Alternate Use of the Multi-Fuel Engine????

[SoundGuy]

For the generator idea. I love it. Just to note, it takes about 2 hp to make 1kw of electricity. So a 134 engine would not be able to produce a 100kw of power. Although it will turn a 100kw genset as long as the load didn't surpass what the engine could turn. I wouldn't recommend much more than 50kw so you could have a little surge room. That is still on beast of a generator.

 

[plym49]

Here are some pics of a 100kW generator that a friend put together using an LDT.

That is very cool. The motor will be very happy at 1800 rpm. What did he do about a governor?

 

[plym49]

I have a WWII-era PE-95 genset in my house. It is a Willys 4 banger flathead. Probably 40 HP on a good day. The PE-95 is approximately a 10 KW unit although it has some overload capacity. It runs everything I need to run in my house with enough to spare to run an extension cord for a neighbor. I have it in a soundproof block room under my deck. The heat from the radiator and exhaust is captured during the cool season. I use it for when the power is out which is often enough as I am on a single-feed distribution circuit. It is thirsty with the gasoline, though, since it is a low-compression gas motor. Other than that it is fine.

That multifuel genset setup pictured is very nice. Even if that is a 100KW generator (looks a little small to be rated that high, but I might be mistaken) a Deuce motor is not going to be able to power it at that level. 50 KW is more like it - still PLENTY.

BTW one horsepower equals 746 watts. Don't forget that no machine is 100% efficient. So that 2 hp per 1 KW guideline is reasonable.

 

[JasonS]

An engine which has 134 horsepower produces a hair shy of 100kW of output at the crankshaft (134 * 746). Assuming 80% conversion efficiency (probably a few points low) in the generator head, this would result in an 80kW output. While it won't produce full 100kW output, it was just a good way to repurpose an engine without a load and a head without an engine.

 

[jj]

I use to use a Schramm air compressor that had an iron cylinder block and head with six holes. Three had spark plugs and MADE power. Three holes had poppet type check valves and compressed air. Designed like that. Made enough air for a backhoe mounted pnuematic hammer.The balance issues could be worked out, but it does seem to be the long way around the barn.

 

[Keith_J]

An engine which has 134 horsepower produces a hair shy of 100kW of output at the crankshaft (134 * 746). Assuming 80% conversion efficiency (probably a few points low) in the generator head, this would result in an 80kW output. While it won't produce full 100kW output, it was just a good way to repurpose an engine without a load and a head without an engine.

But for 60 Hz, it must run at 1800 RPM with a 4-pole field. Not going to do 3600 RPM for a 2-pole.

At that RPM, you are probably looking at 110 Hp output for about 80 kW. Conversion efficiency is in the 90% range or better.

The multifuel is far from efficient as a diesel being in the high 0.40s in brake specific fuel consumption (pounds of fuel per horsepower hour). High compression and the spherical combustion bowl in the piston are the killers.

 

[JasonS]

But for 60 Hz, it must run at 1800 RPM with a 4-pole field. Not going to do 3600 RPM for a 2-pole.

At that RPM, you are probably looking at 110 Hp output for about 80 kW. Conversion efficiency is in the 90% range or better.

The multifuel is far from efficient as a diesel being in the high 0.40s in brake specific fuel consumption (pounds of fuel per horsepower hour). High compression and the spherical combustion bowl in the piston are the killers.

You are right, my oversight on the speed.

 

[Flat Black]

^^^ or just use an inverter that has a rectifier built in to maintain 60 Hz. Then you can run at most efficient speed, quietest speed, etc. and always have 60 Hz.

BSFC for 235 hp 5.9 Cummins:

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/tdrarticles/images/IO61_FEimage2.gif

If you can find this for the engine you are using it will help you out setting up your generator.