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RickyBoyTexas

Newbie

Joined: 01/11/2009
Location: United States
Posts: 2

Posted: 09:47am 01 Nov 2009

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I have an old gas powered generator, and I have no idea if it will even run. (Old government issue)

My thought was to take the generator off of the engine, and use it for wind power.

It ia rated at 3 kw. 60hz, 0.8 pf.

Ya, it's pretty heavy duty too.

What would be my best bet with this monster?

Is it even worth messing with?

ALSO, has anyone ever figured the cost per kwh of making electricity using gasoline???

Any suggestions as to where to go from here would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick

If it's free, It's for Me !

KarlJ

Guru

Joined: 19/05/2008
Location: Australia
Posts: 1178

Posted: 11:39am 01 Nov 2009

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cost per KW hr with gasoline going to be far far more than the grid, I'm estimating from the 5.5hp fire pump, it will use a 1L/hr or more making it at least $0.50 per KW hr.

no idea what you would do with the generator though, if its direct coupled, its going to need 2500rpm plus to make grunt.

Fisher and paykell motor is causing me enough grief!

Luck favours the well prepared

Downwind

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Joined: 09/09/2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 2333

Posted: 03:35pm 01 Nov 2009

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Hi there,

Do you have strong winds in texas?
You might need them.
I could be wrong here but the way i understand it, is for 60 Hz it would be 60 x 60 (seconds) to get Hz/minute
which is equal to rpm of the generator.
This would mean 3600 rpm needed to generate at 60Hz.
Without lots of gearing up in ratio i doubt if it would be practical.
Pete.

Sometimes it just works

GreenD88

Senior Member

Joined: 19/05/2009
Location: United States
Posts: 104

Posted: 06:33pm 01 Nov 2009

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I say give it a try. Just gear it up, use a belt, sprocket/chain, gearbox or whatever works for you. Experiment with it and see what rpm gives you per volt, and figure out what voltage you want to shoot for.

Licensed Master Plumber / EPA 608 Universal License / 410a Safety Certified / Medical Gas Brazer/Installer

KarlJ

Guru

Joined: 19/05/2008
Location: Australia
Posts: 1178

Posted: 02:10am 02 Nov 2009

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be careful, lethal voltages of course.

Luck favours the well prepared

RickyBoyTexas

Newbie

Joined: 01/11/2009
Location: United States
Posts: 2

Posted: 10:25am 02 Nov 2009

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I figured it would need some gearing, but wanted to ask others opinions and to get suggestions.
Yes, Texas has some pretty good winds.

I figure I will need some pretty big blades though, this generator will need some Umph to get turning. ;>

Thanks for the input,

Rick

If it's free, It's for Me !

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