ALTERNATOR ENERGIZED ELECTRIC TOWING DYNAMOMETER

A light-duty towing dynamometer specifically designed for testing contemporary vehicles uses a self-energizing alternator concept to provide controlled electrical power to the retarder. The system is simpler than its predecessor, is reduced in size and weight, (25% and 60% respectively), and has 50% less parasitic loss. An improved method of supplying controlled electrical power to eddy-current retarders uses a 24 volt production alternator to supply direct current controlled by adjusting the alternator's field current. Rotational energy to turn the alternator is derived from forward motion of the dynamometer trailer. The improved system eliminates the need for the previously used gasoline-powered generator and silicon-controlled rectifier system. Both costs and noise levels are greatly reduced.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the SAE Congress and Exposition, Detroit, 27 February-3 March 1978.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • JONES, T O
  • Stewart, H D
  • Wilson, D E
• Publication Date: 1978

Media Info

• Pagination: 8 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternators; Dynamometers; Electric power supply; Vehicle tests
• Subject Areas: Energy; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00395151
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 780152, HS-025 307U
• Files: HSL, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 30 1985 12:00AM