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Re: [TowerTalk] generators/transfer switches etc Re:YetAnotherLightning

To: "'Clay Curtiss W7CE'" <w7ce@curtiss.net>,<TOWERTALK@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] generators/transfer switches etc Re:YetAnotherLightning Strike
From: "J. Gordon Beattie, Jr., W2TTT" <w2ttt@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Sat, 8 Jul 2006 21:55:38 -0400
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Hi All!
I heard a discussion lately, where folks are installing 12-25KW propane
generators in areas where propane is used for cooking and/or heating air
and/or water.
Get a big tank and you're set when the grid goes or when your panels or wind
generator can't hack it.  

It may be a good trade-off to the expense of buying a bunch of 12V stuff in
an off-grid environment as well.  For example it might also be a good idea
for peak load scenarios like when you run the washer or the vacuum cleaner.


Vy 73,
Gordon Beattie, W2TTT
201.314.6964
w2ttt@att.net
w2ttt@att.com
w2ttt@arrl.net
 

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Clay Curtiss W7CE
Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 9:39 PM
To: TOWERTALK@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] generators/transfer switches etc Re:
YetAnotherLightning Strike


> I'm thinking of getting rid of that 9500 watt portable and installing a
> permanent 15 to 20 KW natural gas fired unit. First thing they'd do would 
> be
> shut off the gas and they'd not even have to worry about transfer 
> switches.
> That old 9500 has had over 100 hours of use in the last 5 years.
>

I have an 8 KW unit that is permanently installed and runs on natural gas. 
It isn't obvious when you first look at them but they will not work with the

standard gas meter/regulator which only supplies 2 column inches of 
pressure.  The generators typcially require 12 column inches, so I had the 
local gas company swap out the existing meter for a larger unit and then 
supplied my own regulators for 2 and 12 col. inches.  The gas company didn't

charge for the meter swap but it cost a few hundred dollars to have a local 
furnace company put in and hook up the new regulators.

There was no requirement for signs, although it sounds like a good idea.  If

I had to do it all over again, the only change I would make would be the 
selection of a 15-20KW unit that uses a 4-cylinder engine and runs as 1800 
RPM rather than 3600 RPM.  My unit is pretty quiet, but the larger engine & 
muffler are even quieter (not to mention the extra power).

73,
Clay  W7CE

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