[RE-wrenches] Propane Generator

Thu Jun 11 18:43:31 PDT 2009

Hi Ezra,

I got out my Murphy's Law book, and found the relevant part in Chapter IV, Section 3, Sub-section 21, Paragraph 12, lines 9-14

Brian Teitelbaum
AEE Solar

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ezra Auerbach
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:57 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Propane Generator

Hi,

I find the inverter generators by Honda awesome. During our northwet
winters I have to charge a couple times a week. The fact that engine
speed and attendant fuel consumption relate directly to SOC saves me
huge amounts of fuel.

I don't even mind doing the finish charge part of the cycle as by then
my gennie is idling.

And it's always easy to get a jug of gas, even when the propane barge
is broken down (see Murphy's Law for why this only happens when I need
propane).

Best regards

Ezra Auerbach

p.s. Thanks to everyone for the kind words and good wishes on my new
job at NABCEP.

On 11-Jun-09, at 9:38 AM, "Dana" <dana at solarwork.com> wrote:

> Good point Travis and I have a client who is not a good energy
> manager and
> has gone through [6] 3,600RPM generators in 8 years. Not enough
> solar and
> too many electronics for the kids.
> One good 1,800 RPM would have gotten them through all those years at
> a lot
> less cost. Sounds like you need a new mechanic. We have a local
> "Mobile
> Mechanic" who only does generators and stationary pump [irrigation]
> engines.
> I will cringe come the day he does not answer his telephone.
>
> Dana Orzel
>
> Great Solar Works, Inc
> www.solarwork.com
> E - dana at solarwork.com
> V - 970.626.5253
> F - 970.626.4140
> C - 970.209.4076
> "I'd put my money on solar energy. I hope we don't have to wait 'til
> oil and
> coal run out before we tackle that."
> -Thomas Edison, in conversation with Henry Ford and Harvey
> Firestone, March
> 1931
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Travis
> Creswell
> Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:27 AM
> To: 'RE-wrenches'
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Propane Generator
>
> If I may humbly offer different opinion, I no longer specify 1800 RPM
> generators because they are ridiculously expensive to begin with and
> when
> the do break it's long after warranty and they are ridiculously
> expensive to
> fix.
>
> I've have been pleased with the 3600 RPM Kohler's.  We've done
> numerous
> propane 12kW (which very nicely match up to a dual oven quad stack)
> and
> recently did a 17kW and other then a stuck fuel solenoid which was
> replaced
> under warranty by the local dealer at no charge they've been fine.
> It was
> completely off grid and we didn't catch any flax although we
> certainly did a
> few years ago so around here they seem to have slacked on the off
> grid no
> warranty thing.
>
> It boils down to simple math for me.  We've inherited numerous 1800
> RPM
> generators over the year.  These customers have gotten $2000+ bills to
> replace to $5 relays (etc), some times within a few weeks of the
> last one.
> These 3600 RPM Kohlers cost less then $4k new including a pad,
> enclosure and
> shipping compared to a lot more for the 1800 RPM units.  Put that
> $8k you
> save into PV and you'll very likely get 10+ trouble free years out
> of the
> 3600 RPM Kohlers.  I've got several getting up to 5 yrs old now and
> they are
> still as strong as they were the day there were installed.  They
> only get a
> few hundred hr's or year and a 1/3rd of those could be eliminated if
> the
> customers were better energy managers.
>
> Just my .02 and it may or may not work in anybody else's climate.
>
> Best,
> Travis Creswell
> Ozark Energy Services
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dana
> Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 6:42 PM
> To: 'RE-wrenches'
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Propane Generator
>
> We use both ONAN & KOHLER. Last time I checked ONAN's smallest was
> 20KW/240
> VAC. KOHLER had more smaller units. The lack of choice is due to EPA
> compliance and then I think the economy, but not sure on the latter.
> If it does not get too cold or could be installed indoors [as in a
> shed]
> diesel gets more watts / gallon but LPG is cleaner to deal with.
>
> Dana Orzel
>
> Great Solar Works, Inc
> www.solarwork.com
> E - dana at solarwork.com
> V - 970.626.5253
> F - 970.626.4140
> C - 970.209.4076
> "I'd put my money on solar energy. I hope we don't have to wait 'til
> oil and
> coal run out before we tackle that."
> -Thomas Edison, in conversation with Henry Ford and Harvey
> Firestone, March
> 1931
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of
> roger dixon
> Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 5:31 PM
> To: 'RE-wrenches'
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Propane Generator
>
> I use a military surplus 15 kW gasoline genset, converted to
> propane, and
> wired to an ATS for emergency backup power.  I am grid connected, no
> batteries.  It works fine and runs my entire house when I need it.
> If you
> want more details, please give me a call.
>
> Roger Dixon
> Certified Wind Site Assessor
> Skylands Renewable Energy, LLC
> 908.337.2057 cell
> 908.730.6474 fax
> roger.dixon at skylandsre.com
> www.skylandsre.com
>
> .
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ian
> Woofenden
> Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 2:56 PM
> To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Propane Generator
>
>
> A client with a remote off-grid system and two OutBack FXs is looking
> for the right generator to buy.
>
> He prefers propane because they already have it on site.
>
> Any recommendations?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ian
> --
> Ian Woofenden <ian.woofenden at homepower.com>, Senior Editor, Home Power
> magazine
> Subscriptions: $24.95 per year PO Box 520, Ashland, OR 97520 USA
> 800-707-6585 (US), 541-512-0220
> or download free sample issue at <http://www.homepower.com>
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