If an alternator has 8 poles and is turning at 1800 RPM, what would be the frequency?

To determine the frequency generated by an alternator, you can use the formula:

[

\text{Frequency (Hz)} = \frac{\text{Number of Poles} \times \text{RPM}}{120}

]

In this scenario, the alternator has 8 poles and is rotating at 1800 RPM.

Firstly, substitute the values into the formula:

[

\text{Frequency} = \frac{8 \times 1800}{120}

]

Calculating the numerator:

[

8 \times 1800 = 14400

]

Now, divide by 120:

[

\frac{14400}{120} = 120

]

This means the frequency produced by the alternator is 120 Hz. However, if you consider the context of traditional three-phase systems, where the alternator produces a waveform that we typically relate to the grid frequency, the desired output for synchronizing with electrical systems is often discussed in terms of effective cycles rather than the raw output of the alternator.

For an alternator operating with 8 poles at 1800 RPM, the effective frequency that aligns with standard electrical systems is indeed calculated in this manner, resulting in the correct understanding of