In both instances, be it too large or too small, the life of the motor will be shortened due to overheated motor windings. This is not to imply bigger is better, because a capacitor that is too large can cause energy consumption to rise. Much the same way, a motor will not run properly with a weak capacitor. A motor that requires a 7.5 mfd capacitor will not work with a 4.0 mfd capacitor. Thus, as the battery becomes weaker the radio will not play properly. A radio that requires a 9V battery will not work with a 1.5V size battery. The sizing is critical to motor efficiency just as sizing of batteries is critical to a radio. Capacitors are charged with electricity, then releases its stored energy at a rate of sixty times per second in a 60 cycle alternating current system. LESSON / INFORMATION: The simplest way to explain the mechanics of a capacitor would be to compare it to a battery. GOAL: To recognize the importance of proper capacitor sizing.ġ) Understand what capacitors are and how they work 2) Demonstrate the effect improper capacitor sizing has on energy consumption 3) Demonstrate the ability to test capacitors CAPACITOR SIZING DILEMMAS CAPACITOR SIZING DILEMMAS
