Governors

Governors

Contents

Define the term Governor 1

List various applications of Governors 2

Recall the following types of Governors: i. Centrifugal Governors ii. Inertia Governors 3

Recall the Functions of Centrifugal Governor 4

Recall the working principle of Centrifugal Governor 5

List and recall various terms used in the Centrifugal Governors 6

Define the term Inertia Governor 7

Recall the working principle of Inertia Governor 8

List Advantages and Disadvantages of Inertia Governor 9

Recall the Functions of Watt Governor 10

Recall the working principle of Watt Governor 10

Derive an expression for the height in case of Watt Governor 10

Recall the Limitations of Watt Governor 10

Recall the Functions of Porter Governor 10

Recall the working principle of Porter Governor 10

Compare Porter Governor and Watt Governor 10

List the merits of Porter Governor 10

Define the term Proell Governor 10

Recall the working principle of Proell Governor 10

Recall the Functions of Hartnell Governor 10

Recall the working principle of Hartnell Governor 10

Recall the working principle of Hartung Governor 10

Recall the Pickering Governor and list its applications 10

Recall the working principle of Pickering governor 10

Recall the Functions of Hartnell Governor 10

Recall the working principle of Hartnell Governor 10

Define the term Governor

In engineering, a governor is a device that is used to regulate the speed of an engine or a machine by controlling the fuel supply or the flow of fluid. It is essentially a speed control mechanism that helps to maintain a steady-state operation by detecting the changes in the load and adjusting the input accordingly.

Governors work on the principle of centrifugal force. As the speed of the machine or engine increases, the centrifugal force acting on the governor also increases, which causes the governor to move outward. This movement of the governor controls the fuel or fluid input and maintains a constant speed by adjusting the flow of the input.

There are several types of governors used in different machines, including centrifugal governors, pendulum governors, and hydraulic governors, among others. The type of governor used depends on the specific application and the requirements of the machine.

Governors are an important component of many machines, including engines, turbines, and generators, among others. They help to ensure that the machine operates at a constant speed and prevent damage that can be caused by over-speeding or under-speeding.

List various applications of Governors

Governors are mechanical devices that are used to regulate the speed of an engine or a machine by adjusting the fuel or steam input. They have a wide range of applications in different types of machinery where precise control of speed is required. Some of the major applications of governors are:

  1. Steam engines: Governors are commonly used in steam engines to regulate the speed of the engine. The steam governor controls the amount of steam entering the engine, which in turn regulates its speed. This helps to maintain a constant speed under varying load conditions.
  2. Turbines: Governors are extensively used in turbines to maintain a constant speed of the generator. A change in the load on the turbine will change the speed of the turbine, but with the help of a governor, the speed can be maintained constant.
  3. Automobile engines: Governors are used in automotive engines to regulate the speed of the engine. The governor system senses the engine speed and adjusts the fuel supply accordingly.
  4. Power generation: Governors are used in various types of power generation systems to maintain a constant speed of the generator, regardless of the load.
  5. Industrial machinery: Governors are used in various types of industrial machinery such as textile machines, printing machines, and woodworking machines, where precise control of speed is required.

Overall, governors are critical in regulating the speed of machines in different applications, ensuring their safe and efficient operation.

Recall the following types of Governors: i. Centrifugal Governors ii. Inertia Governors

In the study of the Theory of Machines (TOM), Governors are devices used to regulate the speed of an engine or machine by controlling the amount of fuel, steam, or water supplied to it. The primary function of governors is to maintain a constant speed of the machine under varying loads.

There are different types of Governors, but the most common ones are centrifugal and inertia governors.

i. Centrifugal Governors:

A centrifugal governor consists of two masses, known as balls or weights, which are mounted on arms or links that are pivoted at some point. The arms or links are connected to a spindle, which is driven by the engine. When the engine speeds up, the centrifugal force acting on the masses causes them to move outwards, and this movement is transferred to the spindle. The spindle, in turn, controls the fuel supply to the engine or machine. If the speed increases beyond the set value, the centrifugal force increases, and the spindle will close the fuel supply. This will reduce the speed of the engine until it reaches the desired speed.

Centrifugal governors are commonly used in engines such as diesel engines, steam engines, and gas turbines.

ii. Inertia Governors:

An inertia governor is also known as a flywheel governor. It consists of a flywheel with weights attached to it. When the speed of the engine changes, the weights move in or out, depending on the direction of the speed change. The movement of the weights is transferred to a lever, which controls the fuel supply.

Inertia governors are mainly used in small engines, such as internal combustion engines used in cars, motorcycles, and small machines.

Both centrifugal and inertia governors are essential devices that help regulate the speed of engines and machines.

Recall the Functions of Centrifugal Governor

A centrifugal governor is a mechanical device that regulates the speed of an engine by controlling the fuel or steam supply. The primary function of a centrifugal governor is to maintain a constant speed of an engine under varying load conditions. It does this by controlling the fuel or steam supply to the engine by regulating the position of the throttle valve.

