single phase from three phase 12 wire head questions

[cschuerm]

Would appreciate some help....
I have a nice 3-phase generator that I'm considering re-wiring for single phase use.  Typical 12 wire head, so shouldn't be any big deal.  Maybe I'm just thinking about this too hard, but I've started to worry about a couple of issues:
When wired in a "zig-zag" configuration to provide 120/240V output, does the 240V wave look different than normal single phase power?  Pretty much has to be 120 degree waveforms due to the generator windings, right?  Will I have any problems with devices designed for true 180 degree single phase power (namely air conditioner compressors)?
Also, will a typical single phase transfer switch (ASCO or similar) properly detect good standby power from such a configuration and properly transfer?

thanks,
chris

[mobile_bob]

go to this forum, and do a search
i know in the last few months this topic has been presented there and there
are many very qualified power generation guys on that forum

http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=238

bob g

[rcavictim]

Chris,

You 'are' thinking about it too much.  Your waveform will be just fine.  Only thing is the total power available from the head will only be 2/3rds of the 3-phase rating on the nameplate.

[WGB]

go to this forum, and do a search
i know in the last few months this topic has been presented there and there
are many very qualified power generation guys on that forum

http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=238

bob g

Good link Bob!
Thanks

[rcavictim]

Well that site has terminology that congers up some interesting concepts.  Never heard of an optical ground before. 

[cschuerm]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  That's a great link Bob - some major gearhead guys there!  Ended up spending several hours just reading stuff.
In my line of work, I get paid to worry about things that might go wrong - apparently that's what I was doing for no good reason :-)
Now I just need to figure out the AVR issues. 
Chris

[EBI-WPO]

You just need to buy a universal AVR.

Terry

[cschuerm]

Anyone have a particular favorite AVR that you'd recommend?
Have yet to find the consumers digest review :-)

chris