[RE-wrenches] propane generator

[jay peltz]

Hi Mac

Thanks

Easy fix for the 120 only is to install small transformer to step up 240 to "trick" the avr. 

I'll check out the ecogen

Thx

Jay




> On Nov 21, 2014, at 5:41 AM, Mac Lewis <maclewis1 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Jay,
> 
> Although I like the Cummins units, we have a fairly weak Cummins service dealership in our area.  I like to specify a generator that we can service or that can be serviced locally. 
> 
>  If you need 120 VAC only, many of the cheaper standby units won't work without a transformer.  You can't rewire the stator, because the internal control elements sense 240 VAC, instead of 120.
> Most of our systems are above 8,000 feet of elevation, so we have significant altitude derate.  We have used the Kohler 14 RESA and had good luck with it.  It is pretty inexpensive and has an off-grid warranty (18 month, 1000 h).  Again, you can't rewire the stator on this unit.  One thing I don't like about these units is that everything is in the controller now, so if the $30 SCR goes out, you need to replace the $1200 controller.  I think most manufacturers are going this way on these cheaper units.
> 
> There is also the 6 kW Ecogen from Generac.  We have installed one of these, and I've liked it so far.  It has a built in oil-makeup kit (holds 4 qts), for clients that don't have a strong maintenance record (most of ours don't).  These come off the shelf 120 VAC only, but is convertible to 240 VAC with a conversion kit.  It comes with a 3 y, 2000 h off-grid warranty.  I'd probably use these more often except that with 6 kW, it becomes too small for most of our installations at elevation.
> 
> Good luck, let us know what you decide.
> 
>> On Thu, Nov 20, 2014 at 1:24 PM, Kevin Pegg <kpegg at energyalternatives.ca> wrote:
>> Though we use Diesel mostly, some situations LPG is best and we have been using the Cummins / Onan Commercial Moible units for years. Many over 7,000 hrs still running strong. Almost all are in remote auto start situations and have proven to be very reliable. As they are designed to hang under a service truck body, we fabricate a stand - with baffles for breathing otherwise it can overheat by drawing hot air in to cool.
>> http://power.cummins.com/onanpowerWeb/navigation.do?pageId=660
>> 
>> Kevin
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org]On
>> Behalf Of jay peltz
>> Sent: November 20, 2014 10:11 AM
>> To: RE-wrenches
>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] propane generator
>> 
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> I know this has been discussed before.
>> I can't seem to find the threads about propane generators.
>> 
>> I've got a client with a Kohler 8.5 that is having problems.
>> Hes looking for good quality options other than the Kohler.
>> 
>> thanks in advance,
>> 
>> jay
>> 
>> 
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> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> 
> 
> Mac Lewis
> 
> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
> 
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