Homemade Inverter Generator - Version 1.0 - 1000 Watts Power Load Test

[farizfamily]

it's not too effiecien isn it?

since you convert dc output to ac while generator usually generate ac by default

[AlternativePowerMan]

@farizfamily haha you're talking about the efficency of converting dc to ac (which is about 90% BTW), yet ignoring the efficency of that 40 year old smoking engine, that is probably 10%! haha

[StinkyCheese9999]

@AlternativePowerMan

It's a valid point. An engine you need anyway because the point is you're generating power from fuel. You can get newer leaner running engines which are more efficient but they are pickier about how clean the carb is, fresh fuel, etc. Suppose emergency situations and you have to run with whatever fuel you have available.

The point is, there are generators which are more efficient directly producing the 110/220VAC output desired, BUT having ~12V battery power is good too

[buzz60016]

another idea, in an emergency, use jumper cables, your cars alternator, to power a 2000 watt inverter, to power your furnance when your house goes dead, after a ice storm. Its better to buy a real generator, years too early, than try to buy a generator one day, after a major power outage. : ) 

[StinkyCheese9999]

@buzz60016

Keep in mind that typical midsized to smaller vehicle's alternator is often only rated for about 100 amps (1200W/12VDC system, little higher since it's 13.n VDC) and part has to go towards powering the vehicle's electrical system, recharging battery.

I sometimes wonder with gas furnaces, why not build to use a gas powered blower/generator with a battery backup. That would allow operation when power is out, though I suppose a standalone natural gas generator is another option.

[buzz60016]

This is cool.

Too bad ..... a few people do not understand.

[rowen211]

how did you get the engine to adjust the throttle depending on load conditions?

[AlternativePowerMan]

@rowen211 In this video I didn't. The governor was broken, that is mentoned in the video notes. That is why you hear the engine speed up and bog down when the load changes. See my other videos, there the governor is working.

[Corey497]

1500 watts off that little battery??

[AlternativePowerMan]

@Corey497 You don't see that generator connected to it?

[sardine178]

loving it, what kind of shaft coupling are you using?

[GsWever]

your battery is too small

[AlternativePowerMan]

@GsWever What do you base that comment on? Obviously you have little knowledge on the fundamentals of power generation, conversion, load and demand, and in this case governors.

[SouthNJPC]

@AlternativePowerMan Governors!! Dont bring polictics into this!!! j/k on many levels. Nice little setup. what year is the engine?

[AlternativePowerMan]

@SouthNJPC engine is a 1968 Tecumseh 7HP. Works great !

[SirTragain]

Change it from direct drive to a belt driven ratio like on a cars crank to the alternator pulley then the alternator can put out more amps and won't draw down the engine as much.

[AlternativePowerMan]

@SirTragain Sorry but power generation doesn't work that way. Read the video notes, the engine governer is broken.

[bradmann85]

i thought about doing this. glad to see somebody has got the same idea as me. i only came up with the idea for jumping a car. had thoughts about using a strong weed eater engine running an altenator having a pair of jumper cables or thick enough wire to charge up the dead battery in the car for a few minutes to give enough charge to start the car.

[AlternativePowerMan]

@bradmann85

If the only thing you require is a battery charger, and you can't use a 110VAC powered charger, then yeah, you don't need much. I'm not sure a weed eater engine will have enough power but you can certainly try.

[DreamSeekerOne]

the only down side to this is the invertor isn't a "true" sine wave and may damage some less hardy equipment and it also adds a VERY anoying ticking sound to any radio you would hook it to.

[AlternativePowerMan]

@DreamSeekerOne

Yes it isn't a true sine wave inverter, but I must say I get very little buzz on the audio equipment I plugged into it. The whole concept is just for backup power, and to be able to run in 'quiet mode' to keep refrigerators running. The engine will only be used to charge the battery, or when a big load is required, like a cooking grill or kettle. We had a 2 hour power outage recently, I used just the battery to keep my PC and internet access going! Slick! See most recent video.

[gordonfanchris]

That is COOL!!! I coulda used that when we lost power in ice storm last year for 13 days. Nice job!

[amadzack666]

1500w inverter enough to power up 1 set computer system??

[GenTristan]

@amadzack666 More than one.

[AlternativePowerMan]

@amadzack666

More than enough.

[liam101300]

are u energising the field if not u need to so u get 14.3volts nice generator btw way

[AlternativePowerMan]

@liam101300

Yes I am energizing the field, but I do suspect there is voltage drop across the power cable. There is a 'remote sense' option on the alternator that I am intending on trying some day. Thanks for the feedback

[sirmasterpimp]

That's actually better than a normal generator, because it can act as a uninterrupted power supply when the generator runs out of gas.....Your devices can stay on while you refill the tank, or just let the generator rest for an hour or so. I connect a normal computer ups in between my devices and the generator for that same purpose during power outages. Good work!

[AlternativePowerMan]

@sirmasterpimp

Hmmm, UPS....yeah I guess it is, never looked at it that way. Thanks! Vote the stars please! Thanks again.