Tim Wescott wrote:
Jon Elson wrote:
wrote:
At a local plant, there once was a computer center. The room was fed
with a motor generator to provide clean power to it. I made an
inquiry and the unit might be available.
It has been years since I saw it, but it was a motor, probably 480
3ph, driving a generator with a large flywheel between them.
Any reason not to pursue it? Were the old mainframes run off of
anything other than 60Hz AC?
Yes, many mid-sized IBM 370 mainframes even had integral 415 Hz
motor-alternator sets built into the cabinets. The larger systems had
separate M-G sets or battery backup systems with inverters in them.
I am sure that it was a top quality unit when installed. I am hoping
that it would be a upgrade over the ST15 generator run by my 16-2
Lister CS. I am working at getting in there to inspect it.
The IBM 370-135 had a 17 KVA motor-alternator set that produced 415
Hz, 3-phase power at 120 V L-L, I think. (I could be wrong on the L-L
voltage, it has been a LONG time since I worked with that stuff.)
Why, on earth, do you WANT such an antique? Even if it is for a more
conventional voltage and frequency, it is most likely HUGE, as they
used one flywheel system for the entire data center.
Jon
Well, it certainly wouldn't mind when you started up that big 3-phase
lathe...
Some folk collect antiques.
Have pleasure from them.
Some use them for all sorts of reasons.
Take your Model "T" Ford for example.
Some what impractical for todays's commuting but lots of folk have them
cos they just want to.
theres no harm in that.
Im a metal worker, and collect old metal working tools.
I have lots of smith's tools from 1800.
Some from before that.about 1500 AD.
I use lots of them, for all sorts of reasons.
Currently im at 2200 off a 2500 contract for hot forged commemorative
plaques for the 40th year of the Great Dorset Steam fair.
There minted on an 1880 Hazelwood and Dent, Birmingham UK. drop hammer,
Hammer weight 300lbs.
Gives about 100 tons dynamic energy.
Lovely machine. As good as new.
Yes, the brass plaques could be made on an automatic,strip fed power
press , but the results just arnt the same.
So,
If you want a vintage motor generator, you have one.
And dont listen to all those folk that ask what do you want that for?
Ive a diesel generator circa 1942. 20kva. Still starts, runs and
generates fine. Weighs 2 tons.
Use it to power a very large stick welder.
no electronics, all electromechanical controls, repairable and simple.