Q. How do I identify a Marathon Electric generator from the generator Model Number?
A. Click on
generatormodelcodes for a matrix of generator model codes to determine the generator type, frame size, number of bearings, voltage range, and special engine adaptions.
Q. What is a synchronous generator?
A. A synchronous AC generator (alternator) is an alternating current generator whose rotating speed is directly proportional to the frequency of the AC voltage wave it produces. All Marathon MAGNAPOWER®, MAGNAMAXDVR®, MAGNAPLUS®, PANCAKE®, and LIMA®MAC generators are synchronous generators.
Q. What is an induction generator?
A. An Induction (asynchronous) generator is an AC generator (alternator) whose rotating speed is not directly proportional to the system frequency. An induction generator is basically an induction motor tied to, operating in parallel with, another source of electrical power - usually the public utility - whose shaft is caused to turn faster than the synchronous speed (frequency) of this other power source. Under this condition, the induction generator delivers power back onto the power source. Marathon's
PRIMELINE® generators are induction (asynchronous) AC generators.
Q. What are the advantages of adding a PMG to a synchronous AC generator?
A. Click on
PMG for an article discussing the advantages of a PMG Excitation Support System.
Q. How do I determine the proper engine adaption requirements for a replacement generator when all I have is the generator needing to be replaced?
A1. If the generator is either a Lima Electric Co type LIMA®MAC or Type SER, or a Marathon Electric type MAGNAPLUS, check the generator nameplate for an engine adaption kit (ADPT KIT) part number and/or generator serial number. If a Marathon Electric type MAGNAMAX check the nameplate for a model number and/or serial number. Contact the factory with these numbers for information as to what engine adaption was installed when the unit shipped from the factory.
A2. If none of the above information is available, or if the generator is of another make or model, click on
generator adaption for information regarding taking measurements to determine the existing generator's SAE drive disc size, and SAE flywheel housing size.
Q. How do I determine the proper engine adaption requirements for a replacement generator when all I have is the engine?
A. Click on
engine adaption for information regarding taking measurements of the engine to determine the SAE flywheel, and flywheel housing installed on the engine.
Q. How do I reduce a Marathon Electric generator's nameplate rating to compensate for an installation site having an ambient temperature above 40°C, and/or an altitude greater than 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level?
A. Click on
Rating Adjustment Nomograph. Reduce the generator's nameplate kVA rating by the de-rating factor determined by applying the site altitude and ambient temperature to the nomograph. (See the example outlined in blue.)
Q. Are Marathon Electric generators suitable for installation in Class 1, Division 2 Hazardous locations?
A. Yes with certain limitations. Click on
Hazardous Locations for an article discussing the suitability of Marathon Electric generators for installation in Hazardous Locations.
Q. What does the term Time Constant mean?
A. The term time constant refers to the length of time required to change from one condition to another. Usually considered to be the time required to complete 63.3% of the total rise or decay of voltage and/or current flow following the addition or rejection of electrical load.
Q. What is a generator's Transient Reactance (X'd)?
A. This value determines the current flowing during the period when the subtransient reactance is the controlling value.
Q. What is a generator's Sub-Transient Reactance (X"d)?
A. The apparent reactance of the stator (main armature) winding at the instant a short circuit (fault) occurs. This reactance is used for the calculation if the initial maximum symmetrical and asymmetrical fault current.
Q. What are the operating parameters/specifications of Marathon's Add-On PMG excitation support system?
A. Click on
Add-On PMG Specs for these specifications.
Q. What are the storage and operating temperature limits of Marathon generators?
A. Storage and operating temperature ranges of Marathon generators will vary depending upon the model of automatic voltage regulator being used. The storage and operating temperature ranges for the standard AVRs used with Marathon generators are:
1. Marathon Electric Model SE350 automatic voltage regulator storage temperatures, are (-) 65°C to (+) 85°C, and operating temperatures are (-) 40°C to (+) 60°C.
2. Marathon Electric Model PM300 automatic voltage regulator storage temperatures, are (-) 65°C to (+) 85°C, and operating temperatures are (-) 40°C to (+) 60°C.
3. Marathon Electric Model DVR2000E/EC automatic voltage regulator storage temperatures are (-) 40°C to (+) 80°C, and operating temperatures are (-) 40°C to (+) 70°C.
4. Basler Electric Model AVC63-12B2 automatic voltage regulator (used with our 400 Hertz generators) storage temperatures are (-) 40°C to (+) 80°C, and operating temperatures are (-) 40°C to (+) 70°C.
Should the voltage regulator being used be other that those listed above, please consult with the factory for these temperature ranges.
Q. What is meant by the terms a bearing B10, or L10 life?
A. Bearing life us usually expressed as the number of hours an individual bearing will operate before the first evidence of metal fatigue develops. B10, or L10 are terms used when referring to bearing life. Click on
Bearing Life for a discussion of these terms.