Onan
Say farewell to the name “Onan.” The Cummins Onan brand genset has been a standby for RVers for decades, but parent company Cummins Inc. says it is retiring the Onan name and replacing it simply with ...
Forum Discussion
ctilsie242 wrote:
If Cummins knew what they were doing, they could make a mint by going whole hog and creating a "power center" unit. This would combine an EFI inverter generator, where starting inrush currents would be pulled from a set of batteries, so the actual generator wouldn't have to handle those loads, an EMS (to prevent bad grounds, accidental dryer outlet plugins, and undervoltages), a RV converter to ensure the batteries got optimal power for charging, a generator controller to auto start if the batteries got low, multiple MPPT charge controller inputs from the batteries, and a central control panel. Add a propane fuel cell, charge $10,000 for the mess, and RV OEMs would be buying those hand over fist, especially if it could handle different battery types, so they could toss lead-acid jars in one model, AGM batteries in another, and LiFePO4 batteries in their top of the line rig, with some basic configuring via DIP switches to ensure the batteries are charged/discharged properly.
I am surprised that we don't see EFI inverter generators with supercaps, just to handle locked rotor amps. This basically moves the hard-start capacitors from the A/C side to the generator, allowing appliances like microwaves to use them too.
That all reads good.
HOWEVER ... would all that stuff still be working without one or more repairs in an RV 15-20 years from now, like many good old technology Onan's still are?
Some folks rate good-enough reliability above over-to-top-for-awhile technology. :)
