diesel generator question

[shiva das]

am in the prossess of starting a small 6000watt system that i want to run off of a diesel generator...
I am looking for some info..
what size do you think could run something like that? I will be doing hydro, so i will need some extra power.
my main question is, since a ballest needs that extra kick to get started. How will that affect the generator and pulling the power for it?
I am new in using generators so this will be an intresting run...but I want off the grid.
would love to hear people what you all say....

 

[BudBunker]

I have a trace SW4024. Sinewave inverter/charger. Its one of the best. 120v/60amp, 4000w/24v.

Realisticly, your going to need a nice generator($5-$10k) And an inverter like mine, ($1500-$3k) And some huge deep cycle 24v battery's. You would need 2 of the SW4024 to run 6000watts, and you could use 240v hen paired up.

 

[shiva das]

so if i cut it back, to lets say 4000w (like you) I wouldn't need two seperate systems, right? how much diesel does it go through in a cycle?

 

[shiva das]

instead of getting two shouldn't I just get a bigger generator??
How is the wiring,, is it a bitch? I have an equelizer timer that holds 8000w. Could i wire that straight to the main power source. My knowledge is nada when it comes to generators...I will have to learn as I go, which has seemed to work in the past.
I also say you used the multi-flow system...but not now? why? that is what I was planning on....

 

[SuperSnail]

I have a trace SW4024. Sinewave inverter/charger. Its one of the best. 120v/60amp, 4000w/24v.

Realisticly, your going to need a nice generator($5-$10k) And an inverter like mine, ($1500-$3k) And some huge deep cycle 24v battery's. You would need 2 of the SW4024 to run 6000watts, and you could use 240v hen paired up.

If you want to use batterys and inverters (make good sense from a failsafe POV) why would you need a 5-10K dollar gennie? You could build a gennie using a small deisel engine spinning two or three 24 volt alternators to charge the batteries for less than $2k.

 

[somoz]

glad u brought this thread to fruition shiva because i have been lookin into generator's me self but it appears there's not too much bangin on them atm. maybe some peeps will come out of the wood work and give us the break down. good luck with it

somoz

 

[shiva das]

how could you build that supersnail?? I like the idea but not sure if I totally understand...after doing alittle research I found the the inverters and batteries make the most sence...
but of course if I could save some bucks...why not.
You say a small engine, though you would still need to run at least a 4000w, no?

 

[SuperSnail]

how could you build that supersnail?? I like the idea but not sure if I totally understand...after doing alittle research I found the the inverters and batteries make the most sence...
but of course if I could save some bucks...why not.
You say a small engine, though you would still need to run at least a 4000w, no?

Here is a link to give you an idea of how to do it. http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/surv/tow02077.htm
The principle is quite simple. The engine drives the alternator which charges the battery(s). Given the right tools and parts, you could easily build a generator like this over the weekend.

Since 4000 watts is equal to roughly 5 1/2 horspower, I would say a 10 HP engine would be more than enough to generate the amount of power you need.