Just wanted to express my enthusiasm as a soon-to-be owner of a Ashwamegh 6/1 and a Metro 12/2.
I've been mostly a lurker here for probably 12-14 years and never thought I'd be able to actually own a Listeroid, so very excited about
this. The 6/1 has never been run, and the 12/2 has less than 2 hours of no-load run time.
Totally new to these engines, and will have questions for the forum. Any and all advice eagerly accepted.


Thanks
Dan

I don't specifically see any option to set email notifications for new posts.
Is that a feature on this forum? If it is, where do I set that?

thanks
dk

So I'm thinking again about the advantages/ disadvantages of a standard generator VS an induction generator as they apply to
reducing demand charges for my industrial 3 phase service.

It occurs to me that I have 2 choices with a standard generator:

1. Use it to power machines and the whole shop as far as the KW rating will go.
2. Use it only for base loads (lighting, boiler power, computer power,) and the stuff that's always a constant and known load.

Problem is, with the above loads, they will do little to affect my demand charges which increase based on what machinery I power up
during the course of the billing cycle. With industrial 3 phase service, the demand charges can be 50-70% of the total bill!
If I can't use a listeroid CHP setup to decrease my demand, there is no point to pursue it......which does not get me a Listeroid to play with, and therefore is not the fun result I am hoping for!   

So.....question is.......with an INDUCTION generator, and using it to "push on the grid", and having it slow down the electric meter, that seems to be the way to reduce demand directly. 
Slowing the electric meter is the only way to incur less demand charges without having a generator big enough to handle the total
shop load. (Not practical, and too much power for a Listeroid solution)

Anyone here successfully running an induction generator and slowing the meter? Is this legal?
What hardware is required?  I have a 60 HP 3phase motor I could use as the induction generator.
Where can I read/ learn more about how to use a 3 phase motor as an induction generator? 
I am also considering the use of a WABCO air brake compressor off of a road tractor, belted to the Listeroid, to supply a certain amount of compressed air to the shop air system. These units are made to run continuously all day long, and load/unload as needed.
Most common sizes are in the 5-10 cfm range, which is not a lot of air, but could be helping to fill the air receivers on the electric compressors "all day long".  Why generate electricity -to run a motor....-to turn a compressor? Let the Listeroid turn the compressor directly and save conversion losses!
The Wabco units are water cooled, BUT they require oil pressure for lubrication, and I am not sure if the limited oil pressure from the listeroid oil system would be adequate........?

Induction Generator bad points:
1Down side to the I/G is that if the power goes out, it cannot (to my knowledge) be used as backup power.

And so goes the trade offs and dilemma.......


Appreciate your thoughts/ comments.....the battle for lower energy costs continues.....

dk

Does anyone know of any available 20 to 50 HP single cylinder (or more) diesel engines for sale in the
Oil fields of Bradford, Oil City, etc. ??
I am interested in purchasing such an engine...

email dk1machine@yahoo.com

dan k 

I've seen mention of 'kit' engines available......?
Can anybody direct me to the vendor?
I'm looking for a 2 cylinder listeroid.

thanks
dan k

Ray Kurzweil was on C-Span this morning talking about modern technonlgy and how (among LOTS of other things) power generation will become decenteralized in the not-so-distant future. He's thinkin Solar. I' m thinkin Listeroids have their place in their
someplace too. At least till solar cells get super efficent and dirt cheap...

http://www.kurzweilai.net/articles/art0134.html?printable=1

So brings up the topic:
Another aspect of Listeroid power I'm interested in, is the adaption of modern technology to the Listeroid design, which we all
agree is quite sound and may be a bit over-engineered.
Too much of that (modern technology) might have a reverse (and adverse) effect, but I think its good to at least toss ideas and theories around.

The typical and obvious have already been named:
Improved oiling/ filtering, synthetic oils, electric starters, glow plugs,etc.
Turbocharging and supercharging sound very interesting.
I wonder how economy could be improved by adapting a modern high pressure (possibly computer controlled) fuel injection system?
There certainly seems to be 'enough' iron and bearing area in the design to handle increased power output.
The tradeoff usually comes in decreased life and reliability, but with typical lifespans measured in decades, how much tradeoff is that really?  I am considering a power generation system that will have to be as efficient as possible, and also reliable and low maintence.
I am willing to break from tradition and employ any and all modern technology to the Lister design to achieve that goal.

Some gadgets I'd like to see evolve:

Low cost electronic govener (a kit or DIY plans would be great) 

Auto start/shutdown

Remote monitoring

Variable speed/variable load inverter generator,
(the engine speed can vary from idle to full depending on load,  but the frequency is maintained at 60cyc.
This is becoming more common in RV generators now)

Possibly all the above wrapped up in an EMS  (engine management system) 

Please post your thoughts ......


dan k