C.I.E. Bus Has A.C. Electrical System
Page 73
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IT has been known for some time that C.A.V.. Ltd., have been carrying out development work in connection with A.C. generators for use on commercial vehicles. One of the large undertakings which has been co-operating with the makers of the equipment is Coras Iompair Eireann, which has installed the system on a Leyland Titan double-decker.
Mr. V. A. McLoug-hlin, works manager at the Broadstone. Dublin, works of C.I.E. says that his organization is satisfied that the system is practical, although there are still difficulties to be overcome.
In the A.C. system. as opposed to that in which a D.C. dynamo is used, the alternator, which is of simple construction, should require practically no maintenance. There are, however, other advantages, important among which is the ability to step the voltage up or down by the use of a transformer, This means that fluorescent lighting in buses would not present any great difficulty.
Another important factor is that the A.C. generator can be used to charge the batteries at all engine speeds, for which reason smaller, ligbter and less costly batteries can be employed. The introduction of a rectifier adds no complication. as it has no moving parts, needs no servicing and is virtually indestructible, . In one test carried out by C.I.E. the batteries were completely discharged by using the electric starter and the bus sent out on service. Normally, of course, this would have necessitated a battery change before the vehicle went on tlutâ– .