The purchase of the Metro 6/1 has caused me to completely rethink my power generation plans for the Tod Engine Heritage Park. Instead of connecting to the grid I think my loads are small enough to justify a complete small scale generating plant. The generating plant will also become one of the exhibits in the museum which basically is a museum of power generation.
The first phase will be the 3KW generator driven by the 6/1. This should satisfy my single phase current needs. I don't think I have as much of a power requirement at the museum as does a typical house since I will not be running all those power consuming items such as computer, television, furnace, refrigerator, lights, clocks, microwave etc. We will have some indoor lighting, perhaps one or two power tools going at once, torpedo heater etc. The 6/1 has been ordered and should be delivered to the shop Wednesday.
The second phase of the project will be a larger unit to provide 3 phase power. This may happen in another year or so, but the plan is to install a larger engine to drive a 10KW 3 phase generator. I have several older machine tools which will be coming to the museum including a radial drill press, grinder, welder etc. and I'll need a way to run them.
The third phase is generating 250 VDC and compressed air but we have a diesel locomotive coming which will supply that. That is out of the realm of the discussion though unless you REALLY want to hear about it.
I have posted five photos of a 10' x 12' 6" shed which will become the powerhouse. Upgrades will include pouring two concrete foundations, one for each engine, a concrete slab floor, putting up the fourth wall and installing a door. I'll also need to install fuel tanks, a load panel and conduit to the main engine building which hasn't been built yet.
Here is the Powerhouse album. All of the photos that I take of this ptoject will go here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/556987895oyxSje