Some of the functions of a centrifugal governor are as follows:

  1. Speed regulation: The centrifugal governor can automatically adjust the engine’s speed to ensure that it remains constant, regardless of the load on the engine.
  2. Overspeed protection: The centrifugal governor can protect the engine from overspeeding by reducing the fuel or steam supply to the engine if the speed increases beyond a set limit.
  3. Under speed protection: The centrifugal governor can also protect the engine from running too slowly by increasing the fuel or steam supply to the engine if the speed drops below a set limit.
  4. Stabilization: The centrifugal governor can help to stabilize the engine’s speed by reducing the effects of sudden changes in load.
  5. Control: The centrifugal governor can be used to control the engine’s speed within a certain range, allowing the engine to be operated more efficiently.

Overall, the centrifugal governor is a crucial component of many engines and plays a vital role in maintaining their optimal performance.

Recall the working principle of Centrifugal Governor

A centrifugal governor is a type of governor that is used to regulate the speed of an engine or other machine. It works on the principle of centrifugal force and is designed to maintain a constant speed under varying loads. The main function of a centrifugal governor is to control the fuel supply to the engine so that the engine operates at a constant speed.

The working principle of a centrifugal governor is based on the fact that when a mass is rotating about a fixed axis, it experiences a centrifugal force that is proportional to its mass and the square of its rotational speed. The centrifugal force acts radially outward from the axis of rotation and is balanced by a spring force that is proportional to the displacement of the governor balls.

In a centrifugal governor, the rotating balls or weights are attached to a spindle, which is connected to the throttle valve of the engine. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the balls or weights increases, causing them to move outward. This movement of the balls or weights is transmitted to the spindle, which in turn, rotates the throttle valve, reducing the fuel supply to the engine.

As the engine speed decreases, the centrifugal force acting on the balls or weights decreases, causing them to move inward. This inward movement of the balls or weights is transmitted to the spindle, which in turn, rotates the throttle valve, increasing the fuel supply to the engine.

By regulating the fuel supply to the engine, the centrifugal governor ensures that the engine speed remains constant under varying loads. The governor achieves this by adjusting the fuel supply to the engine in response to changes in the engine speed.

List and recall various terms used in the Centrifugal Governors

Centrifugal governors are devices that are used to regulate the speed of engines by controlling the fuel supply. These governors work on the principle of centrifugal force and have various terms that are associated with them.

  1. Ball Weight: It is the weight that is attached to the arms of the governor. As the speed of the engine increases, the balls move outwards, and the arms rotate the spindle.
  2. Spindle: It is a rotating shaft that is connected to the fuel supply valve. The spindle is rotated by the arms of the governor, which are in turn moved by the ball weights.
  3. Sleeve: It is a collar that is fixed to the spindle. The sleeve moves up and down on the spindle and controls the fuel supply.
  4. Spring: It is used to oppose the centrifugal force on the balls. The spring is used to adjust the speed at which the governor operates.
  5. Governor Weight: It is the weight that is used to apply a force to the spring. The governor weight is used to adjust the sensitivity of the governor.
  6. Pivot: It is the fixed point on which the governor is mounted.
  7. Control Mechanism: It is used to adjust the governor’s sensitivity and is often used to switch between different modes of operation.

By understanding these terms, we can better understand how centrifugal governors work and how they can be used to control the speed of engines.

Define the term Inertia Governor

An Inertia Governor is a type of mechanical governor that controls the speed of an engine or machine by utilising the principle of inertia. It operates by taking advantage of the tendency of a spinning flywheel to resist changes in its rotational speed due to changes in the load on the engine. When the load increases, the speed of the flywheel slows down, which causes a rotating mass attached to the flywheel to move outwards, actuating the governor mechanism and decreasing the fuel supply to the engine, which in turn reduces the engine’s speed.

Similarly, when the load on the engine decreases, the flywheel speeds up, causing the rotating mass to move inward, which increases the fuel supply to the engine, and therefore the engine’s speed. The rotating mass of an inertia governor is typically designed in such a way that it maintains its position until the engine speed changes, which allows the governor to provide a smooth, steady control of the engine speed.

Inertia governors are commonly used in diesel engines, steam turbines, and other types of machinery that require precise speed control over a wide range of loads. They are particularly useful in situations where the engine or machine experiences sudden and unpredictable changes in load, as they can respond quickly and effectively to these changes to maintain a constant speed.

Recall the working principle of Inertia Governor

An Inertia Governor is a type of governor that operates on the principle of inertia. It is also known as a flywheel type governor. In an Inertia Governor, a heavy flywheel or a rotating mass is used to regulate the speed of an engine or machine.

The working principle of an Inertia Governor is based on the centrifugal force created by the rotating mass. As the speed of the engine or machine increases, the centrifugal force acting on the rotating mass also increases. The rotating mass tends to move away from the central axis, which in turn moves the sleeve attached to it.

