I now have a somall (6500 watt) portable generator. I purchased it for the express purpose of keeping my furnace going (gas heat) when power fails in the winter. Though the generator is much quieter than some, I intend to make an enclosure for the generator.
This enclosure is intended to further reduce the noise, help secure the generator from theft, and provide storage for the fuel, the load bank, and the cord I will run into the house to power essential items. (No transfer switch; I’ll use extension cords).
The enclosure will be mounted on an existing concrete slab.
I’m open to ideas for the construction of this glorified doghouse. I expect the final enclosure to be approximately the size of a common desk.
What are your thoughts?
Replies
Simplest dealio would be a Rubbermaid garbage can enclosure.
KISS?
Your suggestoin has great merit .... and it has the added advantage of looking like something besides a generator! I like it.
I wonder about airflow. Sure, I could just roll the machine out to operate it, but I'd like to have the enclosure also help to further reduce the noise.
I can also still chain the machine to the concrete slab.
I'd be a little concerned about the temperature tolerance of the Rubbermade box, and it's (presumed) total lack of fire-resistance.
hinged roof and sides for access.
Is the 6.5 kW on wheels, or a 2 man lift? Onr strong one-man lift?
My 11 kW is on a small trailer, located in a minature garage with 6 ft ceiling. 1" spacing ;under 'garage' doors and exhaust vented to outside thru flexible exhaust tubing.
Wheels on one end, Handles on the other
Mind you, I want it to be secure when operating, as well as when in use. Here's what I have come up with so far ....
I have a bias toward Simpson Strong-Tie fittings, in particular their RTC-24. This bracket joins 2x4's at right angles; Reverse them, and they create a platform maybe 6" above grade. If I use these, I can draw air from under the unit, and exhaust it through the eaves. Their deck post saddles would also work to secure the enclosure in place.
The generator does not have a distinct 'tailpipe' to which to connect any hose; I expect this is part of the noise reduction design.
I can also make separate compartments to the sides, one for fuel storage and one for the load bank.
(BTW, I'm surprised no one asked for an explanation. A 'load bank' is an artificial load you put on a generator when you are "exercising" it. Generators (or, more correctly, engines) don't really like running without a load, Maintenance and reliability issues follow. As a result, generators often power some sort of load during maintenance operation. In my case, I'll use one of those oil-filled electric radiators. When I need to use the generator, I will simply unplug the space heater, and insert the plug for my furnace blower).
Using fireplace guidelines, I can size the enclosure to maintain a clearance between the walls and the hot parts of the generator. For additional noise absorbtion, I can line the insides with dense fiberglass. I can likewise line the path exhausting gasees will take, adding a few turns to increase absorbtion.
Naturally, the generator folks didn't make it easy for me. My receptacles and controls are on the 'west' side, the choke and pull chain on the 'north' side, and the fuel valve on the 'east' side, Gas is added through the top.
Experience in this town has shown the need for a generator. Experience in other areas has shown the need for the generator to be SECURE, even while operating. A quiet generator makes for happier neighbors - and isn't so obvious to thieves.
running without load.
gasoline engines do not mind no load running as the fuel is more volitile that diesel
carburetor engines do not mind no load running hardly at all, near zero if natural gas run engine as long as the oil pump is sized for low speed.
diesel fuel injectors (and to a much smaller degree gasolne injectors) tend to clog up (the term 'slobbering' is often used) when run at low load.
Consider adding some sort of a fan, such as a small window fan.