Automatic Generator

I need two generators that turns on automatically, each will go to a separate property. The first one is my house, which has natural gas. The second is a detached shop a few miles away from me, which is all electric. Any advice? I would like each to be able to output at least 4kw.

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  1. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    Oh, and I’m a renter so I’d like portable units so I can take them with me when I go, or resell them more easily.

  2. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    Is there not a way to rig up a portable generator, with an electric start, to where when the power goes out it automatically turns on and powers some circuits? I’m having trouble finding how to get a portable generator to automatically turn on.

  3. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    i guess what im asking is, could you do something like this: https://youtu.be/EiRW6rpLxyQ?t=258, except the transfer switch panel automatically kicks on when it detects that the main panel isn't powered? have i essentially outlined the difference between an automatic and manual transfer switch here? there's an switch going for $500 near me, thinking about grabbing it if I can pair it with a portable generator, but if it doesn't flip on automatically it's useless to me basically.

    i need generators for culture storage (they can't freeze in the winter or get too hot in the summer) and i want to get into aeroponics, which is even more sensitive (plants will die within minutes of a power outtage) so i need to ensure my power is never interrupted (and it's interrupted frequently right now). so it has to be automatic

  4. 1 year ago
    Anonymous
    • 1 year ago
      Anonymous

      I've only found one resource of someone doing something similar and it's the video I posted, but his isn't kicked on automatically. I THINK a portable + automatic transfer switch should be able to start automatically, but I'm not sure. And I'd need a generator that doesn't need to be filled up with gas prior to starting, else all the automation is useless.

      So I THINK I need a propane or natural gas generator with the aforementioned automatic transfer switch. That should all work how I'm thinking it will, right?

  5. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    Would it be possible to just use AGM batteries? I'm not sure how I'd set them up to automatically take over when the powers out though.

    • 1 year ago
      Kevin Van Dam

      You would be much better buying a few UPS units and stick them on whatever devices you need to keep powered.

      Like I said, Generac units do what you want to do properly, but they’re not portable and not cheap. I think you understimate what it takes to run a whole house, also generators use a bit of gas so a 4kw generator running like half loaded on a couple circuits is going to probably give you 8-12 hours on the 4-5gal fuel tank it has. And you can’t turn on the generator while the home is still connected to the grid. You need some sort of shutoff at the main breaker when there is a power outage.

  6. 1 year ago
    Kevin Van Dam

    You’re going to need a transfer switch and panel and all that. And a lot of engineering to figure out the automation. Do you think you would ever do the transfer switch on the rental property? Also 4kw isn’t going to run a whole home so you need to pick certain breakers you want powered.

    Save up and buy a home and get a Generac that does all the shit for you. They have systems that automatically switch over when they detect a power outage.

    • 1 year ago
      Anonymous

      >Also 4kw isn’t going to run a whole home so you need to pick certain breakers you want powered.
      Yeah, I already know which ones. Just the circuits containing environmental controls and some pumps basically.

      >Save up and buy a home
      Working on it, this expense is related to my business.

      >They have systems that automatically switch over when they detect a power outage.
      I know, I'm trying to see if I can do it cheaper using a portable generator and some engineering.

      You would be much better buying a few UPS units and stick them on whatever devices you need to keep powered.

      Like I said, Generac units do what you want to do properly, but they’re not portable and not cheap. I think you understimate what it takes to run a whole house, also generators use a bit of gas so a 4kw generator running like half loaded on a couple circuits is going to probably give you 8-12 hours on the 4-5gal fuel tank it has. And you can’t turn on the generator while the home is still connected to the grid. You need some sort of shutoff at the main breaker when there is a power outage.

      >UPS units
      These look great in theory, but seem a little under-powered and only last a few hours. For example, I'd like to at minimum be able to run a 1500w heater for 24 hours in the event of an outage. A 2200va UPS runs at around $1.3k, which is about the cost of a portable generator + automatic transfer.

      • 1 year ago
        Kevin Van Dam

        You’re going to need to engineer some bigger fuel tanks to last 24hrs unattended.

        OP here, something like this looks perfect:

        , as it doesn't require wiring into property I don't own.

        That’s actually a pretty cool setup, although it’s going to be unsightly, and you can only use it with those certain generators. Looks good to use if you’re going out of town. I’m sure they’re all electric start generators. And you’re not going to be able to plug anything in that’s not a regular 120V plug, no hardwired stuff or 240V.

        One more thing to consider, the power companies don’t like touching lines while generators are running. So you probably want to be near the thing when the power goes out, especially when they’re trying to restore service.

        • 1 year ago
          Anonymous

          >You’re going to need to engineer some bigger fuel tanks to last 24hrs unattended.
          I was hoping I could get some sort of manifold to plug up multiple 20lb propane tanks. One 20lb tank should run a 10kw generator for 5 hours, so plugging up to 6 tanks should give me enough time to get back and take care of things.

          >although it’s going to be unsightly
          Why would it be unsightly? If I go this route, I'd need to build a weatherproof cover around it anyway.

          >And you’re not going to be able to plug anything in that’s not a regular 120V plug, no hardwired stuff or 240V.
          That's ok, for right now anyway. That setup can be had for less than $1.5k, so far it's the cheapest option to ensure my cultures don't freeze in the winter or fry in the summer. I hope to do some medium scale aeroponics soon too (aeroponic plants die extremely fast without power), at a seperate location, so if this setup works I could just copy it for the aero stuff.

          • 1 year ago
            Kevin Van Dam

            >manifold
            If you’re going to do propane, you should go on a hunt for one of those big restaurant style propane tanks. Not like the ones that you see on homes in the sticks that are 10ft long, but the ones like 3’-4’ tall and ~24” across. You can find restaurant equipment used all the time.

  7. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    OP here, something like this looks perfect:

    , as it doesn't require wiring into property I don't own.

  8. 1 year ago
    Anonymous

    So you want an automatic transfer switch? They are out there, you need to make sure your gen has auto start and will start when needed, ie has a batt charger and block heater. It's possible to install an auto start control too, I'd recommend a deep sea 3110 or similar.

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