Generators

The Prepper Wayhttp://coolprepperstuff.com

Fridge/FreezerFood Preparation AppliancesWell PumpSump PumpCommunication

(Ham Radio, Small TV, Cable Modem, Cell Phone)

Furnace/Water Heater Fan (Assuming NG or Propane heat.)

Battery ChargingSome Lighting

Why Do You Need Electricity?

Air ConditioningWill require much larger generator and

waste fuel55” LCD TVXbox/PlaystationWasher/Dryer

Extras you may want, but don't need

VERSATILITYBe able to power ONLY what is needed.Low Fuel ConsumptionKeep running when there is NO GASPortableLong Storage LifeConvenienceReliabilityQuietSecurityLow Price

System Goals

Just Big Enough – 2,000 – 3,000 wattsInverter Technology (Not just a generator)

Low Fuel ConsumptionQuietCleaner Electricity (Smoother AC Voltage)

ReliablePortable~$1000 - $1200+

Generator Selection

Big/Cheap Generators (As lows as $300)Big Enough to Power Your Whole House!High Fuel ConsumptionIncredibly Loud!Less ReliableLess Portable

Whole House Natural Gas Unit ($2000 - $3000+)Not PortableVery Convenient but Not Versatile

Other Options (Better than nothing)

Size your generator based on needs +30%.Assume only half of your appliances are running at the same

time.Anything with a motor will draw at least 1.6X normal load

upon startup. (But they won’t all start at the same time.)Fridge, Freezer, Furnace Fan, etc…

Most Large Appliances have stickers that indicate their running Watts.

Watts = Amps X Volts US standard outlet is 120V Large appliances, AC/Drier use 220V

Use a Kill A Watt meter to measure small appliancesUse a Clamp Meter to measure large appliances.

How Much Power Do You Need?

Fuel Options GAS

Only if you have too Ethanol eats engines Some places sell 100% gas, for a price Degrades in 3 months, can be extended to

a year+ with Stabilizer 2 X Tanks of Propane

2.44 Times the BTUs/Volume of Natural Gas Costs more to run. The 2nd is a backup tank for your grill! Lasts Forever

Natural Gas Most Convenient Lowest Cost Short of a Extreme Earthquake we will have fuel. Slight loss of power. (~3 amp loss) Cannot Store Natural Gas, Required Pressure is too high. (2,800+ psi)

Fuel Options (cont.)Diesel

More energy per gallon than GasKnown for being slightly dirtier/smelly but

modern engines are much better.Diesel engines are easier to convert to

alternative fuels. (Various biofuels/oils.)

More Cost Efficient than GasLast for 2-5 years dependent on

temperature. Lasts 10+ years? with Stabilizer Diesel

Formula

Fuel Options (cont.)Kerosene

Not for GeneratorsIncluded to be thoroughFor kerosene lamps and heaters.Less refined fuel, means its extremely stableNo Stabilizer neededLasts 10+ years

Why Not Run On Multiple Fuels? (Tri Fuel)With relatively small changes most standard

generators can be made to run of multiple fuels.

If your somewhat mechanically able you can do the work yourself.

You can buy generators ready for Tri FuelMore fuel options mean more flexibility and

the ability to run longer.In a real emergency, fuel is precious and you

will only be running ~4 hours a day, just enough to keep the fridge cold, anything more is wasting precious fuel.

Goal is to run off Gas, Propane or Natural Gas (Wood Gas ??)

Kits and Services are available for a price. http://www.propane-generators.com/honda-generators.htm

Google “Honda Tri Fuel DIY”Found a Great Tutorial (Tutorial Files Are Below) http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_17/631123__ARCHIVED_THR

EAD____Honda_EU2000i_TriFuel_Install.html&page=1Have not found any negative reviews about doing a

conversion.Larger Generators need adapters for the conversion, small

generators just have the carburetor drilled.READ MY NOTES, the diameter of the hose from the

Carburetor to KN Regulator is too small! (I found out the hard way.)

