[mr_flintstone]

I’m redoing my generator hookup to my house, and wiring a transfer switch and a sub panel to my main breaker to make better use of the generator and avoid having to run extension cords through windows. Now to my question. Maybe someone will have an opinion.

I’m considering buying one of the small 5’x3’x4’ tall plastic garden sheds, putting vents on one side with an attic fan on the opposite side, and an exhaust extension through the wall to the outside. I’d like to put it into this permanent enclosure close to my house so the 30 amp cable will reach the weather head plug to the transfer switch. Would this setup be considered safe?

 

[Bill whitney]

Youd have to check with manufacturer of unit id suppose. My buddy had one done a few yrs ago in the city , and there were quite a few codes to address. Raytown mo. He had an electrician wire it and he was $1200 on hook up labor alone.

 

[undeRGRound]

I'm redoing my generator hookup to my house, and wiring a transfer switch and a sub panel to my main breaker to make better use of the generator and avoid having to run extension cords through windows. Now to my question. Maybe someone will have an opinion.

I'm considering buying one of the small 5'x3'x4' tall plastic garden sheds, putting vents on one side with an attic fan on the opposite side, and an exhaust extension through the wall to the outside. I'd like to put it into this permanent enclosure close to my house so the 30 amp cable will reach the weather head plug to the transfer switch. Would this setup be considered safe?

I'd think so, but local codes will need to be addressed. I'd only really run a vent (cooling) fan maybe in the summer. A hot air intake will be better efficiency, but with no vents it might get too hot. Perhaps put that on a thermostat. In the winter, the warmer the better. I have considered a very similar setup for here, in fact.
I had nothing but a genny for around 4 weeks of 2020. Other than the PITA of refueling, it went pretty well. Around $100 a week in fuel costs, running AC. 30 amps of 220v AC was plenty, other than I had to manage my power use when I wanted the hot water heater to heat up. Not a big deal.

 

[ajole]

I thought cooler air, being denser, would be more efficient, once the engine got to operating temps at least?

Is there something else going on here?
Not a trap question, I really want to know. I have knowledge of internal combustion, but not really specific to small engines and power gen.

 

[MaryB]

I would use a steel shed insulated with rock wool for fire protection. Insurance would be more likely to go for it that way plus the added insulation would dampen noise.

 

[undeRGRound]

I thought cooler air, being denser, would be more efficient, once the engine got to operating temps at least?

Is there something else going on here?
Not a trap question, I really want to know. I have knowledge of internal combustion, but not really specific to small engines and power gen.

Max POWER calls for colder, denser charge air, but Max Efficiency does better with a warmer charge and more energetic fuel, if of course the necessary power levels can be maintained for the load. There was a university level experiment done, (quite successfully) on an engine that was throttled by Intake Air Temperature. The "legendary" GM shop manual of the ~249 MPG 4 cylinder had a heavily insulated, temperature controlled compartment under the hood. Ping and Detonation notwithstanding, a hot intake charge mixes better. Should work rather well for a steady state engine like a generator.

Think of a diesel running lots of boost, power and efficiency both go up.

 

[1024Megabytes]

I am wondering if there will be rolling blackouts if the Green New Deal gets through Congress. If so a backup electric generator will be great to have.

 

[ajole]

Max POWER calls for colder, denser charge air, but Max Efficiency does better with a warmer charge and more energetic fuel, if of course the necessary power levels can be maintained for the load. There was a university level experiment done, (quite successfully) on an engine that was throttled by Intake Air Temperature. The "legendary" GM shop manual of the ~249 MPG 4 cylinder had a heavily insulated, temperature controlled compartment under the hood. Ping and Detonation notwithstanding, a hot intake charge mixes better. Should work rather well for a steady state engine like a generator.

Think of a diesel running lots of boost, power and efficiency both go up.

Great explanation, I see where I was on the wrong track. Thanks!:thumbsup:

 

[undeRGRound]

Great explanation, I see where I was on the wrong track. Thanks!:thumbsup:

I always took the "colder is better" thing as an absolute as well, it's in all the hot rodder magazines. But of course it's Always MORE POWER if you are a hot rodder

 

[adam01364]

 

[MaryB]

I am wondering if there will be rolling blackouts if the Green New Deal gets through Congress. If so a backup electric generator will be great to have.

They will outlaw all gasoline generators and confiscate them

 

[undeRGRound]

They will outlaw all gasoline generators and confiscate them

Molon Labia Generotica...

 

[mr_flintstone]

Finished up my inside wiring today, and connected the outdoor service connection box. I don’t have my new generator yet, but I can use my old one to test everything tomorrow.

I decided to go with a custom wood shed lined with Durock on the walls and floor, and a shingled roof. I’m going to go with a 20x20 louvered vent on one side and a thermostatically controlled attic fan on the other side with a trickle charger mounted to the roof to keep the battery charged. I’m also going to extend the exhaust out one end of the building with an extension. Double front doors and the roof will lift up for refueling. I’m also going to mount eye-bolts into the concrete pad to chain the generator to.

 

[undeRGRound]

Nice Plan, FRED!!

 

[Rabidwookie]

Molon Labia Generotica...

Trying to take peoples property, without their consent, is an Easy way to get shot at in some places.

 

[ajole]

Trying to take peoples property, without their consent, is an Easy way to get shot at in some places.

Yeah....especially their labia.....

 

[Bill whitney]

I just assumed it was a natural gas unit.

 

[mr_flintstone]

I just assumed it was a natural gas unit.

Only natural gas around here is when I fart.

Really though, unless you are one of the luck few that some gas company has drilled a gas well on your property, there is virtually no access here to natural gas. Even then, you have to pay to install the gas lines to the well or closest part of the pipeline.

A gas company actually does have a well that borders my property and my cousin's, and they told us we could get discounted gas (which isn't discounted that much) in addition to royalty checks (which are a joke). The only problem was that I would have to pay to install 1275 feet of gas line to the well, and buy all of the equipment to get my gas.

 

[MaryB]

Only natural gas around here is when I fart.

Really though, unless you are one of the luck few that some gas company has drilled a gas well on your property, there is virtually no access here to natural gas. Even then, you have to pay to install the gas lines to the well or closest part of the pipeline.

A gas company actually does have a well that borders my property and my cousin's, and they told us we could get discounted gas (which isn't discounted that much) in addition to royalty checks (which are a joke). The only problem was that I would have to pay to install 1275 feet of gas line to the well, and buy all of the equipment to get my gas.

If it is that close you may have recoverable gas on your property that could be drilled... I would look into it...

 

[mr_flintstone]

If it is that close you may have recoverable gas on your property that could be drilled... I would look into it...

Apparently the gas deposit is under three properties, mine and two of my cousins'. The one on whose property they drilled gets free gas. My other cousin and I get slightly reduced rates. The gas company has no need to drill a second well for the same deposit; at least that's what they told us.