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toniuep avatar image
toniuep asked

Looking for a 24V DC Generator. Any manufacturers in Europe?

Question:
I've seen several units from the USA and Australia. In Europe, I found Fischer Panda, but their generators are big and heavy (>120kg for 3.2kW). Also found DC Generators Power Co. Ltd but they don't seem to have a 24v unit. Any other options from Europe?

No need to read this unimportant rant:

I am quite surprised to see how unpopular DC generators are. Many DIY DC generators on youtube that shows interest in the product and/or discontent about the current market prices. There has been an increase in popularity of RVs of all sorts and specially campervans. There is also a growing trend towards only electrical setups (as opposed to other energy sources like gas). And companies are releasing more and more DC appliances (even big consumers like fridges and aircon). I am not saying AC is not here to stay, but I feel like the AC load in RVs and boats is decreasing while the DC side is growing. It's been shown that you can use a Smartsolar MPPT to charge batteries from a DC generator. For people who just want to charge batteries, a DC generator is superior to an AC generator in just about every way (except long cable runs, and price because of low demand) isn't it? Am I missing something or there is a bit of a lag by generator manufacturers in capitalizing on a favorable trend?

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3 Answers
Michelle Konzack avatar image
Michelle Konzack answered ·

Hello toniuep,


I have an old German Army generator "Hatz Diesel 1,9kW 28V 68A" which also works with heating oil, rape oil, sunflower oil, PÖL, etc. and has an electric starter.


However, in Germany is a In DC Motors (IEC norm) specialised manufacturer and a 3000RpM 3kW Generator cost around 1600€, has a weight of 60kg and an efficiency of approximately 92%.


I am currently searching for an adapter from a 210ccm engine to IEC 90 because I want to build such pig myself. The drawback is, that I have to develop my own charging electronic, and I think, I will go with a LTC4000 from Linear Technology. This charging controller support up to 60V without any special requirements.


But there is another thing with this IEC 90 Generator: in IP27 (inside cooling) it support enormous overload of up to 150% hence over short time you can get 7500W out of the generator and can cook the electronic...


...also it might be better to use a Honda GX390 or 188F China clone


Have a nice day

Michelle

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djsmiley avatar image djsmiley commented ·
And what about a conventional alternator with a dedicated controller? A 24V / 100-200A alternator from eg Mastervolt or Balmar, controlled by a Wakespeed WS500?

The WS500 can be integrated/monitored with the Cerbo system as well.
You only need to workout the correct belt ratio to get the alternator as efficient as possible and keep within its rpm range.


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toniuep avatar image toniuep commented ·

Cheers Michelle. Is this 3000RpM 3kW generator from Germany also a Hatz generator or it's a different brand? Do you have a link to the company? I'd like to see if they have something smaller, 60kg is a bit much, I only need around 2kw and it shouldn't weight more than 30kg.

Seems like you know what you are doing with the DIY build. This guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjv1SEx5iNA also recommends no less than around 180-200cc. However, smaller ones like the Honda GX160 and GC160 are very popular too for DIY DC generators. Let me know if you'll be posting info somewhere about your build.

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Michelle Konzack avatar image
Michelle Konzack answered ·

The manufacturer is http://www.jomo-gmbh.de/ and the make IEC motors from 500W to 5500W @24V.

e.G.1500W, 2200W, 3000W hence standard industrial size.


Yeah, a 2200W attached to a GX160 with Electro start and remote control and LPG careburetor would be a very nice Genset.


For a Generator version you have to make a request.

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toniuep avatar image toniuep commented ·

Jomo has a massive range of options! Thanks a lot for the great info. Happy holidays!

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Michelle Konzack avatar image
Michelle Konzack answered ·

@DJSmiley :

I have used a 100A 28V Alternator, but as more Amps they give as more worse become the efficiency. You get under full load 2800W, but not even a 4,4kW engine can cope with it under full speed.


Car and Truck alternators lack of iron, which mean the magnetfields are very fast saturated and the efficiency goes down to 50% which is in a car/truck mostly no problem.


A real IEC generator with 3000W has usually 60kg.

Pure iron and has an efficiency of more then 90%

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