Q. Will a PMG run all by itself?

A. No, you need a prime mover such as an engine, hydro or wind power etc.

Q. What Voltage will the PMG produce?

A. Following voltage harmonization, electricity supplies within the European Union are now nominally 230V ± 10% at 50Hz. For a transition period (1995–2008), countries that had previously used 220V changed to a narrower asymmetric tolerance range of 230V +6% -10% and those (like the UK) that had previously used 240V changed to 230V +10% -6%. Note that no change in voltage is required by either system as both 220V and 240V fall within the lower 230V tolerance bands (230 V ±6%). In practice, this allows countries to continue to supply the same voltage (220 or 240V), at least until existing generating plants are replaced. Equipment used in these countries is designed to accept any voltage within the specified range. The PMG will produce 115/230 at 50-55hz no load, and at a 100% load the PMG is still within the Specification for acceptable limits of voltage drop,

Q. What about high temperature fluctuations, can this damage the magnets inside the PMG?

A. The PMG has been test run at temperatures significantly hotter than any temperature one would expect to see in any ordinary operating environment with no side effects. As for cold, this only increases the performance of the magnets and the copper stator windings, it does not affect the magnets or their properties to cycle them through bitterly cold temperatures.

Q. Are there any user serviceable parts inside?

A. No, under normal circumstances any problems should be rectified under the return to base service program. In countries where there is not yet a repair/service facility, we plan to work with closely with owners to allow them to safely change the bearings (may require removal of the fan first). These PMG’s are manufactured using high grade NSK bearings, and we expect them to run without problems for many years before a bearing change is required.

There are several reasons why we recommend customers do not attempt to open a PMG or service the internals of the PMG. To open up the unit in an unsuitable location can contaminate the rotor with foreign object debris of a ferrous nature for this reason opening the PMG will invalidate your warranty. Further more there are certain procedures required to remove the rotor safely. The rotor can be very dangerous outside the stator due to the strong magnetic forces present. If you are not careful you could easily injure yourself! Any problems experienced with a PMG should be rectified by returning the unit from where it was supplied for service and or repair by a qualified and experienced technician.

Q. Can I spin the alternator either direction?

A. Yes, direction of rotation makes no difference to the PMG’s output.

Q. Why do you use a taper bush style of pulley and what is the advantage?

A. Taper lock bushes are very popular in commercial applications; it makes it quick and easy to fit a pulley and to later remove it. There are several ways to install these pulleys, but I recommend that you place the pulley on the shaft, and then place the taper lock bush on the outside. Use the Metric bolts and threaded holes in the pulley to secure the pulley to the shaft through the bush. Tighten evenly, each bolt a little at a time in a circular pattern, and resist the urge to use two hands on the spanner! There is no need to torque them very tightly, as they will lock up quite solid relatively easily. Once you experience the taper lock bush system, you are likely to find it hard to use anything else.

Q. How do I check the Stator wiring, I want to be sure it is correct before I run for the first time.

A. See the wiring diagrams that show the connection methods on the PMG’s terminal cover, if in doubt seek the services of a qualified electrician. 

In the standard factory configuration, the two stator windings are in series, and the full rated output can be delivered, this is necessary when you have a single, large 220-230 Volt AC load.

Q. How do I wire in a fuse box or breaker panel?