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Power stability with PTO generators
Ken, I think you're mixing up auto idle with voltage/frequency adjustment as Harvey pointed out. The speed up, slow down, you notice on your gen-set is just a load triggered automatic throttle, as the load on the engine increases the engine automaically gives itself more throttle. This is purely a reaction to load, nothing to do with maintaining voltage or stabilizing frequency levels.
On most big gen-sets, including our big Winpower PTO gen-set (80 kw. max, 50 kw. continous) on the farm merely have a meter of the "safe range at" type of voltage adjustment, in other words there is a big voltage meter visible from the tractor's seat, you play with the throttle until you get the desired output then just leave it there. The frequency is automatically set internally.
The problem of course with running anything delicate off these things is that even these big monsters can only keep the voltage to within plus or minus 5% of the set voltage point, on 120V. circuit that means the voltage could be anywhere between 114 and 126 volts, computers for example don't like that at all.
Toms comment about the transfer switch is right on the money, when we wanted to re-locate our generator a few years ago, into a shed below the pole on which the meter is installed, the hydro people were VERY involved, they had to approve the design before we could even install it, then they had to inspect it after construction to ensure it was built to spec. The transfer switch in our case also had to be a 3 point break system, the same bars that connect the gen-set disconnect the grid feed, and it is a long throw at that to be sure there is no chance of arcing.
Best of luck.
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Power stability with PTO generators
I din't think anyone still made a generator WITHOUT auto-idle.
It is a five cent cost to the manufacturer but makes a HUGE difference in fuel consumption. I have several small portables, various makes of engines, Tecumseh, Honda, Briggs & Stratton, even an old one with a Wisconsin Robin, even it has auto-idle on it. The generators make 110v. even at idle, but as load increases it speeds up to produce larger current capacity.
The easiest way to check is to start a generator with nothing connected, then add a reasonable load, say a circular saw, then shut off the load. If the generator goes from idle to full throttle and back to idle, it has auto-idle. If it goes to full throttle with no load, it is not so equipped.
Best of luck.
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Power stability with PTO generators
You probably didn't hear about it because by then it was built in to every generator made, regardless of make, calling it a 'feature' would be kind of like saying "and it comes with spark plugs too!".
Best of luck.
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Power stability with PTO generators
Ken, I stand corrected sir.
I surfed on over to the Gillette website and sure enough only some of the "GEN-PRO GASOLINE SERIES" generators are equipped with a "SPEED-MATIC controlled engine".
In fact I even looked Honda's own website since they are the principal supplier of engines for such things. They word it in an interesting way, they say some models are equipped with "auto throttle", not "idle control".
So I spoke to my dealer who sells the full line of Honda power products, all this talk of generators made me realize I have a little 1800 watt Honda unit in the garage that hasn't run in years, may as well take it in a get it running again.
He pointed out to me the source of my confusion. Almost every Honda, and most every other stationary type engine, has a vacuum type throttle, the engine automatically runs at a set RPM, if the load increases it feeds it a little more gas.
Mea Culpa.
Best of luck.
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