The sleeve is connected to the throttle valve of the engine or machine, and as it moves, it regulates the flow of fuel or energy to the engine, which maintains the speed at a constant level. When the speed of the engine or machine decreases, the centrifugal force acting on the rotating mass also decreases, and the spring connected to the sleeve pulls it back to its original position, which in turn opens the throttle valve and increases the flow of fuel or energy to the engine, maintaining the speed at a constant level.

Inertia Governors are mostly used in high-speed engines, where the fluctuation in speed due to the changes in load is very high. These governors are also used in the turbines to maintain a constant speed. They are widely used in industries where the accuracy of the speed is very important.

List Advantages and Disadvantages of Inertia Governor

An Inertia Governor is a type of governor that functions on the basis of inertia of a rotating disc. The speed of the governor is directly proportional to the square root of the tension in the governor spring. Inertia Governors are mainly used in small engines and machines that have a low power output.

The working principle of an Inertia Governor involves a flywheel attached to the engine shaft. The flywheel rotates with the engine, and it is designed to have a relatively high moment of inertia. The governor disc is mounted on the same shaft as the flywheel. The governor disc has two masses mounted on it, and these masses can slide in radial slots. When the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the masses increases, causing them to move outward. This movement causes a change in the effective radius of the governor disc, which results in a change in the spring force.

Advantages of Inertia Governor include:

  • It has a simpler construction as compared to other types of governors, which makes it less expensive to manufacture and maintain.
  • It has a high accuracy and can provide an almost constant speed of rotation for the engine or the machine.

Disadvantages of Inertia Governor include:

  • It is not suitable for high power output applications since the governor’s spring tension has to be increased, which results in a reduction in its sensitivity.
  • It requires a high moment of inertia flywheel, which increases the cost of the machine or engine.

Inertia Governors are mainly used in small engines and machines that have a low power output, and where a constant speed of rotation is essential, such as in sewing machines and generators.

Recall the Functions of Watt Governor

The Watt Governor is a type of centrifugal governor that was invented by James Watt in 1788. It was used to regulate the speed of steam engines by controlling the amount of steam that entered the engine.

The main function of the Watt Governor is to maintain a constant speed of the engine. It does this by adjusting the position of the throttle valve in the steam line, which in turn controls the amount of steam that enters the engine. The Watt Governor achieves this by using a rotating flywheel that is connected to the engine’s output shaft. As the speed of the engine increases, the flywheel rotates faster, which causes two heavy balls to move outwards due to centrifugal force. The movement of these balls is then transferred to a lever, which adjusts the position of the throttle valve to reduce the flow of steam and bring the engine speed back to its desired level.

The Watt Governor has several advantages. Firstly, it is a simple and reliable mechanism that can be easily installed and maintained. Secondly, it provides a stable and smooth operation of the engine by maintaining a constant speed. Thirdly, it is effective at controlling the speed of the engine across a wide range of loads.

However, the Watt Governor also has some limitations. For example, it is not very sensitive to small changes in speed, which can result in fluctuations in the speed of the engine. Additionally, it can be affected by external factors such as changes in temperature or friction, which can cause it to malfunction. Finally, it is not suitable for use with engines that have a high power output, as it can become too large and heavy to be practical.

Recall the working principle of Watt Governor

Watt Governor is a type of centrifugal governor that was invented by James Watt in the late 18th century. It is used in steam engines to maintain a nearly constant speed, despite variations in the load.

The Watt Governor is made up of two rotating balls connected to a central spindle or shaft. The spindle or shaft is connected to the valve that controls the amount of steam entering the engine. When the engine is running at a constant speed, the centrifugal force acting on the balls is balanced by the force of gravity, and the balls remain at a fixed height. As the load on the engine increases, the speed of the engine decreases, and the balls drop down. This causes the central spindle or shaft to move, which opens the valve and allows more steam to enter the engine, which increases the engine speed back to its original value. Conversely, if the load on the engine decreases, the speed of the engine increases, causing the balls to rise up, and the valve to close, reducing the amount of steam entering the engine, which reduces the engine speed back to its original value.

The Watt Governor is based on the principle of the centrifugal force acting on a rotating mass, which causes the mass to move outwards. The centrifugal force is proportional to the square of the angular velocity of the balls, and is balanced by the force of gravity acting on the balls. By adjusting the position of the weights, the force of gravity can be changed, and the speed at which the balls start to move outwards can be adjusted. The Watt Governor is designed to be very sensitive to changes in speed, so that it can respond quickly to changes in load and maintain a nearly constant speed.

The Watt Governor is widely used in steam engines, but has also been used in other applications, such as regulating the speed of wind turbines and water turbines.

