using generator.. how to know if power back on
ellie_in_california
16 years ago
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waterfoulman
16 years agoRelated Discussions
PTO electric power generator
Comments (29)I have a generator that I can backfeed my electrical system in my house. I installed the wiring to allow "me" to hook up the generator during a power outage. If I were doing it agan I would put in a transfer switch and a generator that was designed to start and auto transfer on power outage. The reason I would do it differently is it would add value to my house if I were to sell it, the way it is I have to remove "my system" if I sell the house (very simple process, remove the 220V recpt on the outside wall and the 220V breaker in the main panel). I would also remove the sign inside the door of the main panel of which breakers on and which breakers off before going on generator. I had this setup for several years - the biggest problem - its a pain in the a$$ to exercise the generator (every 6 weeks or so). The auto setups, you can now buy for the homeowner, exercise the generator weekly. I have electrical 2 issues with my system. As far as back feeding the line to the power company I don't worry about it - When I throw the main breaker off I'm disconnected (the 1st issue is the breaker for the generator feed is not interlocked to the main. The 2nd issue is the chance of overloading and destroying my generator is great, either by my own load being to great or the main power breaker being turned on while the generator is connected. Most if not all power companys now in the U.S. are equiped to handle backfed power into thier systems because of people generating thier own power by wind or solar and selling excess power back to the company....See MoreStoring Wind Generated Power
Comments (2)I thought it was just the opposite: it's AC that can be effectively sent over long-transmission lines, and DC can't. That's why Edison's first systems weren't useful, and Tesla came up with AC which solved the problem. Solar panels produce DC which can be inverted to AC, though at some loss of energy of course. I don't know that much about wind turbines, but can't they spin units that produce AC? Generators produce DC and alternators produce AC, at least for automotive I believe....See MoreTips and general know-how on using algae
Comments (2)Do you mean the algae we find washed up on the beach? Like 'sea lettuce'? I've gathered seaweeds off the beach before & used them in my garden as mulch - mostly eelgrass, w/ some red & green algae thrown in, but I've found that the algae dry out to almost nothing, being mostly water.......See MoreCan I power a multiwire branch circuit with generator?
Comments (16)Hi, As I see it you would like to go for a Petrol powererd generator set. This is a good way to go because of cost, and it is the most popular, also because of cost. I think you do not have to run the fridge while you take a shower. 30 mins down time on a Fridge should not matter too much. You just keep the fridge off while you take a shower. Like wise I think you can keep the Radon motor off for 30 mins as well. So lets us concentrate on taking a shower. You need (a) well (b) booster pump and (c) hot water heater. I make it that running normally (not starting) you have about 2.3 Kw for these assuming normal run and a service factor of 1.0. Motors starting will draw alot more current, maybe 3 to six times normal current draw. OK do not panic. This sounds alot at it is. BUT note your gen set does not have to maintain this for very long, less than a second and not at the rated voltage of 115 or 230. So when the motors start you have this current surge demand. In normal operation I think each motor will proabablly start at different times. May be a fraction of a second apart. This is sufficient for the gen set to supply sufficient current. If the gen set cannot supply this then the gen sets overload breakers will trip. You cannot control when the pumps kick in because they kick in when your water bladder pressure drops. So as you take your shower the pumps will come on and off. Each time there will be a 3x current surge (approx). You may notice your lights flicker as the pumps kick in, and there is a momentary undervoltage. The Honda EU is 6500, mrsp approx $US 4,500 will supply 6.5 kw. So approx 3x what your normal running demand is when taking a shower. So I think you should be OK. This is one of those things that is easiestly solved by "try it". But if you get it wrong it is sort of expensive. A friend of mine did buy one, that Honda inverter. Note you can only get these from Honda dealers. That dealer was so confident that he said that if you cannot take a shower, you can return the gen set for a full refund. Note you are then out the cost of the transfer switch, wiring and installation costs. Note the honda is also an inverter set with "Fuel Saver". Inverter means it has power electronics which allows the gen set to spin faster or slower while giving you 60 hz. Hence it can operate at max efficiency and give you a nice clean power sine wave. Cheaper sets always spin at 3,600 rpm to give you 60 hz. The fuel saver feature throttles back the engine when under low load, and speeds it up for high loads saving fuel, reduces noise and general wear and tear. BUT if slows the gensets response to peak loads. I.e. it has to throttle up to put out max power. This small delay may be too long for the motor starting, try it with it on first. If the genset trips, the try simply turn off the fuel saver feature when you take a shower so that the genset can service the pump motors peak on-off depands. So in a nutshell I would (a) try it and I think you will be O.K. and (b) back yourself by asking for a retrun clause from your Honda Dealer. Warmest regards, Mike....See Moreellie_in_california
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