"Christopher Tidy" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

This group often sees questions about ratings (can my 2 hp electric motor
develop 3 hp? can I draw 150 A from my 100 A supply? etc.) so I'd like to
ask a rating question. I think this one might spark some debate. If you
buy a good electric motor, the power rating is a continuous one (or it
says otherwise). Same with most pieces of industrial equipment. But what
about a car? Is the 130 hp or whatever maximum engine power the
manufacturer quotes a continuous or an intermittent rating? I was always
under the impression that it was an intermittent rating, though quite
where I got that idea I can't remember. I'm not asking if the engine will
wear out quickly developing its maximum power rating continuously - I'm
sure it will - I'm just wondering if it will overheat?

Any thoughts? Just a matter of curiousity...

Best wishes,

Chris


I would think that hooking it up to a Nextel Cup radiator would keep it from
overheating. Then again, racing engines have things like sodium filled
valve stems and such to manage the localized heat around the combustion
chamber so maybe not.

Steve.