Derive an expression for the height in case of Watt Governor

The height of a Watt Governor can be derived by analyzing the forces acting on the sleeve and the ball arms of the governor. The derivation involves the following steps:

  1. Consider a Watt Governor as shown in the figure below. Let the ball arms be of length r and the sleeve be of radius R. Let the balls be at a distance of d from the center of the sleeve when the governor is in equilibrium.
  2. Let the sleeve rotate at an angular velocity ω. At this speed, the centrifugal force acting on the ball is mrω2, where m is the mass of each ball.
  3. Let the force acting on each ball along the line joining the ball and the center of the sleeve be F. This force is balanced by the tension T in the connecting rod.
  4. The vertical component of the tension is given by T cos(θ/2), where θ is the angle between the ball arms.
  5. The horizontal component of the tension is given by T sin(θ/2).
  6. Equating the centrifugal force and the vertical component of the tension, we get:

mrω2 = T cos(θ/2)

  1. Equating the horizontal component of the tension to the difference in the gravitational forces on the two balls, we get:

T sin(θ/2) = mg(d/2sin(θ/2) – R)

where g is the acceleration due to gravity.

  1. Eliminating T from the above two equations, we get:

2 = g(d/2sin(θ/2) – R)tan(θ/2)

  1. The height h of the governor is given by:

h = r – R + d/2sin(θ/2)

  1. Substituting the value of rω2 from equation 8 into equation 9, we get the final expression for the height of the governor:

h = (g(d/2sin(θ/2) – R)tan(θ/2))/ω2 – R + d/2sin(θ/2)

This expression shows that the height of the governor is directly proportional to the square of the angular velocity and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the balls and the center of the sleeve.

Recall the Limitations of Watt Governor

The Watt Governor is a type of centrifugal governor that is commonly used in steam engines to regulate the speed of the engine. While the Watt Governor has several advantages, there are also a few limitations to its use, including:

  1. Limited range of speed control: The Watt Governor has a limited range of speed control, which means that it is not suitable for applications where the speed needs to be varied over a wide range.
  2. Dependence on friction: The Watt Governor depends on the friction between the collar and the spindle to operate. This can lead to wear and tear over time, which can affect the accuracy of the governor.
  3. Sensitivity to vibrations: The Watt Governor is sensitive to vibrations, which can cause it to oscillate and affect its performance.
  4. Difficulty in adjusting the sensitiveness: The Watt Governor can be difficult to adjust in terms of its sensitiveness, and may require a skilled operator to make the necessary adjustments.

Despite these limitations, the Watt Governor is still widely used in many applications, and is valued for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

Recall the Functions of Porter Governor

The Porter governor is a type of centrifugal governor that is used to regulate the speed of an engine or other machine. It is commonly used in steam engines and other power plants. The main function of the Porter governor is to maintain a constant speed of the engine by controlling the fuel and air supply.

The governor consists of two masses or balls that are attached to arms, which are in turn attached to a spindle. The spindle is connected to the engine’s shaft, and as the speed of the engine changes, the balls move up or down along the spindle. The movement of the balls controls the position of a valve, which regulates the flow of steam or fuel to the engine.

The Porter governor is unique in that it uses a bell crank mechanism to convert the radial movement of the balls into a linear motion that is used to control the fuel or steam valve. This mechanism is more efficient than other types of governors, such as the Watt governor, which use a simple linkage system.

One of the main advantages of the Porter governor is its ability to maintain a constant speed even when the load on the engine changes. This is achieved by adjusting the position of the balls, which in turn controls the fuel or steam supply to the engine. Additionally, the Porter governor is relatively simple and easy to maintain.

However, one of the limitations of the Porter governor is that it is not suitable for high-speed applications. This is because the balls can become unstable at high speeds, which can cause the governor to malfunction. In such cases, a different type of governor, such as a flywheel governor, may be more appropriate.

Recall the working principle of Porter Governor

Porter governor is a type of centrifugal governor, which is used to regulate the speed of an engine. It works based on the principle of the centrifugal force. The main components of a Porter governor are the balls and arms. The balls are attached to the arms, which are in turn attached to the spindle. The spindle is rotated at a constant speed by the engine.

When the engine speed increases, the balls move outward due to the centrifugal force. This movement of the balls causes the arms to move upward, and this movement is transferred to the sleeve through a link mechanism. The sleeve moves upward and operates the throttle valve of the engine, thereby reducing the fuel intake and maintaining the engine speed at a constant level.

Similarly, when the engine speed decreases, the balls move inward due to the reduced centrifugal force, and the arms move downward, causing the sleeve to move downward. This movement of the sleeve opens the throttle valve of the engine, increasing the fuel intake and maintaining the engine speed at a constant level.

The Porter governor is mainly used in steam engines, where it is used to regulate the steam engine’s speed by controlling the steam valve. It is also used in other applications where speed regulation is required.

Compare Porter Governor and Watt Governor

Porter and Watt governors are two types of centrifugal governors used to regulate the speed of an engine by controlling the fuel or steam input. While they both work on the same principle of centrifugal force, they have a few key differences.

