rparigor@suffolk.lib.ny.us a crit :
>
>Studying Rotax 914 schematic, the main fuel pump is wired to the B+ of the
>regulator.
>
>It appears if you open the alternator output switch, they expect the
>alternator could run the fuel pump with no battery in circuit and act as a
>true redundant pump???
>
>Am I correct in my assumption that you could fly with a fuel pump running
>off the alternator only with no battery connected?
>
>In this configuration with no battery at all, is the alternator self
>exciting to get things going?
>
>Will testing often to make sure the pump will run in this configuration do
>any harm to the regulator, alternator, pump or switch? Or should this be
>used only in an emergency?
>
>They do have a 22000mF capacitor from B+ to ground.
>
>
>
Ron,
When designing our project's Rotax 914 electric circuit, I had the
opportunity to study the Rotax/Ducati alternator and regulator.
With the help of a friend who is doing electrical research at the
University, we performed some bench tests.
I am positive that the Rotax regulator will NOT start to life if not
connected to a properly charged battery or capacitor. You need
sufficient bus voltage to trigger it.
If your battery quits, or if you disconnect it in flight, you may
encounter difficulties trying to trigger the regulator again.
In my opinion, running the fuel pump direct from the regulator, as
suggested by Rotax, is definitely NOT a good idea.
Besides, the Rotax/Ducati exhibits an alarming high rate of failure.
So I decided to go the dual battery way, and resorted to a Schicke
regulator, which is self exciting. More info and diagrams on my
"Electricity" pages.
Within the next few weeks, I'll publish a summary of our research.
FWIW,
Regards,
Gilles Thesee
Grenoble, France
http://contrails.free.fr
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