The standard 12/2 and 16/2 are identical except for the governor setting and the heavier flywheels on the 16/2. Both engines use the 23 5/8" diameter flywheels, (12/2 with spokes, 16/2 with solid center except for the holes), the smaller 20" flywheels are used on the 10/1 and the 20/2 engines. I personally would use the engine with the heaviest flywheels in order to have more kinetic energy in reserve. I now have all of my flywheels built to be the heaviest possible within reason. I'm also checking on having some of the start-o-matic style flywheels made in India. Unless the 14/1 is well balanced the twins will also run smoother within their rpm range. Any of the engines can be throttled back to 650 rpm but I have noticed that the closer the drive ratio is to unity with the generator the less the flickering problem is. I'm in the process of taking an old 400 hz 60 kw generator and rewinding it for 515 rpm @ 10 kw @ 60 Hz operation, since it is a 14 pole generator. I wound electric motors is a previous job so this isn't hard for me to do. A direct coupled slow-speed generator will be an interesting project.
The 14/1 could also be a good way to go but it will depend upon the brand and the quality of the engine. The 14/1 is a transition model and may or may not be optimal in operation. I've seen both good and bad, primarily with balance problems.
Mike Montieth
Listeroids/USA
