Your last generator Maintenance Run

[Chilliwack Murray]

That engine-generator assembly is mounted on neoprene so it can move independently of the frame.

They are warning against a second set of vibration isolators. If they are not carefully selected, a second point of elasticity can actually create a much larger resonant vibration and cause a great deal of damage to other large components and it gets worse the farther out from the centre of movement like radiators and control panels.

So in this case the frame gets solidly mounted because the engine already has isolators. Large units above roughy 500kW are bolted solid to a frame and shimmed for alignment but that frame cannot be bolted to a solid structure. You will pound out the main bearings in a few thousand hours at best or worst case snap the crankshaft in under a thousand.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Good to know that. It's all about resonance. I am reconfiguring an Onan/Isuzu 12.5 KW and was contemplating not using their base and mount, because I thought the alternator was pouched, and I was going to get a Stamford, but it wasn't, so stayed with their base and integral mounts.

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

Vibration prediction and design is a little like RF antenna design. There are lots of theories and math involved but at the end of the day it often comes down to trial and error and some fm ... (f’n magic)

I’ve sent many sets of spring isolators to the scrap bin that were ‘engineered’ solutions over the years. It’s getting even worse now with much stricter seismic restraint requirements on top of the vibration issues.

There are some videos of gensets on the shaker table. Destructive testing is the only sure way to prove anything. This is a 95L genset on the table which weighs close to 80k lbs:

Cummins QSK95 Seismic Test - YouTube

 

[90cummins]

Powerhouse update
I upgraded the cables going from the powerhouse to my battery pack.
I had a length of 4awg which became warm when pulling 200 amps @ 24v.
There was also excessive voltage drop of 1+ volts depending on load.
The run into the house is now kcmil 350 aluminum cable into 4/0 copper.
My last test I saw 214 amps with negligible voltage drop.
My cooling fans are on place and operational.
2 details left.
Install 120 volt outlets around the interior for fan, light and 1500 watt space heater power.
Move my 55 gallon diesel tank into the garage and connect the MEP-952b fuel line which can pull fuel from up to 30 feet away.
This unit has it own fuel filters and pump. When that’s done it will be ready for action.

The Yanmar will then get fitted up with exhaust and an auxiliary fuel tank for extended runs.
I’ve performed fuel consumption testing in the past but I will repeat and post my final numbers in the future.

90cummins

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

Very nicely done. I’ve been following along even if I wasn’t commenting.

Having space to get around a genset really pays off in the long run even for something as simple as an unexpected filter change in bad weather, at night etc.

 

[90cummins]

Thanks Chilli

 

[3930dave]

That engine-generator assembly is mounted on neoprene so it can move independently of the frame.

They are warning against a second set of vibration isolators. If they are not carefully selected, a second point of elasticity can actually create a much larger resonant vibration and cause a great deal of damage to other large components and it gets worse the farther out from the centre of movement like radiators and control panels.

So in this case the frame gets solidly mounted because the engine already has isolators. Large units above roughy 500kW are bolted solid to a frame and shimmed for alignment but that frame cannot be bolted to a solid structure. You will pound out the main bearings in a few thousand hours at best or worst case snap the crankshaft in under a thousand.

Resonance....... as a kid, I was fascinated by the film of the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Working in tech, I spent most of my time on electronic hardware, but was always mindful of mechanical stress points in systems.

This bit-stream had me thinking of the wheels and frame bumpers on small portable generators.... in a slightly different light....

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Powerhouse update
I upgraded the cables going from the powerhouse to my battery pack.
I had a length of 4awg which became warm when pulling 200 amps @ 24v.
There was also excessive voltage drop of 1+ volts depending on load.
The run into the house is now kcmil 350 aluminum cable into 4/0 copper.
My last test I saw 214 amps with negligible voltage drop.
My cooling fans are on place and operational.
2 details left.
Install 120 volt outlets around the interior for fan, light and 1500 watt space heater power.
Move my 55 gallon diesel tank into the garage and connect the MEP-952b fuel line which can pull fuel from up to 30 feet away.
This unit has it own fuel filters and pump. When that’s done it will be ready for action.

The Yanmar will then get fitted up with exhaust and an auxiliary fuel tank for extended runs.
I’ve performed fuel consumption testing in the past but I will repeat and post my final numbers in the future.

90cummins

Very close...... to being Zombie Apocalypse Approved :thumbsup:

Rgds, D.

 

[daugen]

Geez, I only have a generator.
When I could have had a Powerhouse.
Seriously impressed by that install.
Now if we could figure out how to get fuel in a crisis, that's the remaining issue.
I have 800 gallons of propane, but even that will run out even with rationing.
With the heat and humidity here, plus it gets cold here for sure, high demands on HVAC,
and since two of my heaters run on propane, the heaters are sucking up my gen fuel, not a preferred situation.

That install rates a nice Powerhouse sign on the door.

 

[3930dave]

Geez, I only have a generator.
When I could have had a Powerhouse.
Seriously impressed by that install.
Now if we could figure out how to get fuel in a crisis, that's the remaining issue.
I have 800 gallons of propane, but even that will run out even with rationing.
With the heat and humidity here, plus it gets cold here for sure, high demands on HVAC,
and since two of my heaters run on propane, the heaters are sucking up my gen fuel, not a preferred situation.

That install rates a nice Powerhouse sign on the door.

Critical factor for sure...... why even well-funded military operations are interested in efficiency..... can't do much when out of fuel.

If you weren't planning to move soon(ish), I'd say just double-down on the tank capacity - that could be a selling point, for an informed buyer though....

Big issues in parts of Canada right now with propane (rail strike at present). The biz news last night was talking about truck tankers waiting in Sarnia for 8+ hours to get filled with propane. Not easy to replace rail capacity.....

Rgds, D.