Hi all! Apologies if this is not a normal query for this forum, but appreciate any help or advice. Oh an I’m not expert so if something below is wrong then let me know!
I was gifted a Honda EU2000i inverter type generator with a blown inverter board. Its not worth repairing given the inverter board is 70% the cost a completely new generator! But instead of sending it to the scrap heap I would like to repurpose it for an old hunting camp I have. The hunting camp currently runs on one 30w solar panel, no charge controller, 3 lead acid batteries, and a 300w inverter. Its more than sufficient, but there are times when it would be nice to top up the system (on a cloudy day or when its just seen a lot of use).
There are a few possible directions I’m considering but would love some feeback!
Option 1- Parts available on this site (Buck/Boost Converter - 8-40V to 12V/3A)
The Generator has a unregulated (18-36V DC) output capable of 8Amps or 96Watts. I could connect a simple voltage regulator and use it to top off the batteries, it would produce a steady 14.4V but would never condition the batteries. Simple yet effective for top ups
Option 2:
Use the unregulated DC supply into a Charge controller which will condition the batteries, but is only capable of 96 Watts and will actually take forever to complete a charge on the batteries and is a little more of an investment
Option 3 (Possibly a pipe dream and where I need help)
The stator puts out 3 phase, 150-300Vac depending on engine speed. At a normal running speed of 4200RPM it produces 3 phase 225Vac with 2000W of power available.
-What product could be used to convert this to a usable DC voltage for a serious charge controller?
-I see 3 phase SCR’s available but most listings do not mention acceptable input voltages?
-If using a 3 phase SCR how do I properly size the capacitor and then regulate the voltage to an acceptable level for a charge controller? Are these parts available on this site?
-Is there a way to convert the output to a regulated 120Vac output?
Sounds like a smart move. Make sure the DC output from the generator is clearly marked. Use a multimeter to double-check.
Add an inline fuse (~10A) close to the generator to protect against shorts. Keep cable runs short and thick (14 AWG or better) to reduce voltage drop. If you need some more nitty-gritty stuff about how to choose the right generator, you can see this write-up. Know Your Generators - How To Pick The Right One From The Herd? - The Engineering Projects
Thanks for the feedback. The generator has a built in circuit breaker, but its rated at 20A which is quite high. I think I will add a fuse at the generator output as you suggested at 10A for added security since the output is rated for 8A. The short wire runs for the system is easy enough, but the generator charging lead will be approximately 6’ long, which I don’t think is excessive.
Only because those Hondas are particularly so nice, I’d probably try go to the effort/wait to try an get it back in full working order. Or at least not hack it up so bad in the meantime to where you can’t reinstall a new-used controller when one turns up with a busted engine.
Personal Story: I have a EU2000i on an AirBoat. We sank one night (as AirBoats tend to do) and the Honda stayed at the bottom of the Lake for 8 days until we could recover the Boat.
I drained the crankcase and filled it and the cylinder with Marvel Mystery Oil and Flushed the Fuel system.
After a few days of letting the Genset dry out, I replaced the engine oil and filled the tank with gas.
It took about 15 minutes to crank it the first time, but the EU2000i still operates just as good as new, after 8 days underwater.
I’m impressed with the EU2000i, because the generator was up to temperature and operating at 1.5 kW when we sank (which took about 20 seconds).
That story is awesome, there is no doubt they are tuff and absolutely fantastic little generators. The replacement cost of the inverter board is almost as much as a complete brand new unit, so trying to put this one to use and keep it out of the landfill. In the meantime I will be keeping my eyes open for used unit.