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electrical:generator [2021/12/30 16:28]
frater_secessus [specs]
electrical:generator [2023/09/23 13:39] (current)
frater_secessus [inverter generators]
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 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.   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.  
  
-The **lower end** is dominated by [[http://amzn.to/2qqLGBJ|Champion]] and other open-framenon-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 open-frame, non-inverter "contractor" gennies ([[http://amzn.to/2qqLGBJ|Champion]], most infamously), which are loud but cost much less for the wattage.  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.
  
 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. 
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 ===== inverter generators ===== ===== 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.+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://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/109378/generator-speed-and-power-output-frequency))  
 + 
 +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://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/109378/generator-speed-and-power-output-frequency)) 
 + 
 + 
 +[[https://amzn.to/46oVNLI|Inverter generators]] reduce engine RPM for lower power demand, then use a more complex((and $$)) AC-> DC-> AC setup to ensure steady output regardless of engine RPM.(("ECO" modes tend to run around 3,000rpm))  As a result inverter generators 
 + 
 +  * output highly-consistent and stable power.  This is unrelated to the [[electrical:inverter#msw_and_electronics|the PSW vs MSW inverter issue]]; all generators output Pure Sine Wave because they make power from a spinning source.   
 +  * 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 
 +  * are typically more expensive than standard gens 
  
 ===== etiquette ===== ===== etiquette =====
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 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. 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.
 +
 +If you are considering a genny for use with an inverter/charger combo, perform due diligence beforehand.  Some inverter/chargers prefer one type over the other:
 +
 +> 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://www.reddit.com/r/SolarDIY/comments/tv41bj/options_for_generator_on_an_off_grid_system/i381dv2/))
 +
 +but there are reports that other inverter/chargers are very picky about a stable 60Hz((or 50Hz)) frequency.
 ===== 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. 
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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** 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.  [[https://amzn.to/3sKVGcR|Fuel stabilization products like Sta-Bil]] may help reduce the problem.   **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.  [[https://amzn.to/3sKVGcR|Fuel stabilization products like Sta-Bil]] may help reduce the problem.  
  
 +===== cooling =====
 +
 +Most portable generators used by 'dwellers are air-cooled;  they use forced air across the engine and "power head"((alternator)) to cool them.  For this reason the intake and exhaust vents must be unblocked, and the exterior panels must be on during operation for proper routing of airflow. Gens mounted in confined spaces (as in dedicated RV compartments) can [[https://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/overheating-onan-623825.html|present special cooling challenges]].
  
 +The generator should be placed in shade((like under a tree)) when possible to keep it from heating up further from direct sun. 
  
  
electrical/generator.1640899739.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/12/30 16:28 by frater_secessus