[RE-wrenches] generator search

Mon Apr 9 23:18:32 EDT 2018

Ray,

That's not going to work for the Cummins RS water-cooled generators without some hacking. The water cooled models do use an antifreeze mixture so they can withstand temperatures down to -50°F without a heater, but they have a circuit that prevents the generator from even trying to start if the coolant is below a certain temperature. I don't remember what that temperature is but I know on mine its above 20° F. The air-cooled generators only use a small heater in the engine oil reservoir and there's an optional one under the battery. I know that the air-cooled models can start in colder temperatures without a heater than the water-cooled models. It is strongly recommended by Cummins to use the oil heater in the air-cooled models if the generator will get below 0°F, but the local techs recommend it for 15°F and below because the generators start easier if the oil is above 15°F. I've read that it also affects the overall longevity of the engine.

I live off-grid up in the mountains, and most of my customers are off-grid up in the mountains. I agree that this is far from ideal. If the generator could be installed in an underground bunker where it doesn't freeze, that would be nice. I just have to write it off as the cost of having a backup power source ready and waiting when it matters the most... when it's crazy cold outside.

Thanks,
Kienan
________________________________
From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> on behalf of Ray <ray at solarray.com>
Sent: Monday, April 9, 2018 7:14 PM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] generator search

  We've had gen sets at 11,000 ft and way below zero start on propane for decades without using the block or water heaters.  Ridiculous electric heating loads on the other hand are a very bad idea off grid.  Just make sure the propane supply lines are large enough so the pressure regulator doesn't freeze up.

Ray Walters

Remote Solar

On 4/9/18 2:46 PM, Michael Morningstar wrote:
Yes, the Cummins technician that commissions our generators insists that locations with consistent low’s below 15F require the coolant heater. All but two of my installs(outdoor) have omitted connecting the heater, and have seen some brief sub-0 temperatures but generally average mid-30s. One of the two that does have the heater connected, is located at a high elevation telecom site, and when I serviced the system after not being there for a couple of winters, it was found that someone had shut off both the battery charger circuit and the coolant heater circuit and the generator didn’t seem worse for the wear, and no coolant temp codes were thrown.

On Apr 9, 2018, at 1:14 PM, David Katz <dkatz at backwoodssolar.com<mailto:dkatz at backwoodssolar.com>> wrote:

Check to see if it has a 120 vac requirement to float the battery. The 20 kw one I have has a big electrical drain
David

On Mon, Apr 9, 2018 at 11:50 AM jay <jay.peltz at gmail.com<mailto:jay.peltz at gmail.com>> wrote:
HI All,

I’ve got a new project wanting a 22-25kw single phase 120/240vac water cooled propane sound attenuated generator for an off grid situation.  I’m not going to be
With AGS activation.

I”ve been looking at the Kohler 24 RCL ( meets all the above criteria) but I’m checking to see if I can get it to work with 2 wire AGS.

Onan also has one as well.

Are there any other make/models that people would recommend or would caution me against?

Thanks

jay

peltz power

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