I should have been a bit more clear about my application. I'm not worried about battery charging rates or load percentage on the generator. I've already determined that this size generator will normally run at a good efficiency level. I am more concerned with the quality, longevity, and enclosure. I have a couple of applications in mind, but my immediate need is for a mobile environment. The generator might be subject to some degree of road spray and it will be used in a near-ocean environment.
I've had some good and bad experiences with gas gennys. Someone recommended an Onan, a brand I swore never to use again after I replaced a $700 controller three times in a year (at my cost) and Onan was zero help in trying to diagnose the problem. They tried to blame it on surging when the inverter/chargers kicked in. Anyway, I'd be willing to try again if I get some good feedback. Cost is always an issue, and I know the Onan's can be pricey. Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar -----Original Message----- Can you say something more about the system? Is there a PV component? What is the size and type of the battery bank? The thing I am beginning to understand about propane generators is that there is a problem with Outback charging re: partial load efficiency. If the generator/chargers are sized to give a good C/10 bulk charge rate, then they will be running well below 50% load when they are providing a desirable absorption phase current. That's extended absorption run times at poor generator efficiencies. This also plays into having a generator that is sized for full AC loads and full charger currents. If you design for this case, but do not have large AC loads during charging, you will be well down into the 25% load on the gererator, very inefficient with propane. I have had very good success with my Kohler 30kw REGZ 2-wire start propane generator in a lower elevation, California foothills location. What exactly do you mean by harsh environment? Mark Frye Berkeley Solar Electric Systems 303 Redbud Way Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 401-8024 www.berkeleysolar.com _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
