More Kohler RES controller stuff [RE-wrenches]
Drake Chamberlin
solar at ecoisp.com
Thu Dec 2 10:42:47 PST 2004
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One solution that I once used is to use the solar battery bank as the
starter battery. A 24 volt system can be center tapped and balanced. A 48
volt system can use a similar strategy. Run a big cable out to the
generator shed.
This can raise some grounding issues, depending on the generator.
Drake
At 09:51 AM 12/2/2004 -0800, you wrote:
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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]
>
>
>
>
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> 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!
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> ==========================================================
> 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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