Talking out loud, generator build

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by scoobert

my engine does not have a serp belt. wish it did. i will spec up that alt for sure, but running the main overnight is not good on it when not properly loaded.

There are dual alt, serpentine conversions. Assuming you pull 5KW from the engine, that's about 7HP I think if it's 100% efficient, nothing is of course, so maybe 10 hp actual? 10 hp from say a 85 HP engine should be plenty to keep it from stacking, get the coolant and oil to correct temp.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by scoobert

so these are externally regulated? awesome.

the meps power units are externally regulated but are not an automotive type alternator. The output from them is a multi phase high frequency AC power, not unlike a honda generator, that must be conditioned by the supplied "inverter" in order to feed your house loads.

[DeepFrz]

Let us know how it works out.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

There are dual alt, serpentine conversions. Assuming you pull 5KW from the engine, that's about 7HP I think if it's 100% efficient, nothing is of course, so maybe 10 hp actual? 10 hp from say a 85 HP engine should be plenty to keep it from stacking, get the coolant and oil to correct temp.

not offered on our model, i checked.
i emailed balmar. best i can do is twin belts to one alt, and fit an additional two belt pulley on the main, and have a second alt. but thats only 400 amps...

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

not big enough, not nearly big enough......think bus, like greyhound bus.

i had eyeballed one of these. my guy has those too. but they are 24 volts... thats a whole new pain.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by scoobert

not offered on our model, i checked. i emailed balmar. best i can do is twin belts to one alt, and fit an additional two belt pulley on the main, and have a second alt. but thats only 400 amps...

Only 400 amps is 5.6KW, now what I don't know and quite frankly doubt if that 400amps is a 100% duty cycle, 5.6 KW isn't enough?

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Only 400 amps is 5.6KW, now what I don't know and quite frankly doubt if that 400amps is a 100% duty cycle, 5.6 KW isn't enough?

it very much is. but when the main breaks down, and we are in a remote location, i have no backup. no secondary strong power source.
i doubt i will be in towboat range more then another 20 months. if the main fails, sure i can go to minimal systems, but what if it is freezing cold? and i dropped a valve? i will not have the parts to fix that. so i will be relying on sails, and the secondary power source.

[sabray]

I guess I would lean tword solar panels. Maybe a honda gen if Ac was really a definite need. The work and money your talking about could set up a nice solar rig and top batts plus regulator. With money left to get some led lighting. So far I get along pretty well with solar. Very minimal and conscious electric use.
Another option to consider when paying out dollars.

[a64pilot]

People may not like them, but for $2,000 you have 4KW with two of the little Honda gensets. I think when I go, I'll have at least one, probably two of the things as a back-up plan. They are easy to convert to propane, and or run off of a 6gl outboard fuel tank if you don't mind gasoline

[a64pilot]

I'm still trying to figure out why you couldn't go large with solar, large with a battery bank, large on Alt's, use an invertor for 60Hz 120V power and ditch the AC genset?
I'm missing something of course, but don't know what.

[FlyingCloud1937]

Here is My build using the Perkins 402-D.


I'll assure you your not going to be able to spin 3 X 200 amp alts, even if they are 100% efficient.

I am spinning a 275 amp alt right now, and when it's cold that's all the Perky can do.

No one in the states builds/sells a marinized version of the engine except Volvo.

2 others in Europe do.

I purchased the mani-cooler, and seawater pump and injection elbow from Volvo.

Mine runs as a variable speed between 1600 and 2800 rpm, dependent on the alternator output. I use a hall effects current sensor, and a Precision Governors controller.

It is a sweet little unit, burns about a litter per hr. on average. I run it for an 1.5 hrs every other day, and it makes domestic HW as a byproduct. It ways 169 lbs.

Perky\Cat/Volvo Diesel Bat Charger

Lloyd

Originally Posted by scoobert

your correct, it is not the same.
but you need to just add,
heat exchanger $150-200
water injection elbow make your own $50-150
water pump">raw water pump. $150ish

IF i can get the engine for $2500 or less, it would work out to a good deal.
i would actually prefer a DC gen set. 600 amps or so. i would keep the throttle remote mounted, so i could control output. 3, 200 amp alternators. i could un-excite them remotely, so i could have 200, 400 or 600 amps. using inverters for the AC units, but more then likely just for smaller items. running the generator would be more fuel efficient then running the engine, to just charge batteries.

$6,000 is a lot. if i can build this one for under $4000 it would be like getting my pacific stove for free!

[Parmenter]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

People may not like them, but for $2,000 you have 4KW with two of the little Honda gensets.

Funnily enough I just had an email with this and I am in no ways suggesting it but gee they make it sound good

FUJI Micro 4.4kVA Portable Inverter Generator $579
The Fuji Micro makes sure that you can. Manufactured from rugged ABS plastic and stainless steel, it is produced by the makers of Honda, Yamaha and other blue-chip brands, offering ultimate dependability. This also means that spare parts are readily available.

eBay Group Deals Products - FUJI Micro 4.4kVA Portable Inverter Generator

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by FlyingCloud1937

Here is My build using the Perkins 402-D.


I'll assure you your not going to be able to spin 3 X 200 amp alts, even if they are 100% efficient.

I am spinning a 275 amp alt right now, and when it's cold that's all the Perky can do.

No one in the states builds/sells a marinized version of the engine except Volvo.

2 others in Europe do.

I purchased the mani-cooler, and seawater pump and injection elbow from Volvo.

Mine runs as a variable speed between 1600 and 2800 rpm, dependent on the alternator output. I use a hall effects current sensor, and a Precision Governors controller.

It is a sweet little unit, burns about a litter per hr. on average. I run it for an 1.5 hrs every other day, and it makes domestic HW as a byproduct. It ways 169 lbs.

Perky\Cat/Volvo Diesel Bat Charger

Lloyd

will you fill me in where you bought the engine, and for how much?
it looks great, BTW!

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I'm still trying to figure out why you couldn't go large with solar, large with a battery bank, large on Alt's, use an invertor for 60Hz 120V power and ditch the AC genset?
I'm missing something of course, but don't know what.

going too far south for that. we are trying for landfall in Antarctica.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by scoobert

going too far south for that. we are trying for landfall in Antarctica.

Really? Why? When you going to start?