12v dc Diesel Generator

[Quintessa41]

Hi I’d like to install a 12v Water cooled Diesel generator. I’m thinking of a Combination of a Prestolite Marine 90 amp alternator (as I have on my Perkins Prima M50 already) belt driven to a small 5 hp water cooled Diesel engine . I’m familiar with the Prestolite alternator and carry a spare .
Wondering if anyone else has considered this ? I currently have 750 watts of solar , 400 watt wind generator, Honda EU 30i , 25 amp CTec battery charger . 4000 watt Inverter.
Not the best idea I know but I run the main engine when necessary to top up my 6 X 130 amp AGM’s . I’d really like to get rid of the PETROL generator so I’m not having to carry as much Petrol . Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Jubilee39]

I have used a small Kubota engine I marinized and had sheaves machined to fit on flywheel. Used this system for the last 20 years. Advantages include being able to fit in a tight space, I drive the watermaker of of it as well as a large alternator. Used to run refrigeration also but the Danfoss BD 5 now fills my needs. It runs off of a timer with various protective features so \i can swim while all running and it will shutdown automatically. Minor drawback is belt wear.

[smac999]

Your current issue is running a 25a charger off a gen. you are just wasting time and fuel. You'll never charge anything.

With a 3000w gen yiu should be running ~150a charger.

With that battery bank you should be in the 200-300a range. But your gen won't power that.

I just saved you 5/6 your gas usage...
it'll take yiu 1/6 time to charge batteries.

[john61ct]

Probably want to use an external VR like Balmar MC-614, both to ensure a good voltage profile for your bank, and to adjust amp output, if needed to find the right balance for the little motor.

[mikemr]

I just finished converting an older nextgen 5.5 a.c. generator to a 180 amp d.c. generator. I used a delco 28si pad type alternator with a balmar 614 external regulator, so far I'm happy with the conversion.

[Ulstue]

Hello Quintessa41
I don't know if you got my PM. I am thinking about selling my Fischer-Panda 5000i Marine from the year 2015. It delivers 230V pure sine wave. It has approx. 130 h and is still installed. It is like new - currently only used from time to time for the Watermaker. The boat overwinters in Brindisi. If you are in the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea or nearby, a meeting for a visit (or handover) next year would be possible. Of course I could also have the generator removed by a shipyard and shipped to you.

[HankOnthewater]

In the past I tried to do that myself with a 4 HP aircooled diesel engine, making a watercooled exhaust manifold, running an 90 amp alternator, driving also (with electric clutches) a hookah dive compressor and an emergency large bilgepump.....but it became too complicated (for me), all the gear is still sitting in the shed, waiting for that bright moment, the inspiration, or for the spare time... none of those I seem to have.

Balmar used to market such generator by fitting a large alternator (180 Amps) to a 2 cylinder Yanmar engine, called AP750. It came with a direct drive watermaker as well. Hmmm, can't seem to find anything on the net about such unit. Maybe such unit 2nd hand might be easier

[shelleyWendert]

I agree that a 25a charger is really...a waste

[pwillems]

Have you had a look at the Aquamarine MyTGen or AquaGen?

http://www.aquamarineinc.net/minigen.php
http://www.aquamarineinc.net/aquagen.php

[Quintessa41]

Originally Posted by shelleyWendert

I agree that a 25a charger is really...a waste

I don’t think you actually read my post the 25a charger is “not” my go to for charging .

[Quintessa41]

Originally Posted by pwillems

Have you had a look at the Aquamarine MyTGen or AquaGen?



http://www.aquamarineinc.net/minigen.php

http://www.aquamarineinc.net/aquagen.php

Awesome site ! cheers Dave .

[Quintessa41]

Originally Posted by smac999

Your current issue is running a 25a charger off a gen. you are just wasting time and fuel. You'll never charge anything.

With a 3000w gen yiu should be running ~150a charger.

With that battery bank you should be in the 200-300a range. But your gen won't power that.

I just saved you 5/6 your gas usage...
it'll take yiu 1/6 time to charge batteries.

I don’t think you read or understand my post the 25a charger is not my go to I’m interested in reducing petrol usage and using a small diesel system.