[TheForge] How large a generator?

[Paul]

Hi all
A few other points to consider are:
The ability of the generator/alternator to run under load continuously. 
Hard to tell how long a power outage might last. A number of the less 
hardy 3 to 7 kw would be hard pressed to survive 24/7.
If you look at the contractors models of any generator set, you will 
find that the most desirable units run at lower rpms, and have large oil 
capacities in relation to their horsepower. Many HD gensets are diesel 
powered. Certainly water cooling is a plus.
The Generac units made for higher capacity home power  units are water 
cooled and run from a natural gas or propane power source.

see:
http://www.generac.com/Products/LiquidCooled/LiquidCooled.aspx
Cost is a good indicator of quality, especially in one manufactures own 
line. Check out the specs of say, the Briggs and Stratton or Honda lines 
and compare their models.

see also:
http://www.arrl.org/files/qst-binaries/QS0608Kleinschmidt.pdf

If you are on friendly terms with some local carpenter or plumbing 
contractors that do house work go talk to them.

Battery systems are viable but expensive to purchase unless you have a 
brother in law in the fork lift battery business that owes you big time...

One of our local hands needed 3 phase power years ago, and purchased a 6 
cylinder ford industrial engine and paired it up with a farm auction PTO 
3 phase alternator through a diy jackshaft transmission. Started it when 
required, and it made about 20kw as I recall.


-- 
Paul Sperbeck  WB9HCO

  "The difference between genius and stupidity is that
genius has its limits." -Albert Einstein
"Life is hard...it's harder if you're stupid" John Wayne - Sands of Iwo Jima

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