Function: The function of both governors is to control the engine speed. The speed is controlled by changing the position of a control valve that regulates the flow of the fuel or steam into the engine.

Working principle: The Watt governor works by changing the effective length of the linkage between the governor balls and the valve spindle. When the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the governor balls increases, causing them to move outwards. This, in turn, moves the linkage and the valve spindle, reducing the fuel or steam supply to the engine, causing the speed to decrease. The Porter governor, on the other hand, works by changing the position of a sliding sleeve that controls the steam or fuel supply to the engine. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the balls moves them outwards, causing the sleeve to move upwards and reduce the steam or fuel supply to the engine, causing the speed to decrease.

Design: The Watt governor has two balls that are connected to the valve spindle via a linkage. The linkage is connected to the valve spindle such that when the balls move outwards, the effective length of the linkage decreases, causing the valve to close. The Porter governor has two balls that are connected to a sleeve that slides over the valve spindle. As the balls move outwards, the sleeve moves upwards, reducing the fuel or steam supply to the engine.

Limitations: The Watt governor is limited in its ability to control the speed of the engine at high speeds. At high speeds, the force acting on the balls becomes too large, causing the balls to rise and the linkage to become vertical. At this point, the governor loses control over the fuel or steam supply, and the engine speed increases. The Porter governor does not suffer from this problem and can control the speed of the engine over a wide range of speeds.

In summary, the Watt governor uses a linkage to control the fuel or steam supply to the engine, while the Porter governor uses a sliding sleeve. The Watt governor is limited in its ability to control the engine speed at high speeds, while the Porter governor can control the speed over a wider range of speeds.

List the merits of Porter Governor

The Porter governor is a type of centrifugal governor that is widely used to control the speed of engines. Here are some of its merits:

  1. Greater Stability: The Porter governor is more stable than other types of governors because it has two rotating masses. This helps to reduce the oscillations in the speed of the engine and provides better speed control.
  2. High Sensitivity: The Porter governor is highly sensitive to small variations in the speed of the engine. This makes it an ideal governor for engines that require precise speed control.
  3. Quick Response: The Porter governor has a quick response time and can adjust the engine speed rapidly in response to changes in the load. This feature is particularly important for engines that have variable loads.
  4. Compact Size: The Porter governor is relatively small in size, which makes it ideal for use in small engines where space is limited.
  5. Easy to Maintain: The Porter governor is easy to maintain and repair. Its simple design and few moving parts make it a reliable and durable governor that can last for years with minimal maintenance.
  6. Low Cost: The Porter governor is a cost-effective solution for speed control of engines. Its simple design and low manufacturing cost make it an attractive option for engines that require basic speed control.

Overall, the Porter governor is a reliable and efficient speed control mechanism that is widely used in various types of engines. Its high sensitivity, stability, and quick response make it an ideal choice for engines that require precise speed control.


Define the term Proell Governor

The Proell Governor is a type of centrifugal governor used to regulate the speed of an engine. It is named after its inventor, the Austrian engineer Albert Proell. The governor works on the principle of controlling the motion of a rotating mass to maintain a constant speed of an engine.

The Proell Governor consists of two rotating masses which are connected to the sleeve, and the sleeve is connected to the crankshaft of the engine. The masses are connected to the sleeve by means of a mechanism, which allows them to rotate freely. The two masses are held apart by a spring, and the spring tension can be adjusted to set the desired speed of the engine.

When the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the rotating masses also increases, and the masses move outwards, compressing the spring. This movement of the masses causes the sleeve to move up or down, which in turn controls the fuel supply to the engine. As the fuel supply is reduced, the speed of the engine is controlled and maintained at a constant level.

The Proell Governor is widely used in diesel engines, gas turbines, and other applications that require accurate speed control. It has several advantages over other types of governors, including its simplicity, reliability, and high accuracy. However, it is more complex and expensive than other types of governors and requires more maintenance.


Recall the working principle of Proell Governor

The Proell Governor is a type of centrifugal governor that is used to control the speed of engines. It is similar to the Watt Governor and the Porter Governor, but it has a more compact and simplified design. The Proell Governor consists of two balls, which are connected to a spindle that rotates as the engine speed changes.

The working principle of the Proell Governor is based on the centrifugal force acting on the balls as they rotate with the spindle. As the speed of the engine increases, the centrifugal force acting on the balls also increases. This causes the balls to move outwards, which in turn causes the spindle to move downwards. The downward movement of the spindle is used to control the fuel supply to the engine, thus controlling its speed.

The Proell Governor has a unique feature that allows it to control the speed of the engine more accurately than other types of centrifugal governors. The balls in the Proell Governor are designed to move in a horizontal plane, rather than a vertical plane as in the Watt and Porter Governors. This allows for a more sensitive response to changes in engine speed and provides greater accuracy in speed control.

The Proell Governor is commonly used in diesel engines and other small engines that require precise speed control. Its compact and simple design makes it easy to manufacture and maintain, and it is also less expensive than other types of governors. However, it has some limitations, such as limited range of speed control and susceptibility to wear and tear due to the rolling motion of the balls.

