[TheForge] OT: Generators

[Ralph Sproul]

        Steve,  I'm going to throw in option number three and go right over
the portable vs. standby and suggest you consider a portable welder.
        The power output on some of these new small 20-24 hp gas drives is
pretty amazing...........and they are continuous duty machines.
        If I was going to look for backup power, I'd consider this option
for the following reasons:

1) your buying a motor and generator either way - why not pay a few bucks
more and earn money with it.
2) Propane does not vaporize real well at sub zero temps - which is when
some power outages occur around here
3) You'd have it mounted on a truck or trailer already and just run a cord
to an inlet jack in your domestic system.
4) If it's gas drive it will start below zero better than propane or desiel.
5) you probably wanted a portable welder anyhow.   :-)
6) I think some of the Miller welders have 10 KW available and it can be 120
or 240.

Ralph

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Smith" <sos@alum.mit.edu>
To: "theforge" <theforge@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, September 01, 2003 6:36 PM
Subject: [TheForge] OT: Generators


> We just moved to somewhat rural Maine (Brownfield) and thought it wise
> to invest in a generator and transfer switch. I'm finding which
> generator to be a decision with lots of conflicting advice, and I'd like
> to "generate" more.
>
> We already have propane, so this seems like a much better fuel than
> gasoline or diesel, given how much stored fuel is needed to last through
> a couple of days. This part was easy.
>
> I was all set on a portable Winco unit until a guy (who sells
> generators, not an unbiased source) warned me against portable
> generators. He says that portables are only intended for a few hours of
> operation (that they overheat), and that they should not be used as
> backup power that might need to be on for several days.
>
> So I looked at fixed "standby" generators. Rated for continuous duty,
> solves that problem. I figure our current load is about 5kW, so I have
> been looking at a 7kW Generac. There are, however, a sizeable number of
> people out on the web who say Generac is cheap junk. My electrician
> agrees. He says a portable should work ok for continuous use. The next
> step up from the Generac I'm aware of is a 12kW Onan, which is almost
> twice as much money.
>
> The other issue is the size of the motor. If you compare fuel
> consumption for a 12kW and 7kW generator, both putting out 3-3.5kW, the
> 12kW machine consumes 50% more fuel! So sizing the generator to the load
> looks pretty important.
>
> I love to say this to a bunch of blacksmiths--opinions please?
> Especially on fixed vs. portable.
>
> Thanks,
> Steve Smith
>
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