Small gas engine electric generator ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of connecting two small gas engine generators to provide sufficient power for household appliances, specifically an air conditioner and a dryer. Participants explore the technical challenges and safety concerns associated with paralleling different generators.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of tying two generators together to achieve enough amperage for household use.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism, suggesting that the combined output may still be insufficient to run the house.
  • A third participant reinforces the concern, stating that the generators lack the power to run both the air conditioner and dryer simultaneously.
  • One contributor shares a link to external information regarding generator synchronization, noting the importance of matching frequency, phase angle, and amplitude when connecting generators in parallel.
  • Another participant cautions against paralleling different generators, highlighting the complexity of synchronizing them and the potential for large circulating currents.
  • There is a suggestion to split the load between the two generators as a safer alternative to paralleling them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the two generators may not provide sufficient power for the intended appliances and that paralleling different generators poses significant challenges and risks. However, there is no consensus on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention technical requirements such as frequency and phase matching, as well as the need for appropriate switch gear, but do not delve into specific mathematical or technical details regarding these processes.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in generator setups for home use, particularly those considering backup power solutions or off-grid living.

zanegrey
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hi,
i want to know if i can tie 2 generators together to get enough amps to run my house.

i have an older 10 hp 4.5 k watt genset and a 5.5 hp 3 k watt genset.

the 4.5 k genset is a 240 plug in but only 15 amps

my ac is 240 at 30 amps
and dryer require 220 at 30 amps.


thanks
 
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Doesn't sound like a good idea to me. Even if you could, you wouldn't have enough current to run your house.
BTW Welcome to PF
 
If you want to run the AC and dryer at the same time, those generators aren't powerful enough.
 
I'm not an expert, and have never done this, but there seems to be very few replies, so here's something I found when I quickly googled your query yesterday (the warnings, pitfalls, and a method for linking the generators):

http://yarchive.net/car/rv/generator_synchronization.html

When you're trying to put generators in parallel, it's best to use generators designed for this purpose (I think there're a few Hondas that do this). Otherwise, you'll need to match frequency, phase angle, and (preferably) amplitude, or else danger ensues (mostly to the generators, but also possibly to you and your house).

These aren't exactly the necessities of life, however. If you're going off the grid, or want to prepare for (prolonged) power outages, could you rough it? That or just buy a bigger generator.
 
I think it is a bit dodgy to parellel up two different generators.. Tricky enough if they are identical. Trying to alter frequency and phase with simple generators wouldn't be easy.

You could get large circulating currents. You would need a syncroscope (expensive??) to get the phasing right and suitable switch gear.

Why do you need to do it anyway??

Only other way is the split the load between the two.. Much safer.
 

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