Converting a Portable Generator to Propane
Gene Nelson, Ph.D.
KE5HXX
01 February 2014
Presentation Outline
• Three Significant Factors
• Do you already have a gasoline‐powered generator?
• Are you planning to purchase a generator? Strong recommendation to purchase a(n) inverter generator(s)
• Other necessary items
• Hardware demonstrations
Three Significant Factors
• CARB, The California Air Resources Board
• Carbon Monoxide
• A technology to avoid
CARB, The California Air Resources Board
• Regulates the purchase of fuel‐powered generators – and some generator accessories in California.
• As a result, many items are not allowed to be sold within California. Some items may not be shipped to California
Carbon
Monoxide CO
• A colorless, odorless, toxic gas that is produced during operation of internal combustion engines of electric power generators
• All electric power generators must be operated outside. CO entry into a structure should be blocked by solid doors & windows.
A Technology to Avoid
• Avoid battery‐powered inverters producing modified sine‐wave single‐phase power.
• Most homes and residences are normally powered by center‐tapped transformers which allow the ground to be tied to the neutral at the power distribution box.
• Image:PhysicsForums.com
Why Propane Fuel?
• Indefinite storage of propane cylinders.
• Stabilized gasoline only good for 12 months.
• Supplies less likely to be exhausted during a large‐scale disaster.
• Increased reliability when used as fuel for internal combustion engines.
• 20# cylinder = 5 gallons of gasoline.
• Always purchase at least 2 storage containers.
Propane 101
• Learn more about propane via this informative website: http://www.propane101.com/index.htm
Propane – Powered Generator 1:
• Over 1 week backup energy supply for Mount Lowe radio equipment, including SLOECC repeaters.
Propane Powered Generator 2:
• Target store in San Luis Obispo on Los Osos Valley Road.
Propane – Powered Generator 3:
• ECC‐9 ‐ American Red Cross Chapter for San Luis Obispo County.
• Uses propane‐powered 8 kW Generac generator to provide backup power for location, including amateur radio equipment.
Case 1: Already own gasoline‐
powered generator
• Example: Smarter Tools ST‐GP4750EB 4.75 kW generator.
• $400 from Costco.
Purchase US Carb Tri‐Fuel Kit
• Kit cost approximately $200.
• Cut frame
Attach propane regulator and power block to frame
• Regulator reduces propane pressure so that engine may use as fuel. Also includes priming button to purge air from system.
• Power block functions as throttle for system. Mixture should be lean at typical power demanded from generator.
Propane supply • Includes 20# tank, preferably with fuel level indicator.
• Hose to connect from tank to regulator.
We’re not done yet…..
• Secondary Muffler:
Secondary Muffler Adapter
Secondary Muffler Assembly
Ventilated Sound‐Absorbing Enclosure
• http://soundproofing.org/infopages/generato
r.htm Recommended Approach: Purchase inverter generator
Lighter. 2 identical units may be run in parallel
Considerably quieter
Much more fuel‐efficient
Cost premium, but no muffler or sound‐
absorbing box is needed.
• Unit may be converted to tri‐fuel
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Ryobi RYi2200
• 2.2 kW Peak $549.00 at Home Depot
• 51 pounds
Honda EU2000i
• 2 kW peak
• 45.9 pounds
• $999.00
Honda Generator Brochures
• http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/p
df/Brochures/generator_brochure.pdf
• http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/p
df/Brochures/HP2S_Brochure.pdf
• http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/p
df/Accessories/generators.pdf
Honda EU2000i Propane conversion • Published on Jun 8, 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roKxsfb34PM
• A step by step video showing how to convert your Honda generator to run off of propane and gasoline. It is very easy to switch between the 2 fuel sources and gives you another level of redundancy. You can also companion these units together as 2 or 3 generators. See Wisesales.com for the companion kit and Central Maine Diesel for the conversion kit. PracticalPreppers.com
Another “Game Changer”
• The new U.S. Carb “Motor Snorkel” ® for Tri‐Fuel Operation ‐ No frame cutting!
Motor Snorkel® Availability
• Ryobi RYi2200
• Honda EU2000i
• Yamaha EF2000iS and many others at http://www.MotorSnorkel.com Other Necessary Items
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Heavy duty twist‐lock extension cord
Generator connection box
Optional transfer switch
Load center for higher‐end generators
Antitheft devices
Cover if stored outside
Hardware demonstrations
• SLOECC Honda EU200i. Will be run outside
• Questions?
• Gene Nelson, Ph.D. KE5HXX
• [email protected] or [email protected]
• (214) 455 – 8065 cell