Both sides previous revision
Previous revision
Next revision
|
Previous revision
Next revision
Both sides next revision
|
electrical:generator [2017/11/25 13:08] frater_secessus [maintenance] |
electrical:generator [2021/12/30 15:47] frater_secessus [Generators] |
| |
[[http://amzn.to/2qVHopt|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/510UD0JS72L._AC_US218_.jpg}}]] | [[http://amzn.to/2qVHopt|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/510UD0JS72L._AC_US218_.jpg}}]] |
A generator is a device that creates electricity from some other form of energy. In RV terms this usually means a gasoline powered generator, but they can also run on propane or diesel. \\ | A generator is a device that creates electricity from some other form of energy. In RV terms this usually means a gasoline powered generator, but they can also run on propane or diesel. Residential generators sometimes run on natural gas. \\ |
Note: in some areas solar setups and wind turbines are also called "generators". | Note: in some areas solar setups and wind turbines are also called "generators". Portable "power stations" are sometimes, inaccurately, marketed as [[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator|solar generators]]. |
| |
The most common built-in generator is the Onan, now owned by Cummins. | The most common built-in generator found in RVs is the Onan, now owned by Cummins. |
| |
The most common **high end** portable generators are the [[http://amzn.to/2qVHopt|Honda EU2000-series]], with [[http://amzn.to/2qnyZbI|Yamaha]] second. | The most common **higher end** portable generators are the [[http://amzn.to/2qVHopt|Honda EU2000-series]], inverter generator with [[http://amzn.to/2qnyZbI|Yamaha]] a close second. |
| |
**Middling** brands include [[http://amzn.to/2r3JrGu|Generac]], | The **lower end** is dominated by [[http://amzn.to/2qqLGBJ|Champion]] and other open-frame, non-inverter "contractor" gennies, which are loud but cost 1/3rd as much as Japanese models. Recently some inexpensive inverter generators have come to market, including the Harbor Freight Predator line. Lower-end generators may not be intended for repair, and repair parts may not be available. |
| |
The **lower end** is dominated by [[http://amzn.to/2qqLGBJ|Champion]] gennies, which are loud but cost 1/3rd as much as Japanese models. | |
| |
Some have reported success with Honda and Yamaha clones like [[http://amzn.to/2qnuwGf|Wen]] ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZCG25VM1Lo|tested]]) or Kipor. | Some have reported success with Honda and Yamaha clones like [[http://amzn.to/2qnuwGf|Wen]] ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZCG25VM1Lo|tested]]) or Kipor. |
| |
| ===== inverter generators ===== |
| |
| Inverter generators adjust engine output to meet power demand. This can mean //at lower power levels// inverter generators can be considerably quieter than older technologies. At maximum rated power the noise difference between inverter and non-inverter gennies may not be as great. |
| |
===== etiquette ===== | ===== etiquette ===== |
If the generator is being used for some other purpose then by all means add on battery charging. But running a generator for hours at 5% capacity only for charging is not optimal. | If the generator is being used for some other purpose then by all means add on battery charging. But running a generator for hours at 5% capacity only for charging is not optimal. |
| |
Generators //are// well suited to charging [[electrical:12v:lifepo4_batteries_thread|lithium-chemistry batteries]] as that type can take current at all points of charging. | Generators //are// well suited to charging [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#lithium_chemistries|lithium-chemistry batteries]] as that type can take current at all points of charging. |
===== efficient use ===== | ===== efficient use ===== |
Generators generally have a minimum amount of wattage they can produce. This means that until you hit that minimum multiple loads can be run for "free", speaking in terms of fuel consumption. | Generators generally have a minimum amount of wattage they can produce. This means that until you hit that minimum multiple loads can be run for "free", speaking in terms of fuel consumption. |