Generator auto start and system control panel

System
System Posts: 2,511 admin
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
I have a Xantrex TR1524 and Honeywell 7500EL generator. I would like to add auto start and a system control panel. Anyone have a suggestion on what would work best?
The generator has electric start but no automatic choke. Any suggestions on how to automate the choke would be helpful too.
I would make do with a battery level monitor and a remote start switch but would prefer auto start.

Jim
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Generator auto start and system control panel

    If you convert to propane, does it need choke ?
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

    · Share on Twitter
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #3
    Re: Generator auto start and system control panel

    Here is a several year old thread:

    Automatic Generator Starting

    At that time, I could not find very much on converting an electric start genset to full auto start... It seemed like it was better to buy a genset already setup for it.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
    · Share on Twitter
  • stephendv
    stephendv Solar Expert Posts: 1,571 ✭✭
    #4
    Re: Generator auto start and system control panel

    Easier to buy the genset with auto-start already included. But if you have an idea of how the electrical system of the generator works, then you can buy the control unit and add it yourself. I did this with my diesel gen and used one of the basic units from http://www.deepseaplc.com/, cost about 50 GBP and is fully programmable using their PC software. They have models available to accomodate every type of gen setup, so I'm sure finding one to control a choke won't be a problem.
    EDIT: Assuming of course that you have an electronically controlled choke! (or can build one)

    A not very detailed blog post of my conversion here: http://www.casanogaldelasbrujas.com/blog/2009/05/25/new-control-unit-for-volvox-generator/
    · Share on Twitter

Categories