Open Frame Vs Inverter With Heavy Loads
I'm trying to get a handle on the noise level of an open frame generator vs 2 inverter gens in parallel (Champion 3500/4000 and 1700/200). My AC load with the gen on is 16-18 amps or so. I'm trying...
Forum Discussion
Here in Texas, when boondocking at a gathering or festival, it is very common to see (and hear) generators powering A/C units.
One rule of thumb I have read is that generators work the best at about half a load. So, my inverter gen running my A/C is using about 1500-2000 watts (starting is a different beast altogether.)
I compared the noise level of my generator to a camper down the road with a similar A/C and a twin set of Hondas handling the load. The Hondas were louder than my single 3000 watt generator when handling the A/C. However, earlier in the year, when the other person had the generator on for battery charging, one of his 2000 watt Hondas on Eco-Throttle was quieter than my 3000 watt Yamaha on econ mode.
It is all about trade-offs. At the level of red/blue inverters, it becomes a matter of positioning. I lowered the dB of my Yamaha generator by putting it on the ground, exhaust positioned away from my TT and other people, and rolling it on a rubber mat so vibrations wouldn't be transmitted into the ground.
One rule of thumb I have read is that generators work the best at about half a load. So, my inverter gen running my A/C is using about 1500-2000 watts (starting is a different beast altogether.)
I compared the noise level of my generator to a camper down the road with a similar A/C and a twin set of Hondas handling the load. The Hondas were louder than my single 3000 watt generator when handling the A/C. However, earlier in the year, when the other person had the generator on for battery charging, one of his 2000 watt Hondas on Eco-Throttle was quieter than my 3000 watt Yamaha on econ mode.
It is all about trade-offs. At the level of red/blue inverters, it becomes a matter of positioning. I lowered the dB of my Yamaha generator by putting it on the ground, exhaust positioned away from my TT and other people, and rolling it on a rubber mat so vibrations wouldn't be transmitted into the ground.
