Rotary Converter [GEC]
Maker and role
The General Electric Company Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
Circa 1920s
Circa 1930s
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2004.317
Description
AC Motor and DC Generator set used for converting alternating current to direct current to power Auckland's tramways and later trolleybus network. From Pt Chevalier Tramway Sub Station. Black.
1000 kW - 570 Volts - 1750 Amps - 750 rpm
Pony Motor: Machine No.B9341 (brings converter to speed and synchronism with AC power supply)
1000 kW - 570 Volts - 1750 Amps - 750 rpm
Pony Motor: Machine No.B9341 (brings converter to speed and synchronism with AC power supply)
Brief History
A rotary converter is a type of electrical machine used to convert one form of electrical power to another form, in this case AC to DC. Converters were used before the invention of mercury arc rectifiers and semiconductor rectifiers.
This large rotary converter set consisting of an AC (Pony) motor and DC Generator. The pony motor brings the converter to speed and synchronism with the AC Power supply.
Initially used by the Auckland Tramways Board at the Point Chevalier Tramway substation on the Great North Road. This converter was used to supply a DC current to the tramway system and, in the late 1930s the newly introduced trolley bus service. It was eventually replaced by a mercury arc rectifier and was retained as a back-up energy supply until it was relocated to MOTAT.
This large rotary converter set consisting of an AC (Pony) motor and DC Generator. The pony motor brings the converter to speed and synchronism with the AC Power supply.
Initially used by the Auckland Tramways Board at the Point Chevalier Tramway substation on the Great North Road. This converter was used to supply a DC current to the tramway system and, in the late 1930s the newly introduced trolley bus service. It was eventually replaced by a mercury arc rectifier and was retained as a back-up energy supply until it was relocated to MOTAT.
Marks
THE / GENERAL ELECTRIC CO LTD / 100 KW 870 VOLTS / 750 REVS 1750 AMPS / NO B63659 / BIRMINGHAM WITTON ENGLAND Maker's Plate
GEC / WITTON / BIRMINGHAM / MACHINE NO B9341 Maker's Plate
GEC / WITTON / BIRMINGHAM / MACHINE NO B9341 Maker's Plate
Media/Materials
Credit Line
The General Electric Company Limited. Circa 1920s
Circa 1930s. Rotary Converter [GEC], 2004.317. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Circa 1930s. Rotary Converter [GEC], 2004.317. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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