From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Article from 'The Autocar' magazine reviewing the design of electric lighting and starting systems for 1924.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 61\2\ scan0207 | |
| Date | 9th November 1923 | |
| X 3374 THE AUTOCAR, November 9th, 1923. 987 ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND STARTING SYSTEMS A REVIEW OF DESIGN IN 1924 Undoubtedly the great increase in the number of owner-drivers, and particularly of women drivers, is largely due to the standardisation of electric lighting and starting systems. That the electrical installation should have been adopted on a wholesale scale in such a short time is in itself sufficient proof that it is eminently satisfactory. Accordingly, as is obvious from a study of the exhibits at Olympia, there is little change in the design of these components to be expected for 1924, except as regards detail improvements or modifications. THE most conspicuous feature of the 1924 electrical installations is the general “cleaning-up” process to which they have been subjected. Instruments, and in many cases dynamos and starters, have been materially reduced in dimensions, have been rendered more accessible as to detail, and have undergone many minor improvements from the owner-driver’s point of view; whilst at the same time their mechanical performance, in respect, more especially, of reliability, has been enhanced. It is abundantly clear that no new departures in basic principles are to be expected, unless it be that a return to the idea of embodying a combined motor and dynamo in the flywheel is in prospect. The regulation of current is in practically every case effected by a simple electrical means, in conjunction with a magnetic cut-out, in the reliability of which complete confidence can be reposed. The belt drive has evidently almost vanished in connection with dynamos, such advantages as it possessed being out-weighed by the frequent necessity for attention involved. The tendency to avoid great lengths of cable carrying a heavy current in connection with the starter motor is distinctly marked. There is no doubt that any system by which this, and its attendant losses, can be eliminated makes for greater efficiency and general convenience. In switchboards it is pleasing to find more regard being paid to the importance of dashboard space. This is emphasised in the more common use of rotary switches, whereby a single lever can control all the requisite lamp combinations, and in the mounting of the cut-out as a separate unit. The number of designers who make allowance in their switchboards for the fitting of an inspection lamp, or indeed, of any device additional to the standard equipment, is still much too small. As a tell-tale, the charge-and-discharge ammeter has everything to commend it, and it is now included-in most of the better-class switch-boards. The fuses might be made more accessible with advantage, preferably without the use of any tools other than finger and thumb. It may be noticed that one well-known firm has cut out the use of fuses altogether. Opinion appears to be divided as to the advisability of embodying both dynamo and starter motor in one unit, though it is observable that more firms make this single-unit pattern than formerly. Generally speaking, the most important improvements are not superficially apparent, for without any visible external changes in design, many installations have been greatly bettered in efficiency and other desirable qualities. DETAILS OF THE INDIVIDUAL ELECTRICAL EXHIBITS. B.L.I.C. (292) As might be supposed, the scope of the activities of the British Lighting and Ignition Co.. Ltd., is a very wide one, and covers all kinds of starting and light-ing gear, including dynamos of all kinds. Amongst them may be mentioned an unusually compact type of dynamotor with which is incorporated a complete ignition unit consisting of a vertical skew gear driven distributer and contact-breaker, and also a coil mounted conveniently upon the cylindrical carcase of the machine. The B.L.I.C. switchboards are excellent examples of how such details should be constructed, offering all necessary facilities for inspection of all terminals yet at the same time externally unobtrusive. Perhaps, however, the most interesting item in this firm's programme, because it is at once so novel and so badly needed, is a most ingenious electrolytic current controller, the object of which is to secure that at all times the charging rate of the dynamo is accurately adjusted to the requirements of the accumulators. In most cases the design of the dynamo is such that the rate of charge is highest when the battery is “full up,” and, per contra, is lowest when the battery is “empty.” Under these conditions the acid is apt to be boiled away and the plates are liable to be damaged. These troubles the B.L.I.C. controller overcomes in an exceptionally simple and clever manner. Between the generator and the battery is interposed a number of metal cells, connected in series, and each containing steel plates immersed in an alkaline liquid. The effect of these cells, which involve no extra mechanical or moving parts whatever, is to act as a sort of electrical safety valve, since they pass a current which, in quantity, is proportional approximately to the voltage difference across them. Thus, when the battery voltage reaches its maximum, only a very trifling amount of current is suffered to flow. By this means the accumulators are, in all circumstances, maintained in the best possible condition, and there is good ground for granting the makers’ claim that the device, by securing a more F 49 | ||