Tri-Fuel Research

Startup InstructionsTri Fuel DIYTri Fuel Install Tri Fuel Parts List

After doing this, I found this site, which was recommended and does seem to have good kits. Even has an adapter plate for the Honda 2000 watt to avoid drilling.

http://propanecarbs.com/Also found a security bracket for the Honda 2000 watt.

Nothing is fool proof but at least it helps slow them down. http://propanecarbs.com/

Tri-Fuel Research - Additional

Drilling Services Results Will VaryDIY Results Can Be Very CleanSourcing individual parts will

save some money.

Kits/Services VS DIY

Honda 2000 will need drilled, very limited room.

Drilling Service: Ugly, Brittle and Sloppy Green Epoxy DIY: Clean and Strong JB

Weld

My Tri Fuel Conversion Results

15 Amp Transfer Switch, they also make large whole house switches.

Input Plug and Natural Gas Hookup In Garage

My Wiring and NG Setup

Simple Chain and Lock

Security

Stored with Gas Tank Empty.No Ethanol Gas destroying the engine.Can be stored indoors!Still ready to run in minutes.Change oil every 6 – 12 months.Will last till the gaskets/seals rot away.

Tri-Fuel Storage and Maintenance

Extra Slides

Extension CordsTransfer SwitchParallel Cable (A great excuse for

redundancy!)

Convenience

Reliance Controls15 Amp, 4 Circuit <$200

My Natural Gas ConnectionT from connection behind Kitchen StoveThrough wall behind stove into garage wall.¼” Quick DisconnectClean looking cover.

My Natural Gas Connection (Cont.)Convenient hole through the side of garage.

Can be done on essentially any generator.Different “Kits” for different size generators and

high/low pressure propane operation.“Kits” for small generators may or may not require

drilling the carburetor, depends on available space. For $75 + Shipping, Kit manufactures will drill

your carburetor.(But why do this? You still do the work removing it, and a drill press can be purchased for $125. Another great excuseto buy more stuff!)

Tri Fuel Conversion Basic

Make sure you use 3/8 inner diameter hose from Carb to KN Regulator, without it the generator will not run right off of Natural Gas.

Use at least a ¼” OD brass tube. 3/16” OD is too small.

The gas shut off valve can be bought at Auto Zone.

I ended up using http://www.hose-man.com/ to source a 25 foot Natural Gas hose.

If your careful bending the brass tube you don’t have to cut off the white support.

Take your time drilling the hole.

Honda 2000 DIY Tips

1 Large Person can carry everything.Natural Gas Quick Disconnect can be moved

from one house to another in minutes with just two wrenches.

Tri-Fuel Portability

Electrical and Natural Gas Connections in GaragePass Through Hole in wall is large enough for

makeshift exhaust install.Garage provides a level of

separation between fumes and home living area.

Would be easier to defend.Quiet generator inside garage would be hard to

hear from outside.

Extreme Security (Only in EXTREME circumstances!!!)

This is dangerous! I have not done this and hopefully never will.Unless people with guns are outside stealing generators, you should not ever consider this, and even then very carefully.

I assume no responsibility for anything you do.

Automatic Load CyclingEssentially a 4 Zone ThermostatAuto Cycle between Furnace,

Water Heater, Fridge and Freezer based on Temperature

Remote OverrideLoad Sensing to prevent

cutting power while load is running.

Extreme Convenience

DangerousCan Kill Electrical Repair Men Miles AwayGenerally Never Consider Doing ThisIf truly in a Extreme situation, like after an EMP or

Solar Flare and you know power will not be restored for a LONG TIME:ABSOLUTE MUST TURN YOUR MAIN BREAKER OFF!!!Find a way to physically stop the breaker from turning

on, at the very least duck tape it off and write a note.If possible remove the main breaker??

May be convenient, but high load can be a problem.

Back-Feeding Your Whole House

This is dangerous! I have not done this and hopefully never will.

I assume no responsibility for anything you do.

Auto Load Switcher Kit Running of off Wood Gas

Future Possibilities