Hi. I have a dual Sunsynk 5.5KW system and I'm fedup with adding batteries. I want to use all of my battery capacity for solar storage. So for those long dark winter days the 8kw/10kVA Dual fuel generators are starting to look very attractive.

https://leroymerlin.co.za/dual-fuel-generator-8kw-10kva-petrol-or-lp-gas-81477626?sfdr_ptcid=32806_617_692178575&sfdr_hash=98d60cdd38244fdbda90f8920554a846

 

Is there anything I need to be aware of before installing one of these generator with my system? Other than cray high cost of fuel that is. 

Kind regards Hannes 

Edited March 19, 20232 yr by HannesZ

I'm not sure if the issue of parallel inverters and generator input has been solved yet, but you can always connect the generator to the mains input via a change-over switch. Open up your Voltage and Frequency parameters on the mains settings, and be gentile on the charging current for a start.

Be kind to the generator when charging batteries, and running house loads, or the frequency will fluctuate, and the inverters will disconnect and connect often.👍

49 minutes ago, HannesZ said:

Hi. I have a dual Sunsynk 5.5KW system and I'm fedup with adding batteries. I want to use all of my battery capacity for solar storage. So for those long dark winter days the 8kw/10kVA Dual fuel generators are starting to look very attractive.

https://leroymerlin.co.za/dual-fuel-generator-8kw-10kva-petrol-or-lp-gas-81477626?sfdr_ptcid=32806_617_692178575&sfdr_hash=98d60cdd38244fdbda90f8920554a846

 

Is there anything I need to be aware of before installing one of these generator with my system? Other than cray high cost of fuel that is. 

Kind regards Hannes 

The only comment would be just ensure you don't end up with a 4kW genny when running on cleaner burning LP gas. If it is down on power you might find it more difficult to get the inverter to accept the input as it might drop speed more under load and the inverter will see the reduced frequency.

This is what a guy explained after they went over to LP gas on a fork lift. The weight it could lift up was so reduced that they went back to petrol. So far I have not seen any tests or results of the power of an engine after converting to LP gas.

11 minutes ago, Scorp007 said:

The only comment would be just ensure you don't end up with a 4kW genny when running on cleaner burning LP gas. If it is down on power you might find it more difficult to get the inverter to accept the input as it might drop speed more under load and the inverter will see the reduced frequency.

This is what a guy explained after they went over to LP gas on a fork lift. The weight it could lift up was so reduced that they went back to petrol. So far I have not seen any tests or results of the power of an engine after converting to LP gas.

On the LeroyMerlin website it states:-

"This is the best home generator during load shedding. It can run on petrol or LP Gas. As a gas generator you are able to run up to 8000w of appliances."

As a South African that would mean as an LP Gas generator, but as an American that would mean as a petrol generator. 🤔

Best to phone and find out about the specs.

47 minutes ago, TimCam said:

On the LeroyMerlin website it states:-

"This is the best home generator during load shedding. It can run on petrol or LP Gas. As a gas generator you are able to run up to 8000w of appliances."

As a South African that would mean as an LP Gas generator, but as an American that would mean as a petrol generator. 🤔

Best to phone and find out about the specs.

So using US terms it is not false stats. It would be good to know what the power output is using LP gas in ZA terms. Even if you phone will you get a correct answer?

5 hours ago, TimCam said:

On the LeroyMerlin website it states:-

"This is the best home generator during load shedding. It can run on petrol or LP Gas. As a gas generator you are able to run up to 8000w of appliances."

As a South African that would mean as an LP Gas generator, but as an American that would mean as a petrol generator. 🤔

Best to phone and find out about the specs.

I wouldn't use these frame type generators as they are normally V-0-V earth arrangement and are illegal to use on a fixed electrical installation. I installed a Generac gas generator at a client what a great machine 13kva power factor 1  63 amp output but they are pricey$$$$ but legal.

6 hours ago, Scorp007 said:

The only comment would be just ensure you don't end up with a 4kW genny when running on cleaner burning LP gas. If it is down on power you might find it more difficult to get the inverter to accept the input as it might drop speed more under load and the inverter will see the reduced frequency.

This is what a guy explained after they went over to LP gas on a fork lift. The weight it could lift up was so reduced that they went back to petrol. So far I have not seen any tests or results of the power of an engine after converting to LP gas.

Diesel fuel has about three times greater peak energy density than natural gas, or generally 129btu versus 37btu.

2 hours ago, TaliaB said:

Diesel fuel has about three times greater peak energy density than natural gas, or generally 129btu versus 37btu.

Funny that this source gives totally different figures for energy density. 

You can also just buy the LPG carburetor and convert an existing generator to dual fuel. 

Available on Aliexpress for +- R500 depending on model required. 

https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-lpg-carburetor-generator.html 

1 hour ago, Scorp007 said:

Funny that this source gives totally different figures for energy density. 

I am talking about peak energy density comparison, applicable on gensets.

38 minutes ago, TaliaB said:

I am talking about peak energy density comparison, applicable on gensets.

Point taken. My figures are the specific heat value. Heat cannot be created or destroyed-just changed from 1 form to the other no matter what application unless I have it totally wrong. 

@Scorp007 here is some info and comparisons

https://www.bellwoodrewinds.co.uk/natural-gas-vs-diesel-generators/#:~:text=When it comes to energy,the engine and fuel conditions.