Quiet Generator

Yo BBUZZ,

The fan will only "draw" what it needs so if it is rated at 1.6amps then that is the max it will draw from the 12v supply. I can only speculate as to why they are burning out... Cannot help with that unless there is something else about the way the air flow is.. Is the fan pulling the hot air across itself or is it shovelling the air across the gen and out the other end?

Grrr!!!

Think you would be better off with a 240v regulated power supply to run the fan, but there are plenty of 12v experts out there who probably know more than me.
I think it would be best if it is pushing air rather than sucking air too, you dont mention which.
Good idea but, also disquises it from passing eyes, could also paint it in camoflage.

Cheers Pesty

bbuzz,

Most computer fans are designed to run with a powersupply of 12V plus or minus 5%. Ie a maxmum of about 12.6V.
Not sure about the EX350, but it possibly puts out 13.8V if it is to run automotive 12v appliances. This might be enough over the fan spec to cook it slowly.

If you have access to a multimeter or the generator specs, check the voltage output. If it is 13.8V you can put 2 diodes ( IN4004 or similar) in series with the fan to drop the voltage to about 12v. You can get them at Jaycar, Dick smith etc for about 10c each.

bbuzz

Tell me your not being serious.

Regards

Kim

On most generators (and I know from experience with the Honda eu10i) the 12V output is not regulated in any way and will be at about 12-13v when you pull maximum current from it and up to 17V when nothing is connected.

However you are only pulling 1.6A and if you measure the voltage on the fan I wouldn't be surprised to find 15-16V and that will burn the fan out fairly quickly.

If I were you I would pick up a 240V computer fan and wire it to the 240V ouput on the Generator as this should be better regulated.

Peter

A fan does not push or suck, it pushes and sucks. Simply transfer of air from one side to other. If its not getting enough air or it has to work too hard to push the air out the other side then it will overload maybe. I wonder if the air flow is restricted.

If you are pushing air in then it needs to get out somewhere. The motor is going to pull a lot of air in anyway for the combustion of fuel and needs plenty of room to blow the exhaust out. You would want to have a good look at where the cooling air enters the generator and where it leaves and provide big holes in the esky.

My opinion anyway. Good idea, but. I will keep an eye out for one chucked out on the street cleanups.

Owen

Hi bbuzz



I would say the Honda will overheat and seize up soon.

Regards

Derek.

bbuz
Does the Esky actually reduce the noise level?
Have you checked how hot it gets inside the box?
And do you put the lid on?
Lots of questions I know but I think I am going to back Derek on this one.

eerfree

I did read something somewhere where someone put a hose from the generator outlet into a bucket of water and this made it almost silent.

You need to make sure the generator is elevated above the bucket though. Could have been somewhere on this site www.lets-getaway.com but not sure.

I haven't done it myself so can't confirm. Anyone out there tried this?

Webby

A lot of these devices are "on the edge" re the conditions they can tolerate.... when made for world markets, some devices find our climate a bit confronting at times - the gennie probably wants cool clean air to the max, to function as designed. EG - my Yamaha EF1000iS inverter gennie developed a vapour block at one stage, running in the shade, but in 35C ambient (since avoided by taking the rear cover off during hot weather - better air flow round the innards). EG 2 - My 3 stage 240V smart battery charger bought through Derek - it has a thermal overload inbuilt - while in the shade in the open air, if ambient temperatures are in the mid 30's, I can't use it - keeps dropping out - its really a mild weather charger only (bit of a bugger - hot weather is usually when the batteries need a top up !!).

For what its worth,

www.campertrailers.org/generator_box.htm

This bloke has done something similar, Built a generator into the box on the front of the camper and use fans to etc to cool/feed it air.

Rod

Quiet Generator.

Oxymoron.

.

Seriously, if you're going to do it at all, you need to do it right! Otherwise expect a DEAD generator.
Have a look at my photos here:
Site Link

Cheers

Following a search at Jaycar I think what I need is a DC Converter. They have one for about $25 that converts from 6-28v DC to any lower voltage that is at least 3 volts less than the input. This also means that I can run a cigarette outlet on the side of the box to run radio, cd player etc. Theory at the moment but I will check at the Jaycar store for confirmation.