Dynamometer
A device for determining the power of an engine. There are three basic types of dynamometer:
- Brake - some form of braking is used to absorb the engine power, this dissipated power is then measured or the torque required to stop the brake unit rotating is measured to calculate the output power.
- Inertia - an inertial mass is accelerated by the engine and the rate of change of speed is used to calculate the power.
- Motoring - in addition to some form of absorption system the dynamometer has an electric motor that can drive the engine in reverse.
Brake Dynamometers
- Eddy current or electromagnetic brake
- Magnetic Powder brake
- Hysteresis Brake
- Fan brake
- Hydraulic brake
- Mechanical friction brake or Prony brake
- Water brake
Brake/Motoring Dynamometers
- Electric motor/generator - this can provide braking and motoring
- Compound dyno - using a friction brake and electric motor
See also: Appold Dynamometer, Brake Horse Power.
Subjects: Mechanical Engineering
- Weblinks:
- dynamometer-info.co.uk A good introduction and hands on experience of using and running a dynamometer.