TESTER & METERS > FROUDE > ENGINE TEST SYSTEMS > LOW SPEED DYNAMOMETERS

Low Speed Dynamometers

The revolutionary design of Froude Low Speed (LS) dynamometers improves compactness and serviceability over the older more conventional large dynamometers.

The LS casing is carried on three spherically pivoted struts which incorporate load cells and hydraulic positioning rams, allowing the dynamometer to be quickly and easily coupled directly to the engine. This mechanism eliminates the need for an expensive intermediate drive shaft. As the dynamometer is free to follow the engine, there is reduced axial thrust; hence no special thrust bearing requirements. The lack of conventional trunnion bearings means the associated problem of brinelling due to transmission of engine vibration, has been totally eliminated.

Description

All torque-transmitting components are assembled using the oil injection technique, eliminating stress raising keys, keyways and associated operating problems of fretting. This technique also assures that subsequent removal of components, even after many years of service, is simple, quick and non destructive. The shaft assembly is carried in standard grease lubricated rolling element bearings, without separate thrust bearings, enabling higher speeds to be achieved without the need for special bearings and/or lubrication systems.

Froude RLS295 Dynamometer

The design power range from 8,950 kW to 100,000 KW is limited solely by the power and torque output of current prime movers. The LS, RLS & DLS designs encompass a range of single and double working compartment machines to match power, torque and speed ranges and offer direct/non direct reversing to your requirements.

Main Features:

• Torque measurement accuracy ±0.25% of full rated torque of dynamometer
• Speed measurement accuracy ±1 RPM
• Servo load control
• Rapid response
• Stable operation
• High reliability
• Easy maintenance

Applications

The range of low speed dynamometers, introduced in January 1978 as a replacement for the popular FA range, is designed to test low speed/high power prime movers. Low speed dynamometers are currently testing turbine, piston and electrical prime movers in environments from open shipyard to enclosed research centres.