Propulsion Engine Governor for Genset

[stillbuilding]

Is it practicable to convert a propulsion motor to a genset motor? I presume it involves altering the governor to suit. Is this simple or complicated for a mechanic to do. Reason being I have been given a Yanmar 4cyl but already have a propulsion motor in place and am wondering if this is a viable proposition. Thanks for genset 101 comments.

[Florida Mike]

Most diesel propulsion engines have limiting governors that is they control the minimum rpm and the maximum RPM. A generator governor is designed to control a set rpm no matter the load variation. You need to give more information for a better response. Just my two cents, Mike.

[capngeo]

There are many mechanical belt driven governors available... I've had good luck with surpluscenter.com

[twistedtree]

The answer is probably Yes. The Yanmar will need to have a governed speed control, but I think most diesels do. With a 4 pole direct drive generator the engine will need to turn at 1800 rpm (for 60hz) or 1500 RPM (for 50hz). A 2 pole generator will require double the engine speed which is probably pushing it for the Yanmar, not to mention the added noise, etc. You also could set it up as a DC generator and run your AC off an inverter. With DC you would have more latitude around speed.

Do you have an exact model number for the engine?

[stillbuilding]

Originally Posted by twistedtree

The answer is probably Yes. The Yanmar will need to have a governed speed control, but I think most diesels do. With a 4 pole direct drive generator the engine will need to turn at 1800 rpm (for 60hz) or 1500 RPM (for 50hz). A 2 pole generator will require double the engine speed which is probably pushing it for the Yanmar, not to mention the added noise, etc. You also could set it up as a DC generator and run your AC off an inverter. With DC you would have more latitude around speed.

Do you have an exact model number for the engine?

It is an 4LH series. I have good inverters so dc generator makes more sense. Thanks for the lateral thinking.

Still curious about how to alter governor though.

[twistedtree]

Originally Posted by stillbuilding

It is an 4LH series. I have good inverters so dc generator makes more sense. Thanks for the lateral thinking.

Still curious about how to alter governor though.

If it has a governor then there should be nothing to alter. Just set the speed to whatever you want. It's the same control lever that is used for propulsion control. All the governor does is cause the engine to maintain a constant RPM according to the "throttle" position. A true throttle will control engine power output, and RPM will vary based on load. A governor "throttle" control seeks to maintain constant RPM, and varies the actual throttle setting in response to load.

[shakey doug]

G'day,
As a general rule of thumb most propulsion type diesel engines are fitted with govenor droop of around 10% where as gen sets are fitted with a govenor droop of 3% this alows voltage and cycles to be controlled within the close parameters demaned by electrical and electronic devices etc.