At 05:51 PM 7/29/2006 +0000, scott.hall@comcast.net wrote:
>but it is 200 amp service.
Well at 200 amps and 220V you're looking at being able to consume 44,000
watts of power. So the 40KW isn't a bad guess.
>Anybody want to hazard a guess as to what size I should just cough up for
>an be done with it?
We can't. That's up to you. Are you willing to rough it? If not, then
you're looking at the 40KW generators.
My dad just bought a 10KW, Honda engine, gas powered generator - cost $2,000.
He wants to be able to run the AC during the summer if need be.
>and finally, I think I'd like an american diesel engine and an american....
You want a brand name motor and generator!
However, regardless if it's gas or diesel, you will have problems running
it. A 6KW generators will consume at about 1 gal/ hr of fuel. More if
you're really loading them. So lets do some more math, 24hr/day, 15 days
that 24*15= 360 hours of operation. And at 1 gal/hr that's 360 gal of
fuel you'll need. Diesel and gas are about $3/gal so that 360*3=$1080
in fuel costs!
Where are you going to store 360 gal of fuel. Especially gas, which goes
bad so quickly.
Don't forget, oil. On most of these gas powerd engines recommend an oil
change every 24/50 hours of running. So you'll have to add that to the
cost. Again the bigger the engine, the more oil you'll use.
Do you have natural gas in your area, or the other possibility is Propane
powered generator.
>I'm told that the american stuff puts out 'bad' power than I wouldn't
>want to run into my house/computer/delicate electric appliances....
I haven't really heard that, but it is partially true. It is not as well
regulated as the power company. Light bulbs and most appliances won't
care. But your computer might. So for that, get a battery power UPS.
The power from the generator will charge the batteries in the UPS, and
then the convert it to AC for the computer.
To me, the key word is "emergency". Do with out some of the conviences,
get a smaller generator - say 10KW. But you'll still have the problem
of fuel. And where is the nearest gas station? Will they have power?
I haven't mentioned the cut over switches either. That will run you
at least $500 and probably $500 for installation.
It's your call. You might want to talk to your electric company and see
what they recommend/sell. I know our local electric company has started
selling generators. Many are multiple fuel capable also.
So to summarize:
1. How much are you willing to live without?
2. How much are you willing to pay?
3. How will you store the fuel?
John
John T. Blair WA4OHZ email: jblair1948@cox.net
Va. Beach, Va (eBay id: zebra48-1)
Phone: (757) 495-8229
48 TR1800 48 #4 Midget 65 Morgan 4/4 Series V (B1106)
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