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electrical:generator [2021/12/30 16:14] frater_secessus [specs] |
electrical:generator [2023/09/23 13:32] frater_secessus [inverter generators] |
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The most common **higher end** portable generators are the [[http:// | The most common **higher end** portable generators are the [[http:// | ||
- | The **lower end** is dominated by [[http:// | + | The **lower end** is dominated by open-frame, non-inverter " |
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 ===== | ===== inverter generators ===== | ||
- | Inverter | + | To understand the theoretical benefits of inverter |
+ | **Standard generators** run the engine at a specific speed to get a stable 60Hz((in the U.S.)) output frequency. | ||
+ | |||
+ | > Typically, a United States portable generator runs at 3600 RPM, with 2 poles, for a design frequency of 60Hz.((https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | Things that affect RPM (load changes, etc) will affect the output and can cause "dirty power" (varying frequency). | ||
+ | |||
+ | > 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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+ | **Notes**: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * inverter vs standard generators are unrelated to [[electrical: | ||
+ | * Due to their different internal design inverter generators are often much lighter for the same output rating. | ||
===== 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. | ||
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Generators //are// well suited to charging [[electrical: | Generators //are// well suited to charging [[electrical: | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you are considering a genny for use with an inverter/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | > 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:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
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- start the generator in the morning when batteries are most depleted and can take the most current | - 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 | - 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 Absorption and Float stages | + | - shut the genny down after the battery bank reaches Vabs and let solar handle Absorption and Float stages((Lithium banks may be efficiently charged by generator alone). |
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**Fuel injected** generators may offer better performance at altitude extremes. | **Fuel injected** generators may offer better performance at altitude extremes. | ||
- | | + | The **physical dimensions** of the generator will need to fit in the space you have available. |
+ | |||
+ | **Eco modes** may allow fuel conservation at lower power outputs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ https:// | ||
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- | Generators typically require maintenance after initial break-in and every X hours thereafter. | + | Generators typically require maintenance after initial break-in and every X hours thereafter. |
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
- | Depending on design, air filters will require cleaning | + | **Fuel** left in an unused generator can leave residue resulting in poor (or no) performance. It is common to run the fuel out of the genny at the end of the camping season to avoid this residue. |
- | Fuel left in an unused generator can leave residue resulting in poor (or no) performance. | + | ===== cooling ===== |
+ | Most portable generators used by ' | ||
+ | The generator should be placed in shade((like under a tree)) when possible to keep it from heating up further from direct sun. | ||