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TRANSCRIPT
Converting a Portable Generator to Propane
Gene Nelson, Ph.D.KE5HXX
01 February 2014
Presentation Outline
• Three Significant Factors• Do you already have a gasoline‐powered
generator?• Are you planning to purchase a generator?
Strong recommendation to purchase a(n) inverter generator(s)
• Other necessary items• Hardware demonstrations
Three Significant Factors
• CARB, The California Air Resources Board• Carbon Monoxide• A technology to avoid
CARB, The California Air Resources Board
• Regulates the purchase of fuel‐powered generators – and some generator accessories
in California.• As a result, many items are not allowed to be
sold within California. Some items may not be shipped to California
Carbon Monoxide CO
• A colorless, odorless, toxic
gas that is produced during operation of internal combustion engines of electric power generators
• All
electric power generators must be operated outside. CO entry into a structure
should be blocked by solid doors & windows.
A Technology to Avoid
• Avoid battery‐powered inverters producing modified sine‐wave single‐phase power.
• Most homes and residences are normally powered by center‐tapped transformers
which allow the ground to be tied to the neutral at the power distribution box.
• Image:PhysicsForums.com
Why Propane Fuel?
• Indefinite storage of propane cylinders.• Stabilized gasoline only good for 12 months.• Supplies less likely to be exhausted during a
large‐scale disaster.• Increased reliability when used as fuel for
internal combustion engines.• 20# cylinder = 5 gallons of gasoline.• Always purchase at least 2 storage containers.
Propane 101
• Learn more about propane via this informative website:
http://www.propane101.com/index.htm
Propane – Powered Generator 1:
• Over 1 week backup energy supply for Mount Lowe radio equipment, including SLOECC
repeaters.
Propane Powered Generator 2:
• Target store in San Luis Obispo on Los Osos Valley Road.
Propane – Powered Generator 3:
• ECC‐9 ‐
American Red Cross Chapter for San Luis Obispo County.
• Uses propane‐powered 8 kW Generac generator to provide backup power for location, including amateur radio equipment.
Case 1: Already own gasoline‐ powered generator
• Example: Smarter Tools ST‐GP4750EB 4.75 kW generator.
• $400 from Costco.
Purchase US Carb Tri‐Fuel Kit
• Kit cost approximately $200.• Cut frame
Attach propane regulator and power block to frame
• Regulator reduces propane pressure so that engine may use as fuel. Also includes priming
button to purge air from system.• Power block functions as throttle for system.
Mixture should be lean at typical power demanded from generator.
Propane supply
• Includes 20# tank, preferably with fuel level indicator.
• Hose to connect from tank to regulator.
We’re not done yet…..
• Secondary Muffler:
Secondary Muffler Adapter
Secondary Muffler Assembly
Ventilated Sound‐Absorbing Enclosure
• http://soundproofing.org/infopages/generato r.htm
Recommended Approach: Purchase inverter generator
• Lighter. 2 identical units may be run in parallel• Considerably quieter• Much more fuel‐efficient• Cost premium, but no
muffler or sound‐
absorbing box is needed.• Unit may be converted to tri‐fuel
Ryobi RYi2200
• 2.2 kW Peak $549.00 at Home Depot• 51 pounds
Honda EU2000i
• 2 kW peak• 45.9 pounds• $999.00
Honda Generator Brochures
• http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/p df/Brochures/generator_brochure.pdf
• http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/p df/Brochures/HP2S_Brochure.pdf
• http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/p df/Accessories/generators.pdf
Honda EU2000i Propane conversion
• Published on Jun 8, 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roKxsfb34PM
• A step by step video showing how to convert your Honda generator to run off of propane and gasoline.
It is very easy to switch between the 2 fuel sources and gives you another level of redundancy. You can also companion these units together as 2 or 3
generators. See Wisesales.com for the companion kit and Central Maine Diesel for the conversion kit.
PracticalPreppers.com
Another “Game Changer”• The new U.S. Carb “Motor Snorkel”
®
for
Tri‐Fuel Operation ‐
No frame cutting!
Motor Snorkel®
Availability
• Ryobi RYi2200• Honda EU2000i• Yamaha EF2000iS and many others at
http://www.MotorSnorkel.com
Other Necessary Items
• Heavy duty twist‐lock extension cord• Generator connection box• Optional transfer switch• Load center for higher‐end generators• Antitheft devices• Cover if stored outside
Hardware demonstrations
• SLOECC Honda EU200i. Will be run outside
• Questions?• Gene Nelson, Ph.D. KE5HXX• [email protected]
or
[email protected]• (214) 455 –
8065 cell