3 ms·

In the case of an emergency like this. I would think that most 60hz devices could work on 50hz, and most 50hz devices would work on 60hz. things that would ge

by jdavid 16y ago

In the case of an emergency like this. I would think that most 60hz devices could work on 50hz, and most 50hz devices would work on 60hz. things that would get screwed up are devices that use the signal to time events. some high voltage switches use these things, but overall, i bet washing machines, dish washers, computers, lights, tvs, and radios would just work. even garage door openers should work. clocks and larger equipment might be a bust and maybe some of the robotics stuff at plants might be a bit off, but maybe just maybe it would work. these things are designed to condition the power in most cases within a few percentage points anyways. i bet if it's that dire, they give it a go.

ars 16y ago
Not only that, but I bet that in a country with both frequencies companies are not going to want to manufacture and stock both types, so I bet just about everything is designed to be able to handle either frequency.
patrickyeon 16y ago
The problem isn't running your commodity devices on the different frequency (most stuff you mentioned transforms and rectifies the wall power, so it's all DC anyway). The problem is getting the grid to work together. West Japan can't send enough power over to East Japan, because the signals don't line up, to leave out the technical bits.
omh 16y ago
But what will happen to those that don't work? If they're permanently damaged (and perhaps difficult to replace?) then that might cause more problems than just rolling blackouts.
iuygthyjuk 16y ago
It's also slightly tricky (understatement of the year competition) to hook up a 50Hz generator station to a 60Hz grid - if there are still 60Hz generators on that grid. What happens is that the rest of the country tries to back drive your generator + turbine at 20% over it's design speed - this is a bad thing (tm) It's hard enough phasing generators across the country when they are on the same frequency. The normal solution for long haul links, or links between different grids is to use a DC cable. The trouble is that people don't have spare Gigawatt AC:DC DC:AC converters lying around

by jdavid 16y ago

ars 16y ago

Not only that, but I bet that in a country with both frequencies companies are not going to want to manufacture and stock both types, so I bet just about everything is designed to be able to handle either frequency.

patrickyeon 16y ago

The problem isn't running your commodity devices on the different frequency (most stuff you mentioned transforms and rectifies the wall power, so it's all DC anyway). The problem is getting the grid to work together. West Japan can't send enough power over to East Japan, because the signals don't line up, to leave out the technical bits.

omh 16y ago

But what will happen to those that don't work? If they're permanently damaged (and perhaps difficult to replace?) then that might cause more problems than just rolling blackouts.

iuygthyjuk 16y ago

It's also slightly tricky (understatement of the year competition) to hook up a 50Hz generator station to a 60Hz grid - if there are still 60Hz generators on that grid. What happens is that the rest of the country tries to back drive your generator + turbine at 20% over it's design speed - this is a bad thing (tm) It's hard enough phasing generators across the country when they are on the same frequency. The normal solution for long haul links, or links between different grids is to use a DC cable. The trouble is that people don't have spare Gigawatt AC:DC DC:AC converters lying around