Inboard automatic start up diesel generator

[evasion]

Is there a model that can sense low batterie voltage or that can start automatic if there is a 115V demand?

In 3 or 4 kw size. Need no be fresh water cooled.

[scottyt]

i dont think any gennys will do an auto start but i believe the link pro battery monitor will send a start signal.

yup yes it can

Xantrex Link PRO battery monitor

ps not connection to any company, just the first google link

[Zanshin]

Fischer Panda generators have an optional auto-start module.

[newhaul]

i dont know for sure however i have dealt with apu units on semi's that charge batteries to run an inverter to recharge the house bank and provide 110 power. only runs when needed check with companies some must make a marine version heck they make units for the military to use that provide 5K and are man portable including small fuel tank

[Omatako]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

Fischer Panda generators have an optional auto-start module.

I think most do.

Certainly as you say the FP does, I know that the Whispertech unit does (see Whisper Tech Limited) but AFAIK these units sense low batteries not AC demand.

I guess it depends on how you set it up but logic says that if the inverter drains the batteries, this system will see the battery levels dropping and fire up the genset.

[Omatako]

Just as an aside, I saw these Whispergen units on show in Auckland and was astonished at how quiet they are. I stood right next to one, asked the person on the stand if he could start it up for me and he said "It's already running".

[ffiill]

Why is it that stateside everyone seems to need a generator? and such big ones.To put this in perspective where I live people often have a simple portable genset for power failures which are quite common.I only happen to have a small 600watt model I bought for running small power tools BUT it happily gives me power to my fridge and large freezer plus a few lights.
As for the boat surely a bank of batteries;solar panels;windgen and inverter is all you need?

[Omatako]

Originally Posted by ffiill

Why is it that stateside everyone seems to need a generator? and such big ones.To put this in perspective where I live people often have a simple portable genset for power failures which are quite common.I only happen to have a small 600watt model I bought for running small power tools BUT it happily gives me power to my fridge and large freezer plus a few lights.
As for the boat surely a bank of batteries;solar panels;windgen and inverter is all you need?

I guess the nature of the genset is of primary importance to the discussion.

I am preparing a genset for my boat that will hopefully go in early next year. This unit has no mains capability and is exclusively intended for charging of the batteries on the boat.

The batteries in turn power all the 12v appliances but also an inverter which will power the limited number of mains appliances on the boat (microwave, water heater, water-maker and at this stage, fridge/deep freeze).

With just the 12v appliance loads, the wind gen and solar array are probably going to be enough to keep the batteries up without worrying too much about alternative charging capacity but once the mains appliances start working via the inverter, the draw will be considerably more than the "passive" charging systems can provide. At the moment, I have to run my main engine which is less than desirable. That's when the genset starts to earn its keep.

If you have direct mains capability requirements, then the genset specification takes on a whole new life and the unit that I'm building will be completely inadequate

[sailingdog]

Damn that's really impressive...

Originally Posted by Omatako

Just as an aside, I saw these Whispergen units on show in Auckland and was astonished at how quiet they are. I stood right next to one, asked the person on the stand if he could start it up for me and he said "It's already running".

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by ffiill

Why is it that stateside everyone seems to need a generator? and such big ones.

Because we won the War of Independence and to the victor go the spoils.

How else would I keep the ice maker running?