Design

AI Thread Summary
Designing a portable propane electric generator requires a clear understanding of power output needs and the intended use, whether for camping or other activities. To enhance efficiency in the alternator and inverter, establishing a baseline design with known performance metrics is crucial. Measuring and calculating losses in the system will help identify specific areas for improvement. While some suggest experimenting with existing models for insights, others argue that significant advancements may be challenging given current technology. Ultimately, a focused approach on efficiency metrics will guide effective enhancements.
rossc12
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TL;DR Summary
I’m looking at designing a portable propane electric generator
I’m looking at designing a portable propane electric generator that’s light for camping ect’
What ideas on how to improve the efficiency on the alternator and the inverter from dc to could I improve upon or incorporate?

Thanks Rosd
 
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Welcome to PF.

What power output do you require?
Will you carry it on your back, or in a vehicle or boat?
Do you have an existing system that you want to improve?
 
rossc12 said:
TL;DR Summary: I’m looking at designing a portable propane electric generator

ideas on how to improve the efficiency on the alternator and the inverter from dc to
In order to improve the efficiency, you need a baseline design with known performance and efficiency. Otherwise you have nothing to improve.

Take your baseline design and measure and/or calculate all the losses. Keep at it until the total of your measured/calculated losses match the actual total losses (inefficiency). You will then know exactly what to do to improve the efficiency, how much improvement you can get, and the cost/difficulty of getting that improvement.
 
rossc12 said:
TL;DR Summary: I’m looking at designing a portable propane electric generator

I’m looking at designing a portable propane electric generator that’s light for camping ect’
What ideas on how to improve the efficiency on the alternator and the inverter from dc to could I improve upon or incorporate?

Thanks Rosd
Here's stuff you could improve on, buy one of these and take it apart. Or, maybe you haven't fully described what you want.

https://www.google.com/search?q=por...1UEAD_enUS1084US1084&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
 
I find this a bit silly as a practical project. Unless you are trying to do something that has not been done such as generate odd voltages or odd frequencies for some practical reason I cannot imagine, then there is little point to this. An individual will not improve on what has been done already.
 
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