Using a generator to power a water well pump

[whiskywizard]

We have a 6500 watt Honda and the well pump doesn't lug it. Can't even tell when the well pump kicks on by listening to the generator. The only thing that I can hear a load on the generator is when I plug in an electric skillet.

Is that Honda a true 6500W, or is it 5500W continuous but called a 6500? Do you recall what model it is? I ask because the model I'm thinking is best for me is the EU6500isC2. Honda calls it a 6500 but it is really 5500 (45.8A)

 

[BobRip]

I'm not going to pretend that I know everything in regards to your statement, because I don't. What I do know is that you use more energy to move water than you do to pressurize it. For example, if you have a 1-HP pump set at 200' pumping 8 gpm, you might pull ~8 amps. If you were to install a throttle valve at the head and throttle that 8 gpm down to 4 gpm, you will pull less amps, like ~7ish. So using that logic you're using more electricity when you're moving the most water. I don't know if accelerating the water is factor. It all happens in a split second. The second the motor is energized is when it uses the most energy. The time from start to full rpm's is fractional.

I apologize if I am getting to stuborn on this. I am not an expert on pumps or even motors, even though I do have a EE degree. I find that practical experience is more important a lot of the time. Mine is limited here, yours is much more extensive.

I noticed three stages of current when starting my pump. A very high one which lasted just a few seconds, a medium one which lasted for thirty seconds, and then a current near the name plate on the motor. This was several years ago so details are forgotten. The extra stage in the middle surprised me, and my intepretation is that it is the water accleration stage. This is very limited data. Initially my circuit breaker would buzz when the pump started (even on power from the power company). After my wire was changed from 12 guage to 10 guage this went away and the pump would now start on my smaller generator. There are a lot of variables here (such a pump design, water level in well, and pump depth, plus who knows what). I am speaking out of my expertise now, so maybe I should shut up.

 

[Patriotic Stabilist]

I was reading way back, yes we siphoned gas but had a time doing it.

Hubby bought a hose deal that you shake and it will get the gas started somehow but my tenant did it and he had to put a lot of hose down the tank, it was not easy.

I bought a siphon hose the other day with a bulb in the middle that you squeeze, have no idea if it works may find out someday. But we can get gas out of mowers, tractor, probably motorhome??, there is 75 gallons alone if we need to I hope.

After reading a lot of this, I'm now wondering if our generator will handle our new well. I think it has a 1.5 hp or 2 hp pump on it and is 300 foot deep. The old well had an above ground pump and we don't know how deep. I believe they told me it couldn't go more then 200 ft with that type of pump. It's been there 30 years and is still going strong.

 

[BobRip]

I'm not going to pretend that I know everything in regards to your statement, because I don't. What I do know is that you use more energy to move water than you do to pressurize it. For example, if you have a 1-HP pump set at 200' pumping 8 gpm, you might pull ~8 amps. If you were to install a throttle valve at the head and throttle that 8 gpm down to 4 gpm, you will pull less amps, like ~7ish. So using that logic you're using more electricity when you're moving the most water. I don't know if accelerating the water is factor. It all happens in a split second. The second the motor is energized is when it uses the most energy. The time from start to full rpm's is fractional.

Does this mean that you could throttle back on the pump outlet and the pump would be easier for a generator to start and run it? Sounds like it to me. Has anyone tried this?

 

[hosspuller]

Does this mean that you could throttle back on the pump outlet and the pump would be easier for a generator to start and run it? Sounds like it to me. Has anyone tried this?

Many centrifigal pumps and fans react this way. They draw maximum HP and current when they're moving the most volume. The best way to see this is by looking at a pump/fan curve.

 

[MikeD74T]

Does this mean that you could throttle back on the pump outlet and the pump would be easier for a generator to start and run it? Sounds like it to me. Has anyone tried this?

Yes & yes. At our nuclear power plant we have LOTS of pumps. Most are started with discharge valve closed & valves will not open until pump is up to rated speed. MikeD74T

 

[Snapper Head]

We jsut installed a Generac 20kw unit with the Nexus switch with load shedding, hooked up to a new 500 gallon propane tank. House is all electric, with a 1 hp jet pump for the well. This generator starts and runs everything, including a 5 ton heat pump unit.

I suspect that it would only run the whole shebang for about 6 days, but would go for two weeks if we kept the things to a minimum. I also have two 5500 watt portable gasoline generators and several hundred gallons of fuel (that how we used to manage post-hurricane). If the house is still standing after a storm, we will be able to take hot showers and sleep in comfort. That has enormous value.......


Big Al

 

[Patriotic Stabilist]

I so agree, but hubby figured up the usage and said it would cost a fortune to run one. What are you figuring as usage per hour or day?? I'm curious because I would still like to have one and that size is what he said we needed for our house the 20kw to run everything. He said the smaller ones didn't have enough circuits.

 

[brownew304]

The best info I've found on generators and well pumps. Although power is very reliable in central Colorado, a recent wind storm and no water for a day convinced me now is the time for backup, not to mention a SHTF scenario. Following is my info:

Submersible 1 HP Red Jacket (230 Volts)
Well Depth: 320'
Pumping Level: 163'
Static Level: 40'
Rate: 15 GPM

Branson 4720i: 42 HP PTO
House: Propane (Two 1000 gallon tanks)

I'm debating on the type of generator. I could easily back the tractor / PTO gen into my garage and only have a portion of the tractor in the elements. However it seems a propane generator would make the most sense, especially when it comes to long term diesel storage, which I currently only have ~50 gallons of storage capability. Not sure if a stand-alone gas / diesel would fit into the equation?

Just curious what the smart folks out there would suggest for type and size of generator would be best for my circumstances, along with the most bang for the buck. Thanks in advance!

 

[hosspuller]

BN304 ... I have a 4000 watt gasoline portable. My transfer switch is a plug in the basement to the well pump. Originally it was hard wired, I replaced it with plug and receptacle. When I run with the genset, I unplug the well pump and use the 220 volt extension cord made up to the genset outside.

But since you already have a propane tank, I would recommend a permanent genset with automatic excercise. It'll cost about same as a PTO genset without the hassle.

Nothing beats a hot shower after working in the cold.