More Kohler RES controller stuff [RE-wrenches]
Matt Tritt
solarone at charter.net
Thu Dec 2 09:51:37 PST 2004
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Bill,
A 1 1/2 amp, 120 volt draw on an off-grid system is not an acceptable
solution - at least not for anyone I know; this is the whole reason for the
discussion. Not including system inefficiencies, this load requires 4.32 kWh
a day from a PV system - more than a typical refrigerator.
Also, in spite of the many strong points for Diesel sets, most off-grid
home owners prefer to have only one fuel delivered to their homes, and since
propane is already being trucked in, it is the obvious choice. Besides that,
propane fueled generators are quieter, cleaner and will last as long as
Diesel sets in residential applications.
Matt T
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Haase" <haaseenergy at sbcglobal.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 8:58 PM
Subject: Re: More Kohler RES controller stuff [RE-wrenches]
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Hello to all,
This is my first time response to "wrenches". I have been on the list for
approximately one year, have viewed and read comments and have not
responded
in the past. As a Kohler Generator dealer, an Isuzu/Yanmar/Marathon
dealer
and a licensed California Electrical Contractor specializing in off-grid
systems, I have a couple of comments that might help.
As far as Kirk Herander's solution, I agree but I don't believe that you
will ever get Kohler's approval. I have installed many of the 8.5 and 12
RES units, either for back up grid power or off-grid. When used on an
off-grid system, I have found the easiest solution to maintain the
generator
battery is a 1-1/2 Amp small battery charger which sells for approximately
$28-$32. This device is totally automatic and will not overcharge. One
manufacturer is Schrader which is usually available through Wal Mart. Napa
Auto Parts also has one similar but without LED lights. They are 120V AC
input which can run off of the inverter and draw approximately 18W max on
a
low battery. It has been the easiest solution for the RES battery drain.
On the subject of finding replacements for the RES, the RMY and the RY gen
sets, in the last four years I have been using more and more diesel units.
The three cylinder Isuzu diesel connected to a 8.5KW, 10KW or 12KW
Marathon
or Stamford Newage Generator has been an excellent combination. The
Marathon Generator is available in either a 4 lead or a 12 lead
configuration which makes it easy to wire for 120V AC output. These units
are available with a 2-wire start and are reasonably priced. I have also
use the three cylinder Isuzu connected to a 25KW Generator end which gives
the ability to have a high current output for 3-4 seconds to start 3-5 HP
motors, such as large water wells or air conditioning units in off grid
homes.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts.
-Bill Haase
Haase Energy Systems, Inc.
12561 Wilder Rd.
Red Bluff, CA 96080
530-527-8989
530-528-8989 fax.
haaseenergy at sbcglobal.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kirk Herander" <kirk at vtsolar.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 3:03 PM
Subject: More Kohler RES controller stuff [RE-wrenches]
==========================================================
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Get the latest weather,
sports, and lifestyle news you can't afford to miss, all
at a price you can afford to pay! Click now!
http://click.topica.com/caaa9eYbz8Qcsbew39Ma/TopOffers
==========================================================
Hello Group,
Supposedly a fix to eliminate the power draw of the RES controller is in
the
works at Kohler. I encourage any one who has experienced a dead starting
battery as a result of controller power drain to complain to your Kohler
rep. Perhaps that will encourage the factory to hustle on this one. I have
found out that these controllers were originally designed for some sort of
marine-based product they make, so it was not engineered for off-grid
applications (and not really utility backup either). Dumb thing is that
the
controller's memory is captive, so no power is required when the generator
is off.
BTW, the RES operation manual states that this series is "approved for use
in backup situations where realible utility power is present".
Unfortunately
Kohler is touting the RES as a direct replacement for the RMY series. An
irate customer pointed this out in the manual to me - so I had to verify
that the warranty is good in an off-grid situation - which it is.
Just another pain in the butt that our industry seems to abound in
sometimes, for which we have to find a work-around. A fix can be easily
done
with a DPST 12vdc relay, but I haven't gotten Kohler to approve my wiring
diagram yet. The remote start (a switch) can energize the relay
coil(powered
by the starting battery) and the respective contacts close to both provide
the remote start signal of the generator, and power to the controller.
When
the remote switch opens, it disconnects controller power, thus killing the
phantom load.
Kirk
Vermont Solar Engineering
Kirk Herander
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Certified Solar PV Installer(TM)
Xantrex Certified Dealer Charter Member
NYSERDA-eligible installer
Vermont Solar and Wind Partner
PO Box 697
Burlington, VT. 05402
www.vermontsolar.com
www.backeastsolar.com
800.286.1252 - 802.863.1202
fax 802.863.7908
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