Lawnmower engine into a 12V Generator (Links)

[jmullan99]

I built my own 12V generator and love it.



It now also has an 1800W inverter bolted to the side, so I have the best of both worlds. It has a battery because a) the alternator requires some voltage to start (Delco CS130) and to smooth out surges if firing up a microwave or such.

Now, it is a bit bulky for a tear. But it's makes less noise than the cheap 2-stroke jobs.

Cheers,
John

[Xiadix]

I built my own 12V generator and love it.

That looks like a nice setup. What is your noise level and run time like?

KevG

[jmullan99]

Hmmm. Trick question. Depends on the load. You can definitely get quieter engine driven generators, like Honda. It's quieter than my 3.5hp lawnmower and way quieter than my weedeater!

Stuck between two RVs, would probably wake the neighbors. In the woods, the trees and ground cover tend to absorb more noise, so it "seems" quieter.

I have not run it dry on one tank full (aprox 1 gallon) in any one session. Since it is an automobile alternator, it can pump a 2 battery set in 1-2 hours if almost flat. If I need it for a short but heavy load (ie; microware), I just fire it up, run the micro for a couple minutes, then shut er down. The cheap chinese motor on it won't last forever, of course. But it will take Honda parts. And car alternators are a dime a dozen, but not efficient.

[bgeddes]

I built something like this a long, long time ago for starting off-roading and camping vehicle that overused the available resources. I used a chainsaw engine someone gave me, and a 60 amp GM 1-wire alternator. I used a 9volt transistor battery to start the field current and afterwards the internal regulator would take over and charge what ever battery was connected. It was small and convenient, but as Mike notes, LOUD!

To build one again, I'd use a 4 stroke and add a real muffling system instead of a $3 unit. The engine will not loose enough power for me to worry, but will loose enough screaming sound to make everyone enjoy.