1 and thus kVA = kW


Relationship between the alternator output voltage and the current in amps.

Single phase current = 1000 x kva/voltage. Example 1kva at 230 volts produces 4.35 amps
Three phase current = 1000 x kva/(voltage x 1.732). Example 1kva at 400 volts
produces 1.44 amps per phase
The current can more conveniently be calculated from the following tables

Single Phase 2 wire
254 volts
240 volts
230 volts
220 volts
127 volts
120 volts
110 volts
Current per 1 kva
3.94 amps
4.17 amps
4.35 amps
4.55 amps
7.87 amps
8.33 amps
9.09 amps

Example: A 3kva generator operating at 230 volts single phase has an output of 3 x 4.35 = 13.05 amps

Three Phase Star Connected
440/254 volts
415/240 volts
400/231 volts
380/220 volts
220/127 volts
208/120 volts
190/110 volts
Current per 1 kva
1.31 amps
1.39 amps
1.44 amps
1.52 amps
2.62 amps
2.78 amps
3.04 amps

Example: A 50kva generator operating at 400/231 volts 3 phase has an output of 50 x 1.44 = 72 amps per phase

Relationship between the engine speed and the alternator output frequency

Alternator Pole Pieces
2 Pole
4 Pole
6 Pole
8 Pole
50hz frequency
3000 rpm
1500 rpm
1000 rpm
750 rpm
60hz frequency
3600 rpm
1800 rpm
1200 rpm
900 rpm
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