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Generators / Converting to 3 phase- Need help with generator options and ideas
« on: June 30, 2012, 06:09:24 PM »
Its been a while!
So here is my situation-
I have a Lister ST3 that needs engine repair, metal flakes in the oil... It currently has a bolt on 15 KW single phase gen head. I also have a 6.5 KW Honda Generator that I am currently running, my backup. My shop is off grid and I have a 790 Amp Hour battery bank that I charge when I run the Generator. Eventually this charging will be supplemented by Solar Panels.
I currently have 3 machines that are wired 3 phase. The biggest motor is 10 HP and the smallest is 2 or 3, can't remember. I use this machine the most. I'm running 2 with VFD's right now and to run the 10 HP motor I will need to get another VFD. I would rather not use a rotary phase converter because I don't like the limitations that presents.
Given the cost of the new VFD (about $1000.00) and my current generator situation I've started to seriously consider upgrading my wiring to 3 phase. I imagine I will end up with more 3 phase machines over the next few years.
So, This leads me to what I am thinking:
I would like to keep the ST3 because it is a great but loud motor. Is there a bolt up 3 phase Gen head I can use? I'm also thinking that I would like to use a 2 Generators system to produce my total power requirements. I'm thinking 2 @ 10 KW each or possibly 1 @ 15 KW and the other @ 10 KW. From what I understand, when both are running, I will be able to start and run the 10 HP motor. When I'm using smaller machines and charging the batteries, I can run 1 generator. Can anyone recommend a synchronizer for the Generators? Is that a fairly straight forward installation?
I would sure appreciate anyones thoughts or ideas on how to do this and If its a good idea or not.
Thanks,
Peter
So here is my situation-
I have a Lister ST3 that needs engine repair, metal flakes in the oil... It currently has a bolt on 15 KW single phase gen head. I also have a 6.5 KW Honda Generator that I am currently running, my backup. My shop is off grid and I have a 790 Amp Hour battery bank that I charge when I run the Generator. Eventually this charging will be supplemented by Solar Panels.
I currently have 3 machines that are wired 3 phase. The biggest motor is 10 HP and the smallest is 2 or 3, can't remember. I use this machine the most. I'm running 2 with VFD's right now and to run the 10 HP motor I will need to get another VFD. I would rather not use a rotary phase converter because I don't like the limitations that presents.
Given the cost of the new VFD (about $1000.00) and my current generator situation I've started to seriously consider upgrading my wiring to 3 phase. I imagine I will end up with more 3 phase machines over the next few years.
So, This leads me to what I am thinking:
I would like to keep the ST3 because it is a great but loud motor. Is there a bolt up 3 phase Gen head I can use? I'm also thinking that I would like to use a 2 Generators system to produce my total power requirements. I'm thinking 2 @ 10 KW each or possibly 1 @ 15 KW and the other @ 10 KW. From what I understand, when both are running, I will be able to start and run the 10 HP motor. When I'm using smaller machines and charging the batteries, I can run 1 generator. Can anyone recommend a synchronizer for the Generators? Is that a fairly straight forward installation?
I would sure appreciate anyones thoughts or ideas on how to do this and If its a good idea or not.
Thanks,
Peter