Derive an expression for the relation between h and ω² for the Proell Governor

In a Proell Governor, two revolving masses are connected to each other through a connecting link. A sleeve is connected to one of the revolving masses, and the other end of the sleeve is connected to the spindle. A spring is connected between the sleeve and the spindle.

The working principle of the Proell Governor is based on the centrifugal force acting on the revolving masses, which affects the position of the sleeve and the spindle. When the speed of the spindle increases, the centrifugal force acting on the revolving masses increases, which causes the sleeve to move upwards. The upward movement of the sleeve compresses the spring, and this compression in turn pushes the spindle downwards, decreasing the speed of the machine.

The expression for the relation between h and ω² for the Proell Governor can be derived as follows:

Let m be the mass of each revolving mass, r be the radius of each revolving mass, and k be the spring constant of the spring. The centrifugal force acting on each revolving mass is given by:

F = mω²r

where ω is the angular velocity of the revolving masses.

Since the two revolving masses are connected to each other through the connecting link, their speeds must be equal. Hence, the centrifugal force acting on both masses is the same. Therefore, the total centrifugal force acting on both masses is:

2F = 2mω²r

This force acts on the sleeve, compressing the spring. The compression in the spring is given by:

h = (2F)/k = (2mω²r)/k

Therefore, the relation between h and ω² for the Proell Governor is:

h = (2mω²r)/k

This relation shows that the compression in the spring is directly proportional to the square of the angular velocity of the revolving masses.


Compare Porter and Proell Governors


Porter and Proell governors are two types of centrifugal governors used to regulate the speed of steam engines. While they serve a similar purpose, there are some differences in their working principles and design.

The Porter governor works by changing the effective length of the governor arms, which in turn affects the centrifugal force acting on the balls of the governor. The balls are attached to a collar that slides up and down the vertical spindle, which is connected to the throttle valve of the engine. As the speed of the engine changes, the balls move up and down, causing the collar to move and adjust the throttle valve to maintain a constant speed. The Porter governor is a simple and robust design and is well suited for large steam engines.

The Proell governor, on the other hand, works by changing the position of a sliding weight on the arms of the governor. The sliding weight is connected to the spindle of the throttle valve, and its position is determined by the centrifugal force acting on the arms of the governor. As the speed of the engine changes, the centrifugal force acting on the arms of the governor changes, causing the sliding weight to move and adjust the throttle valve to maintain a constant speed. The Proell governor is a more complex design compared to the Porter governor but is more sensitive to changes in speed and can be used for smaller steam engines.

In terms of their performance, the Porter governor has a limited range of speed control, typically between 3% and 4% of the rated speed, while the Proell governor has a wider range of speed control, typically between 1% and 10% of the rated speed. The Proell governor is also more sensitive to changes in speed and can respond to changes more quickly than the Porter governor.

In summary, the Porter and Proell governors are two types of centrifugal governors used to regulate the speed of steam engines. While they serve a similar purpose, there are some differences in their working principles, design, and performance. The Porter governor is a simple and robust design and is well suited for large steam engines, while the Proell governor is a more complex design but is more sensitive to changes in speed and can be used for smaller steam engines


Recall the Functions of Hartnell Governor

The Hartnell governor is a centrifugal governor that can regulate the speed of an engine by adjusting the amount of fuel or steam that is supplied to the system. The main function of the Hartnell governor is to maintain a constant speed of the engine under varying load conditions.

The Hartnell governor typically consists of two masses connected by a spring, which are rotated by the engine’s shaft. The masses are connected to a sleeve which moves up and down to adjust the fuel or steam supply to the engine.

The governor works by using centrifugal force to balance the force of the spring. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the masses also increases. This causes the masses to move outwards and pull the sleeve up, which increases the fuel or steam supply to the engine.

Conversely, if the engine speed decreases, the centrifugal force acting on the masses decreases. This causes the spring to pull the masses back inwards, which in turn lowers the sleeve and reduces the fuel or steam supply to the engine.

The Hartnell governor is used in steam turbines, marine engines, and other applications where a constant speed is required.

Recall the working principle of Hartnell Governor

Hartnell Governor is a type of governor that is commonly used for controlling the speed of engines. It consists of two masses connected by links to the spindle, and the masses are free to move along the spindle. The spindle is connected to the engine shaft, and the masses are connected to the sleeve. The sleeve is connected to the throttle valve of the engine through a linkage.

The working principle of the Hartnell Governor is based on the centrifugal force that acts on the masses when the engine is running. As the speed of the engine increases, the centrifugal force acting on the masses also increases, and the masses move outwards along the spindle. This movement causes the sleeve to move in a downward direction, which in turn controls the opening of the throttle valve. When the speed of the engine decreases, the centrifugal force acting on the masses also decreases, and the masses move inwards along the spindle. This movement causes the sleeve to move in an upward direction, which in turn controls the closing of the throttle valve.

