This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
Both sides previous revision Previous revision Next revision | Previous revision Next revision Both sides next revision | ||
electrical:generator [2021/12/30 16:28] frater_secessus [specs] |
electrical:generator [2023/09/23 13:36] frater_secessus [inverter generators] reworked INV section |
||
---|---|---|---|
Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
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:// | ||
Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
===== inverter generators ===== | ===== inverter generators ===== | ||
- | Inverter generators adjust engine output to meet power demand. | + | To understand the theoretical benefits of inverter generators we have to know how standard generators work. |
+ | |||
+ | **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:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | * output more stable power. This is unrleated to the [[electrical: | ||
+ | * can be considerably quieter and use less fuel than standard generators | ||
+ | * will make the ~same noise and have the ~same fuel consumption | ||
+ | * are typically lighter than standard gens, due to different internal design | ||
===== etiquette ===== | ===== etiquette ===== | ||
Line 29: | Line 46: | ||
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. | ||
Line 36: | Line 59: | ||
- 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). |
Line 75: | Line 98: | ||
**Fuel** left in an unused generator can leave residue resulting in poor (or no) performance. | **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. | ||