Generator opinions/info please

[mmbvd7]

quote:

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Originally posted by terracore

I agree. 15 panels you should be doing just fine. One of your batteries might be kaput. Your entire system is only as good as your worst battery. I understand that you still need a generator, but you might be treating a symptom instead of the problem.

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Will check that ASAP. Oh, and the generator was on "special". Got it for less than $800.

Best wishes

[kalakoa]

I note that generator output is the usual 110/220 split.

What happens if all loads are 220? If one phase is "low", then that 220 would also be "low", right?

[Bullwinkle]

most 110-240 units are split or opposing phase - many good reasons to do this.

a 220v motor has its load spread over both 110 legs L1(phase 1) 110 and L2 110 ( 2nd "inverse" phase 2) =220v load

a 110v motor attached to just L1 ....would create a huge differential between L1 and L2 .... = 120v load

2 110v motors one each on L1 and L2 would be in balance as long as they were run at the same time =220v load

battery chargers ....I like 220v chargers divided across L1 and L2 - easier to balance or if using 2 battery banks 2 110v chargers ...both examples balance

the rest of the 110 loads evenly split physically balanced by moving breakers from l1 to l2 and vice versa until L1 (minus) L2 = 0



Most 120 units are single phase - requiring thicker lead in wires, not very common, as 220 volt motors / heavy loads unusable with this setup.

Balancing the smaller single phase 120 gensets not an issue.

Phasing and balancing of a/c can be a mind bender - at the back of the genset L1 minus L2 should alway be a close to zero as you can get it. Bear in mind however that it is a moving target - its about actual "snapshot" load readings - not the capacity of all the installed breakers

Flywheel weight - The heavier the flywheel, the greater stored kinetic energy - the less the genset will "lug" under load. This is where the Hino's and Alaska Diesel ("Lugger") shine.

Smaller units like the eu series add a large capacitor to keep the weight down (under 50lbs for 2 kw remarkable) I would not recommend the 1k ...although very light ....it is not as robust. Ive also seen valve seal issues (maybe solved by now) .... never seen the issue in the slower turning 2k's or better. (honda)

last tip ....when shutting down the genset - remove the load sequentially - starting ...add the load sequentially

shutting down the unit (or slamming the load all at one time - without waiting for the rpm to come up to 1800 rpm (3600 on lighter units)

will drastically shorten the life span of the windings and field (voltage regulation) diodes.

now you know what i know about the care and feeding of gensets - hope this helps