Homemade Generator Project

[wolffman]

I have been working on this project for quite some time now. My goal was to build a low-fuel-consumption electric generator that would produce about 4500 watts. We will use this for backup power at the house (hurricanes, etc).

I went with a single cylinder 10 hp diesel engine for the power and it will turn at 2500 rpm. The generator head is a 4 pole design and will spin at 1800 rpm. I had custom, heavy serpentine pulleys built that will provide the power transmission as well as act as flywheels. The larger pulley weighs 40 lb. The inertia given by the mass of the pulleys should start my well pump easily.

Here's some pics of the progress:

 

[Mike]

How long will that run on a single tank of fuel?

 

[wolffman]

How long will that run on a single tank of fuel?

Mike, I am getting right at 0.2 gallons/hr @ 1/2 load with this unit. That puts me at about a 20 hr run time on the 4 gallon tank it has and the load we would use during an outage.

Lots of folks don't consider the amount of fuel it takes to run a generator when buying one. The purpose of the one I built was to be just big enough to run the necessities after a storm (fridge, window ac, lights, computer, etc) but still be enough to start my well pump. That's where the flywheels come into play, they provide lots of inertia to supply the surge amps that it takes to start a well pump.

 

[Mike]

Lots of folks don't consider the amount of fuel it takes to run a generator when buying one.

I know what you mean. We get more ice than snow here and having the power go out during the winter isn't all the uncommon. Many people don't understand their generators, the load they put on them or how much fuel they need.

I actually just setup a Honda EU3000is that connects to the main breaker of the house which we only care about powering the front room, kitchen, and bath room. We're well under half load and the generator runs for 18 hours easily on a single 3.5 gallon tank.

I want to get a yard box next to store my 3 10gallon gas tanks in so I don't have them in the attached garage, that really bothers me having fuel in the garage.

 

[wolffman]

I know what you mean. We get more ice than snow here and having the power go out during the winter isn't all the uncommon. Many people don't understand their generators, the load they put on them or how much fuel they need.

I actually just setup a Honda EU3000is that connects to the main breaker of the house which we only care about powering the front room, kitchen, and bath room. We're well under half load and the generator runs for 18 hours easily on a single 3.5 gallon tank.

I want to get a yard box next to store my 3 10gallon gas tanks in so I don't have them in the attached garage, that really bothers me having fuel in the garage.

The Honda's are some really nice units. They put out near perfect waveform. Should last you a very, very long time. I have a 55 galloon drum painted camo green hidden in some brush near the house. Can barely see it, lol.

 

[maal467]

Homemade Generator!! I am impressed dear. You did a wonderful job. I just got a Honda generator eu3000is. It is a great source for power back up. It is a fuel efficient product. The best thing I liked about this generator that it requires less maintenance.