home made generator

[point]

Hey has anyone built a generator?
I am looking for plans for one to run a substancial part of my homes needs when the power goes out

Thanks Todd

 

[BobReeves]

Probably not exactly what you are lookin for but may be a start Home Made Wind Generators

 

[Buzz_Sawyer]

Hi Todd
I have built many generators....do you need dc or ac , and what h.p ....I can steer you to what ya need...my latest is powered by a 8 hp techumseh and uses and auto alternator it can produce 120ac or 12vdc
Don

 

[sticky]

How much do you want to spend on the entire project including transfer switch?

 

[Lazy]

Hi
was that 120 vac at what Frequency.

Charlie.

 

[missourihick]

Lots of neat stuff here: light plants and generators

 

[uhmgawa]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Hey has anyone built a generator?
I am looking for plans for one to run a substancial part of my homes needs when the power goes out)</font>

Unless you have an engine, generator head, or both lying around a
commercial genset is likely the lowest cost solution especially for
gasoline fueled units.

 

[Buzz_Sawyer]

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( Hi
was that 120 vac at what Frequency.

Charlie. )</font>

extemely high frequncy 250 to 400 hz...unless you rewind it...

the upside is you can run all120vac appliances that have universal motors (drill, skill saw, etc)
so with an old alternator and a lawn mower engine you can re charge a battery bank through a full wave bridge rectifier like missourihick used on his welder, do light welding, or use a.c motors (universal)

 

[Slamfire]

If you have a nice head of water a Banke turbine can power a nice sized generator.

 

[v8dave]

Here is a site that has lengthy articles about building generators to live "off grid." I particularly like the articles about the "Listeroids"--knock off Lister Diesel engines made in India. Nothing like a thumper.

Utterpower

Regards, Dave

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Here is a site that has lengthy articles about building generators to live "off grid." )</font>
Dave, welcome to TBN and thanks for the link. John

 

[EdK]

I am getting geared up to build one of these into a generator myself. It looks to be a good way to go. Dave do you have experience building your own - specifically one that is Lister/clone based?

 

[v8dave]

I have not built my own generator set. While I am intrigued by the Lister type Diesels, it is not likely that I'll get one.

I've been looking at the Perkins 103-10 engine at Surplus Center for ~$1700. That and their 8kw 1800 rpm generator would make a good start for an 8kw power plant.
http://www.surpluscenter.com/

Although, in all likelyhood I'll end up buying a complete, enclosed, quiet generator set of 12-14kw with an automatic transfer set-up.

Regards,
Dave

 

[EdK]

While I am most intrigued by the low RPM Lister-types, I think building a generator from the Chinese diesels and generator heads would be more practical. We're talking just over $1K for the major engine and diesel components.

I would try to build my own Coleman-style B&S basic genset but after pricing the turn-key diesels in the 8-12Kw range I think it's much easier to justify the project.

 

[EdK]

Oops!

"just over $1K for the major engine and diesel components"

should read:
"just over $1K for the major diesel engine and generator components"

 

[moeh1]

Hardy has a complete 7KWset done for not much more. Reputation seems to be decent. I am kinda intriqued by this as opposed to tying up my tractor to run a PTO generator.
hardy

 

[EdK]

Thanks for the link to Hardy. I didn't see the 7Kw unit you mentioned but they had a 8Kw diesel version priced at $2799 on their home page and $3295 elsewhere on the generators' own web page. These prices are less than 1/2 of brand name diesels.

I usually go the DIY route if I can save a bundle and this gives me something to think about. However as I mentioned in an earlier post I was looking at 20hp diesel/12kW generator for about $1200 in major parts + my labor. This still looks pretty good as well.

I'm with you on considering the PTO route but not excited about running my 68hp tractor 24/7 even for a few days...