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electrical:generator [2017/07/31 06:41] frater_secessus [Generators] |
electrical:generator [2023/09/23 13:36] frater_secessus [inverter generators] reworked INV section |
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[[http:// | [[http:// | ||
- | A generator is a device that creates electricity from some other form of energy. | + | A generator is a device that creates electricity from some other form of energy. |
- | Note:In some areas solar setups and wind turbines are also called " | + | Note: in some areas solar setups and wind turbines are also called " |
- | The most common built-in generator is the Onan, now owned by Cummins. | + | The most common built-in generator |
- | The most common **high end** portable generators are the [[http:// | + | The most common **higher |
- | **Middling** brands include [[http:// | + | The **lower end** is dominated by open-frame, non-inverter " |
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- | The **lower end** is dominated by [[http:// | + | |
Some have reported success with Honda and Yamaha clones like [[http:// | Some have reported success with Honda and Yamaha clones like [[http:// | ||
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+ | ===== inverter generators ===== | ||
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+ | To understand the theoretical benefits of inverter generators we have to know how standard generators work. | ||
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+ | **Standard generators** run the engine at a specific speed to get a stable 60Hz((in the U.S.)) output frequency. | ||
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+ | > Typically, a United States portable generator runs at 3600 RPM, with 2 poles, for a design frequency of 60Hz.((https:// | ||
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+ | Things that affect RPM (load changes, etc) will affect the output and can cause "dirty power" (varying frequency). | ||
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+ | > You get fluctuation of frequency and voltage as the load changes because the engine cannot respond immediately to the actual load change. There are regulators controlling the engine throttle that attempt to keep the engine at a fixed (design) speed, but it takes time for the engine to respond to new commands as it has to deal with varying fuel/air mixtures and combustion which aren't instantaneous.((https:// | ||
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+ | [[https:// | ||
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+ | * output more stable power. | ||
+ | * can be considerably quieter and use less fuel than standard generators //at lower power levels//. | ||
+ | * will make the ~same noise and have the ~same fuel consumption as standard gens //at maximum rated power// | ||
+ | * are typically lighter than standard gens, due to different internal design | ||
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===== etiquette ===== | ===== etiquette ===== | ||
It is common to leave generators quiet in times of darkness, and to not run them when close to other campers. | It is common to leave generators quiet in times of darkness, and to not run them when close to other campers. | ||
+ | ===== charging batteries ===== | ||
+ | Generators are not particularly well-suited to [[electrical: | ||
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+ | [Alternator charging + solar can do the same thing for about $950 less -- Secessus] | ||
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+ | If the generator is being used for some other purpose then by all means add on battery charging. | ||
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+ | Generators //are// well suited to charging [[electrical: | ||
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+ | If you are considering a genny for use with an inverter/ | ||
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+ | > Inverter chargers generally prefer conventional generator and not inverter generators. This is because they control the amount of power they pull from the generator just adjusting your island frequency. Inverter generators do not handle an external actor trying to adjust the frequency and will rigidly keep 50 or 60Hz until they trip. -- therealrimwarren((https:// | ||
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+ | but there are reports that other inverter/ | ||
===== efficient use ===== | ===== efficient use ===== | ||
Generators generally have a minimum amount of wattage they can produce. | Generators generally have a minimum amount of wattage they can produce. | ||
- | An example of an efficient use would be to start the generator in the morning when batteries are most depleted and use all your heavy loads as simultaneously | + | An example of an efficient use would be: |
+ | |||
+ | - start the generator in the morning when batteries are most depleted and can take the most current | ||
+ | - use your heavy loads at the same time as possible, up to the practical limit of the generator | ||
+ | - shut the genny down after the battery bank reaches Vabs and let solar handle | ||
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+ | ===== specs ===== | ||
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+ | **Generators with higher wattage ratings** tend to be bigger, louder, heavier, use more fuel, and cost more. Given the above (and since generators often make most efficient use of fuel when fully loaded) one rule of thumb is to **get the smallest generator that will meet your needs**. | ||
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+ | Generators are often rated (and named) after their **peak wattage** output. | ||
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+ | Not all generators put out Pure Sine Wave (PSW) 120vac; | ||
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+ | **THD** (" | ||
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+ | **Runtime** means how long the generator will run a single fueling. | ||
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+ | Some generators can be **paralleled**, | ||
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+ | **Fuel injected** generators may offer better performance at altitude extremes. | ||
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+ | The **physical dimensions** of the generator will need to fit in the space you have available. | ||
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+ | **Eco modes** may allow fuel conservation at lower power outputs. | ||
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+ | {{ https:// | ||
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+ | Generators typically require maintenance after initial break-in and every X hours thereafter. | ||
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+ | Depending on design, **air filters** will require cleaning or replacement. **Fuel filters** and **spark plugs** re also replaced as needed or according to maintenance schedules. | ||
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+ | **Fuel** left in an unused generator can leave residue resulting in poor (or no) performance. | ||
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+ | ===== cooling ===== | ||
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+ | Most portable generators used by ' | ||
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+ | The generator should be placed in shade((like under a tree)) when possible to keep it from heating up further from direct sun. | ||
+ | ===== further reading ===== | ||
- | FIXME | + | * Chinese genny megathread: |