Automatic Generator Start

lazza · February 2014

HI

Well I've got the lovely job of having to install an automatic generator strat to a 20kVA diesel generator.

Currently it just has a key start with 3 positions: Battery, Glow Plugs, Ignition (see pictures)

As I understand the inverters (Victron Multiplus 5000) send a simple on/off signal from a programmmable relay.

I need to know what kind of electricial apparatus to install at the inverter to respond to the inverter signal??

Thanks
Larry

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Blackcherry04 · February 2014

Re: Automatic Generator Start

Lot's of people use this one, Atkinson Control Module. Magnum also has one. I am sure there are others. What does the Generator manufacturer recommend ?

Atkinson GSCM Generator Start Control Module

http://thesolarstore.com/charge-controllers-lighting-generator-controllers-atkinson-gscm-mini-outback-optimized-diesel-generator-start-controller-module-p-1111.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&cvsfa=3594&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=31313131&gclid=CKCo3tDPr7wCFYVDMgodnGUAow

Magnum Energy

http://thesolarstore.com/inverters-grid-inverters-magnum-inverters-magnum-energy-auto-generator-start-module-automatic-generator-start-controller-p-152.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&cvsfa=3594&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=313532&gclid=CPLJvZbQr7wCFSISMwodll8ATw

stephendv · February 2014

Re: Automatic Generator Start

I went through the same process with my old indian built diesel. You'll need a microcontroller to control the starting and stopping of the genset- the victron will then give the right signal to the microcontroller and it will do the rest.

I bought one of these units for around 70 euros: http://www.deepseaplc.com/products/dse-genset/auto-start-controllers/
Fully programmable via USB, can detect failures, over voltage, under, over-under speed etc.
You'll have to figure out the wiring for that genset to be able to connect it to the control unit.

Old blog post here: http://www.casanogaldelasbrujas.com/blog/2009/05/25/new-control-unit-for-volvox-generator/ (sorry not a lot of technical details, but the deepsea unit's manual has good schematics in it. The trick will be identifying the write wires on the genset)

lazza · February 2014

Re: Automatic Generator Start

HI

Sounds great. Cant see a spanish distributor though, did you buy it in the UK?

stephendv · February 2014

Re: Automatic Generator Start

Bought from their UK online store, shipped with TNT https://online.dsestore.com/Store/Login.aspx

Make sure you get the right one, they have many many different models with different features. I got the 3110 back in 2009, can't see it on their site though.

Automatic Generator Start

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