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Choosing A Dynamometer Based On Power Dissipation

25 April 2016 by Ramona Lawrence

In order to measure torque and RPMs from a motor, a dynamometer has to absorb all the energy generated by the machine whose power it is measuring. The dynamometer first converts this energy to heat, which then has to be dealt with. You will have three options, each of which will have its strengths and weaknesses. 

Air-Dissipation

The first option is also the simplest option. By using a fan, you can push air over your dyno to keep it cool. The cool air moving over the fan will absorb heat and then dissipate that heat into the surrounding air. While this method should work for cooling the machinery utilized by your dyno, the heat can make a room muggy. Thus, if you have a large space or are using your dyno outside, air dissipating should work just fine, but if you have to work in an enclosed area, you should consider other options. 

Liquid Dissipation

In the case of a liquid dissipation system, the heat from your machine is transferred to water and then this water dissipates the heat into the surrounding air. As is the case with a liquid-cooled engine, liquid dissipation is a more efficient way of handling the heat generated by a dynamometer. Moreover, you should not have to contend with a hot, muggy working environment. 

Regenerative Dynamometers

The guiding principle behind the dissipation systems designed above is that heat poses a risk to the various components of a dynamometer, and thus, it must be dealt with.  A regenerative dynamometer recognizes the risk posed by heat as a potential positive. By harnessing the heat, you can use your dynamometer to generate electricity, which you can then either store for use around your shop or sell back to the power grid. While the amount of electricity you are able to generate in this way will depend on how much you use your dynamometer, any amount of electricity you are able to store will decrease your dependence on the grid and save money, and any electricity you sell back to the power company will help to defray operating costs. In either case, a regenerative dynamometer can help you increase your profits. 

When you choose a dynamometer for your shop, you need to consider the space available in your shop and whether it is feasible to use a regenerative dynamometer for your purposes. The dissipation system utilized by your dynamometer is as important as choosing a dyno that will be able to handle the power produced by the machines you will be testing.  

For a dyno, click on this link http://powertestdyno.com/ or do an online search. 

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