A Portable Generating Plant
Page 43
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TN a recent article in this journal it was suggested that,
to aid in starting heavy engines in cold weather, power should be taken from the mains to drive a dynamo which would generate current at 12 volts pressure, to supply to the starters of individual vehicles. • Another method is the use of a self-contained and portable 12-volt generating outfit, an interesting example of which is the Pygmylyte. This set is priced at £30 and is manufactured by Bradby's EngineeringWorks, Palace Gate, London, W.8.
The set is primarily intended to provide current for lighting installations in buildings of various types, whilst its portability affords important ad-vantages for illuminating breakdown work"beside the road, in garages, or the lighting of publicity vehicles, etc.
The Pygmylyte, which is an all-British product, consists of an AIpam base carrying a Villiers two-stroke-cycle engine of 98 c.c., developing 2 b.h.p. at 3,250 r.p.m., whilst its normal speed is 1,800 r.p.m. This engine has fixed ,settings for the carburetter and flywheel magneto. A petrol-oil mixture is fed to the engine from a tank above the dynamo, whilst starting is effected by wrapping a cord around a pulley on an extension of the dynamo armature and giving it a smart pull.
Directly coupled to the engine is a 12-volt C.A.V.-Bosch dynamo, with an extra-large voltage regulator which permits the current to be taken directly to any inimher up to 12 of 18 candle-power lamps. These are of the 12-watt
type used in buses, and are carried in standard householdtype lampholders. The set will also run electric fans or provide current for a variety of purposes. One gallon of petrol is stated to be sufficient for eight hours' running with 12 lamps, so that the cost is trifling.
It can be used to charge batteries for wireless or vehicle purposes; by using the dynamo as a motor the set can be made self-starting when there is a battery in the circuit. The overall dimensions are 2 ft. long by 1 ft. vide by 1 ft. 3 ins, high, and as the weight is only 70 'lb. it can easily be handled by one man.