[BC] Transformers needed

[Tom]

480 to 120 is a standard conversion - AAMOF, that's what AMTRAK does 
on board - the engine runs at constant RPM (the locomotive traction 
motors are controlled as if they were being fed from catenary or 
third rail), and the HEP (head-end-power) alternator puts 480VAC / 60 
Hz into the train line.  Each car has transformer, disconnect, 
breakers to put 120 VAC @ 60 Hz into the car's distribution wiring - 
including outlets for passenger use (razors, hair dryers, laptops, 
etc.) as well as the lights, etc. for train service.  Friend of mine 
retired from the AMTRAK shops here (Beech Grove), and that was part 
of his job - electrician - repairing stuff like that.

Tom S.

Mike McCarthy wrote:
>Take a look at the medium voltage products. Everything below 600V is 
>considered low voltage for the purposes of the NEC and UL
>
>If you look at distribution products, there are some which are 4KV 
>in and 240 out.
>
>I would avoid going above 600V as you need special cable and switch 
>gear to be safe and code compliant.  Step up from the 60V to 480 
>(8:1) and your project should be good to go with standard switch 
>gear, THHN cable, and fusing.  Then you need to consider how to 
>convert that to 120...
>
>Which is a whole different animal....
>
>MM
>
>
>
>At 07:32 AM 10/24/2007 -0600, Bill Sepmeier wrote
>
>>Greetings, all ...
>>
>>I'm looking for some relatively small transformers so that I can 
>>complete a micro hydro electric project out at my place.
>>
>>I have a 3kW 6 phase alternator on a 10" Francis turbine that 
>>produces 60VAC / 500 watts max per leg, as two three phase WYE 
>>outputs.  I want to step this up to 600 VAC for transmission over 
>>about 900 feet, then step it back down again.  Four 3 phase xfmrs, 
>>or 12 single phase xfmrs will work, but I'm having difficulty 
>>finding anything at 10:1.  I could use 5:1, minimum, it'll just 
>>require bigger interconnect wire.