The Hartnell Governor is used in various applications where precise control of engine speed is required, such as in the case of generators, pumps, and machine tools. It is also used in steam turbines, where it is used to control the speed of the turbine by controlling the steam flow to the turbine. The Hartnell Governor is simple in design and is easy to maintain, which makes it a popular choice for many applications.

Recall the working principle of Hartung Governor

The Hartung Governor is a type of centrifugal governor that operates on the principle of variation of the gravitational force. The governor consists of two balls attached to the arms of a bell crank lever, which is pivoted on a stationary spindle. The spindle is fixed at an angle to the vertical axis of the governor, and the position of the spindle is adjusted so that the balls are just touching the sleeve at the lowest point of rotation.

As the speed of the governor increases, the centrifugal force acting on the balls causes them to move away from the spindle, thereby rotating the bell crank lever. The bell crank lever in turn rotates the sleeve through a system of gears. The sleeve is attached to the throttle lever of the engine, and the rotation of the sleeve regulates the engine speed.

The Hartung Governor operates on the principle of variation of the gravitational force, and it does not require any spring or spring-controlled mechanism. The balls are allowed to move up and down along the arms of the bell crank lever due to the variation of the gravitational force acting on them. The height of the balls above the spindle determines the speed of the engine, and hence the height of the balls is adjusted by moving the spindle up or down.

The Hartung Governor is typically used in small engines, and it has the advantage of being simple and inexpensive. However, its speed range is limited, and it is not suitable for engines with large power output.


Recall the Pickering Governor and list its applications

The Pickering Governor is a mechanical device that was invented by William Pickering in the early 19th century to regulate the speed of steam engines. It is a centrifugal governor, which means that it uses the centrifugal force generated by a rotating mechanism to regulate the speed of the engine.

The Pickering Governor consists of two heavy steel balls that are attached to the ends of a rotating arm. The arm is connected to the engine’s throttle valve, which controls the flow of steam to the engine. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force generated by the rotating balls causes the arm to move upwards, which closes the throttle valve and reduces the steam flow to the engine. Conversely, as the engine speed decreases, the centrifugal force decreases, and the arm moves downwards, opening the throttle valve and increasing the steam flow to the engine. This feedback loop allows the governor to maintain a constant engine speed despite variations in load or demand.

The Pickering Governor has been widely used in various applications, including steam engines, water turbines, and diesel engines. Its applications are not limited to the field of mechanical engineering but also extend to the electrical and chemical industries. Some of the specific applications of the Pickering Governor are:

  1. Steam engines: The Pickering Governor was first used to regulate the speed of steam engines. By controlling the steam flow to the engine, the governor prevented the engine from running too fast or too slow, which could cause damage to the engine or machinery.
  2. Water turbines: The Pickering Governor is also used to regulate the speed of water turbines, which are used to generate electricity. The governor controls the flow of water to the turbine to maintain a constant speed and prevent damage to the generator.
  3. Diesel engines: The Pickering Governor is also used in diesel engines to regulate the speed of the engine. By controlling the fuel flow to the engine, the governor ensures that the engine runs at a constant speed, which is critical for many applications, such as powering generators or driving heavy machinery.
  4. Chemical processes: The Pickering Governor is used in chemical processes to maintain a constant flow rate of liquids or gases. By regulating the flow of fluids, the governor ensures that chemical reactions occur at a consistent rate, which is important for producing high-quality products.

In conclusion, the Pickering Governor is a mechanical device that uses centrifugal force to regulate the speed of machines. It has a wide range of applications in various fields, including steam engines, water turbines, diesel engines, and chemical processes. Its ability to maintain a constant speed despite load or demand variations has made it an important component in many industrial processes.

Recall the working principle of Pickering governor

The Pickering Governor is a mechanical device that is used to regulate the speed of steam engines, water turbines, diesel engines, and other machinery. It works based on the principle of centrifugal force, which is generated by a rotating mechanism.

The working principle of the Pickering Governor can be explained as follows:

  1. The governor consists of two heavy steel balls that are attached to the ends of a rotating arm. The arm is connected to the engine’s throttle valve, which controls the flow of steam or fuel to the engine.
  2. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force generated by the rotating balls causes the arm to move upwards. This upward movement of the arm causes the throttle valve to close, which reduces the flow of steam or fuel to the engine.
  3. Conversely, as the engine speed decreases, the centrifugal force decreases, and the arm moves downwards. This downward movement of the arm causes the throttle valve to open, which increases the flow of steam or fuel to the engine.
  4. The movement of the governor’s arm is not continuous, but rather oscillates back and forth. This oscillation is controlled by a set of springs, which provide a restoring force that counteracts the centrifugal force.
  5. The Pickering Governor also has a mechanism for adjusting the speed at which the throttle valve opens or closes. This mechanism is usually a sliding sleeve or a lever that can be moved to change the position of the governor’s balls and springs.
  6. By adjusting the position of the governor’s balls and springs, the speed at which the throttle valve opens or closes can be changed. This allows the governor to maintain a constant engine speed despite changes in load or demand.

