Boat versus RV Generator
Just curious of why our Onan generators in our boat and RV are designed to operate differently. In the 2006 boat (11KW) it operates at a constant RPM regardless of load but in the 2018 RV (8KW) it ru...
Forum Discussion
The one that runs a constant speed is much older (about the same age as mine) it runs I believe at 1800 RPM and by some magnetic magic that feeds out 60 HZ (3600 cycles) it runs at the constant speed because that is the speed it needs to run at to make 60 Hz.
all "Traditional" generator in the USA run at some sub-multiple of 3600 RPM
Typically the smallest 3600 and as they get bigger 1800 or 1200.
The new 2018 model in your boat, like a Honda EU-2000i is an INVERTER generator.
*you may stop reading here if you wish*
These units the engine drives not a "Generator" but an Alternator (usually) This is a type of generator that uses a diode pack to convert the AC out to something like DC (Unflitered DC) just like the alternator on your car. only bigger.
This is then filtered and sent to an INVERTER.. Just like the Xantrex Freedom 2000 on my RV. A true Sine Wave inverter. This device uses electronics to generate 120vac at 60Hz from the DC that comes in to it from the alternator.
Thus as the need increases. the speed increases so the alternator can pump out more power.
Way more efficient by the way.. For any given trip it will suck less than half the fuel your Motor home's generator will.
all "Traditional" generator in the USA run at some sub-multiple of 3600 RPM
Typically the smallest 3600 and as they get bigger 1800 or 1200.
The new 2018 model in your boat, like a Honda EU-2000i is an INVERTER generator.
*you may stop reading here if you wish*
These units the engine drives not a "Generator" but an Alternator (usually) This is a type of generator that uses a diode pack to convert the AC out to something like DC (Unflitered DC) just like the alternator on your car. only bigger.
This is then filtered and sent to an INVERTER.. Just like the Xantrex Freedom 2000 on my RV. A true Sine Wave inverter. This device uses electronics to generate 120vac at 60Hz from the DC that comes in to it from the alternator.
Thus as the need increases. the speed increases so the alternator can pump out more power.
Way more efficient by the way.. For any given trip it will suck less than half the fuel your Motor home's generator will.
