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Old 12th Feb 2019, 4:55 pm   #13
Lucien Nunes
Rest in Peace
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: London, UK.
Posts: 2,508
Default Re: Lancashire Dynamo, Crypto- Rotary Transformer Converter

It would not have been practical to drive this with an engine, as a field regulator controlled by the AC output would be needed in place of the starter, amongst other complications. Note that it will only generate AC when there is DC present on the field. It will generate that simultaneously, but at a voltage dependent on the speed, which must be fixed to produce the correct frequency. So whereas a rotary converter's output voltage is controlled by the supply, a stand-alone AC generator needs means of regulation.

The stub shaft would probably have been fitted as standard to drive a tachometer, Isenthal regulator, exciter, or whatever a particular application might require.

If you can spin the shaft in the bearings with a brush or two in place, before you skim the comm, you will hear which is the correct direction (the quiet one!). If not, look for the marks on the trailing edges of brushes, comm segments and on the outside of the brush holders. If in doubt, post sharp pics of same.
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