12V DC Generator System

[Bohemian]

Has anyone played with the idea of a 12V DC generator system (in place of getting a 120V generator).

Here is one generator I could find and some specs:

http://www.altendc.com/p1-propane-battery-charging-dc-generator
Charging Voltage 12v Model: 14.0
Maximum Output 12v Model: 120 Amps
Short Circuit Protection Automatic Cut Out
Battery Bank Size 12v Model: 1200 AH or less
Engine Subaru Air-cooled (conversion by ALTEN)
Starting 12v Electric Start & Pull Start
Automatic Start (under voltage)
Automatic Start (2 wire remote)
Max Engine Power Propane: 5.7HP / 4.2kW @ 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Propane / Natural Gas
Fuel Capacity 3/8" fuel connection
Fuel Consumption Propane: 0.31 gal/hr (1.32 lb/hr) @ 75% load
Noise Levels 100% Load: 74dBa @ 7M
50% Load: 64dBa @ 7M
Length 20 in. (559 mm)
Width 20 in. (559 mm)
Height 20 in. (559 mm)
Weight 123 lb. (56 kg)


How do you think a system built on this generator would compare to a more conventional 120V AC system?

Yes, all the 120 AC stuff would need to run off inverters or not be used when boondocking.

 

[cookie]

Where is the advantage in using this?
A Honda 3k will be 3 grand less, quieter and will do everything the DC genny will and more.

Peace
Dave

 

[mbopp]

Sorry, but I don't see any advantage to this.
Right after dinosaurs went extinct I rigged up a lawnmower engine, a 37A GM alternator, and modified voltage regulator for a buddy's hunting trailer. It did keep the battery up for lights, heater, and fridge and it was way before the inverter generators hit the market.

 

[pegmikef]

I agree with Dave. I think my Honda 2000s have better specs and are probably cheaper to run. I usually just run one of them to charge the batteries unless it is really hot, then I fire them both up to run an a/c. The Honda only weighs 55 pounds. The cost of my Honda pair was about $3,000.00 less than the cost of that generator. Here are the specs I found.

Honda eu2000i fuel consumption results...

Honda web-site claims:

3.64 hours per gallon at rated load of 1,600 watts
8.73 hours per gallon at 1/4 load (not specified if that's 400 or 500 watts)
-or-
5.82 kWh/gallon at 1,600 watts
3.49/4.37 kWh at 400/500 watts

My result: Rated power test fell short of Honda's numbers, 1/4 load test exceeded Honda's numbers. I suspect my rated load result, however, is invalid. I'm at 3,500 feet and the eu2000i is beginning to struggle at 1,600 watts up here. Somebody will need to test at a lower altitude if we want a reliable result at rated load.

The results:

1,600 watt load: Run time 2.97 hours/gallon. 4.75 kWh/gallon, RPM = 4,300
465 watt load: Run time 8.92 hours/gallon. 4.15 kWh/gallon, RPM = 3060
555 watt load: Run time 8.06 hours/gallon. 4.47 kWh/gallon, RPM = 3150

 

[GOTTOYS]

At 74dBa you are likely to have someone shoot it to death before you do much battery charging....That's extremely loud....Don