Types of Dynamometers
There are two basic types of Dynamometer - Absorption Dynamometer and Universal or Motoring Dynamometer. Absorption dynamometer is designed for driving purpose where as Universal dynamometer is used both for absorption and driving. Apart from these two there are also other types of dynamometer used for various other functions. In fact dynamometer is an important device in the world of engineering which finds its application in many sectors.
One of the most important types of Dynamometer is the Engine dynamometer. It is directly attached to the engine of the car. Chassis dynamometer is another type of specific dynamometer, which is used to measure the twisting movement (torque) and the power or the energy emitted by the power train of an automobile directly from the wheels or the drive wheels. This should be done without the removal of the engine from the framework of the vehicle.
The classification of the dynamometer is also done on the basis of the style of the absorption unit or the driver or the absorber used by a vehicle. The dynamometers that are used only for absorption can be connected with the universal dynamometer. There are various types of absorption or the driver units. They can be classified accordingly:
EC dynamometer is the most commonly used dynamometer in modern Chassis dynos in the present days. They are capable of changing the load most efficiently at a rapid speed. Most of them require an external cooling system where as some, although very few, have an automatic cooling system. In a good model 5 amps at 220 vac can give more or less 150 HP load. Eddy current Dynamometer has a core made of iron, which rotates in the magnetic area to produce the twisting movement known as Torque. Due to this technique present in the Eddy Motor current stopping a motor is not feasible.
Power dynamometer is another kind, which is very similar to eddy current. The only difference between the former and the latter is that a magnetic powder is present in the space between the coil and the rotor. The fluctuation lines generate metal chains, which are continuously built up and are broken due to the twisting movement (torque). The speed of the power dynamometer is restricted due to the indulgence of heat.
The third important type of absorption dynamometer is Hysteresis dynamometer. It uses the rotor made of steel, which moves in between the fluctuation lines, which are further in between magnetic poles. It enables the torque to be produced at the speed of zero and also in full speed. The air that is forced in produces heat. Electric motor or the Generator motor is also another type. It adjusts the speed of the drive. It can have both alternating and direct current motor. This motor when prepared properly with proper mechanism can be used as universal motor. It can also transfer the power to electric current if the situation demands.