In summary, the working principle of the Pickering Governor is based on the use of centrifugal force to regulate the speed of machinery. The governor consists of two heavy steel balls that are attached to the ends of a rotating arm, which is connected to the engine’s throttle valve. As the engine speed increases or decreases, the centrifugal force generated by the rotating balls causes the throttle valve to close or open, respectively. This feedback loop allows the governor to maintain a constant engine speed despite variations in load or demand.

Recall the Functions of Hartnell Governor

The Hartnell Governor is a mechanical device used to regulate the speed of engines or turbines by controlling the flow of steam or fuel to the engine. It operates on the principle of centrifugal force and has several functions that make it an important component in many industrial processes.

The following are the functions of the Hartnell Governor:

  1. Regulating Engine Speed: The primary function of the Hartnell Governor is to regulate the speed of engines or turbines by controlling the flow of steam or fuel to the engine. It does this by using a set of rotating weights that are driven by the engine’s rotating shaft. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force generated by the weights causes them to move outwards, which in turn closes a valve that controls the flow of steam or fuel to the engine. Conversely, as the engine speed decreases, the centrifugal force decreases, and the valve opens, allowing more steam or fuel to flow to the engine.
  2. Maintaining Constant Speed: The Hartnell Governor is designed to maintain a constant speed despite variations in load or demand. This is achieved by the use of a feedback loop, in which the governor continuously adjusts the flow of steam or fuel to the engine based on the engine speed. This ensures that the engine runs at a constant speed, which is critical for many industrial processes.
  3. Over-Speed Protection: Another important function of the Hartnell Governor is to provide over-speed protection for the engine. In the event that the engine speed exceeds a certain threshold, the centrifugal force generated by the weights will cause them to move outwards and actuate a set of mechanical brakes that will stop the engine. This protects the engine from damage due to overspeed.
  4. Emergency Shutdown: The Hartnell Governor also provides a mechanism for emergency shutdown in the event of a catastrophic failure or malfunction. This is accomplished by using a set of mechanical links that can be activated by an external force to disengage the governor weights and close the valve, stopping the flow of steam or fuel to the engine.

In conclusion, the Hartnell Governor is a mechanical device that performs several important functions in regulating the speed of engines or turbines. It maintains a constant speed, provides over-speed protection, and emergency shutdown capabilities, making it an essential component in many industrial processes.

Recall the working principle of Hartnell Governor

The Hartnell Governor is a mechanical device used to regulate the speed of engines or turbines by controlling the flow of steam or fuel to the engine. It operates on the principle of centrifugal force, and its working principle can be explained as follows:

  1. The governor consists of a spindle, rotating weights, and a sleeve that contains a valve that controls the flow of steam or fuel to the engine. The spindle is connected to the engine’s rotating shaft and rotates at the same speed as the engine.
  2. The rotating weights are attached to the spindle by a set of arms and rotate with it. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force generated by the rotating weights causes them to move outwards. Conversely, as the engine speed decreases, the centrifugal force decreases, and the weights move inwards.
  3. The sleeve containing the valve is also attached to the spindle and rotates with it. The sleeve is held in position by a spring that counteracts the centrifugal force generated by the weights. As the weights move outwards, the sleeve moves with them, causing the valve to close and reducing the flow of steam or fuel to the engine. Conversely, as the weights move inwards, the spring moves the sleeve back to its original position, causing the valve to open and increasing the flow of steam or fuel to the engine.
  4. The Hartnell Governor is designed to maintain a constant speed despite variations in load or demand. To achieve this, the sleeve containing the valve is connected to a feedback mechanism that constantly adjusts the position of the sleeve based on the engine speed. This ensures that the engine runs at a constant speed, even when the load or demand changes.
  5. In the event that the engine speed exceeds a certain threshold, the centrifugal force generated by the weights will cause them to move outwards and actuate a set of mechanical brakes that will stop the engine. This provides over-speed protection for the engine.
  6. Additionally, the Hartnell Governor also provides a mechanism for emergency shutdown in the event of a catastrophic failure or malfunction. This is accomplished by using a set of mechanical links that can be activated by an external force to disengage the governor weights and close the valve, stopping the flow of steam or fuel to the engine.

In summary, the working principle of the Hartnell Governor is based on the use of centrifugal force to regulate the speed of engines or turbines. The governor consists of a spindle, rotating weights, and a sleeve that contains a valve that controls the flow of steam or fuel to the engine. As the engine speed increases or decreases, the centrifugal force generated by the rotating weights causes the valve to close or open, respectively, to maintain a constant engine speed. The Hartnell Governor also provides over-speed protection and emergency shutdown capabilities, making it an important component in many industrial processes.