Run Whole House on Wimpy Generator?

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by hayden55

What inverter are you using?

I'm curious too.

I got this 4,000 watt inverter but haven't tested yet. Still sorting out the battery situation.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Piotrsko]

4kw @ 120v =33.3333 amps then add some for inverter losses so under 50 amps. 4kw @12 volts =333.3333 amps power in. Like > 2 gauge fairly short battery connections and some serious battery storage like a volt battery pack. Bet it cooks itself at those loads

Hmm, but no mention over on the diysolar site of this. Must be chineseium

[hayden55]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

4kw @ 120v =33.3333 amps then add some for inverter losses so under 50 amps. 4kw @12 volts =333.3333 amps power in. Like > 2 gauge fairly short battery connections and some serious battery storage like a volt battery pack. Bet it cooks itself at those loads

Hmm, but no mention over on the diysolar site of this. Must be chineseium

yikes that a good point on the 12v amps being no bueno. I've also heard the chinesium ones can be much lower on actual efficiency when tested as well. Some times like around 80% efficiency but it all depends on load and duty cycle. Sounds like a 48v system makes a lot of sense if you get into larger stuff.

[RoadRaceJosh]

My inverter/charger is a Cotec that was discontinued. The Victron MultiPlus looks to be a good choice. https://www.victronenergy.com/invert...48v-800va-3kva

I went 24V with my inverter/charger and build a 7S battery from a Ford CMax Energi battery.

[hayden55]

Originally Posted by RoadRaceJosh

My inverter/charger is a Cotec that was discontinued. The Victron MultiPlus looks to be a good choice. https://www.victronenergy.com/invert...48v-800va-3kva

I went 24V with my inverter/charger and build a 7S battery from a Ford CMax Energi battery.

I like that cotec. Thats a nice product for a smaller system.

https://www.invertersupply.com/media...1203153059.pdf

[freebeard]

Don't you have a garden tractor?


justacarguy.blogspot.com/2023/03/i-admire-pirelli-company-they-actively.html

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Don't you have a garden tractor?

Who, me?

Parents have several. Dad has a 240v PTO generator. He can power things via gasoline, natural gas, diesel, or possibly even battery (has an EV).

[freebeard]

Nevermind.... I guess.

When I was at a car show at the Lane County Fairgrounds in the 80s or 90s where some kids from a North Eugene high school shop class were showing their invention. It was an impeller that dropped into the bucket with hydrualic lines to spin it.

It made a concrete mixer that you could maneuver around between the piles of materials and the form or slab. I thought it was genius. Never have seen anything like it since.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by freebeard

It made a concrete mixer that you could maneuver around between the piles of materials and the form or slab. I thought it was genius. Never have seen anything like it since.

These days it's all about the pump truck. I was the "hose man" for a day for my buddy who was shorthanded. They gave me the least skilled job, which still required a fair amount of skill. Pour the continuous stream of concrete from the hose to just ever so slightly more than the form, so the guys with the screeth had enough to work with, but not too much they were overwhelmed. I don't know how much I "helped".

[Disco007]

12,500 watt Westinghouse from Home Depot "DUEL FUEL" Generator 50 Amp power cord found a 50' cheaper than shorter ones. 50 amp plug box added to Junction Box with a 50 amp fuse with power cut off slide plate. Converted Duel Fuel to Nat Gas with an additional valve for Nat Gas hose goes where Propane hose went. Watch Florida Guys vids about fuel requirements per day and you will see why you want to convert to Nat Gas. Plenty of Utude vids to show how to do this for your house. All you lose when moving to new house is Junction box plug and 50 amp breaker less than $200. Luckily have not had to use it since "Snow-ma-gedon" in Texas!