Surplus water pump converstion to generator question


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Old 01-04-13, 08:07 AM
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Surplus water pump converstion to generator question

I have a military surplus diesel powered centrifugal water pump that I'd like to convert into a generator if possible. The engine is a Yanmar L40AE-D putting out 3.8 HP. If this conversion is possible, is it a process of pulling off the pump and putting on an alternator?

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Old 01-04-13, 08:45 AM
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Are you are talking about producing 120 volt A/C power or 12 volts D/C ?

If A/C.....you would need to correctly match the RPM so that the engine operates at it's ideal power range.....and at the same time....it needs to spin the generator at the right RPM to produce the correct frequency. Is there a governor that controls the engine speed? What is the size of the generator? Your output would be fairly limited by the HP of the engine. You would also need to solve any issue of compatibility between the drive shaft of the engine and the generator itself.


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Old 01-04-13, 08:49 AM
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Might be able to use a generator intended for a tractor PTO but the cost would probably exceed the price of a ready made generator. Especially one as small as would be powered by a less the five horsepower engine. On second thought I doubt a 3.8 HP engine would power a PTO generator. Here is a 5000 watt generator and note the engine is 10Hp. Amazon.com: Coleman Powermate PM0435003 5,000 Watt 10 HP Portable Generator: Patio, Lawn & Garden
 
 

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