Build your own generator

[Fromdog]

I am new to this forum, I also guess this has been asked before but I couldn't find the information I needed.

I have a nearly brand new Kubota Diesel 3 Cylinder D1005 that can run at 22.5 HP @ 3600. I know this is fast for a diesel, but I only need occasional backup power on the farm. I plan to plumb it into my heating oil tank. The engine is rated at 3600 RPM.

My question is: Could I just buy the right bell housing and a tapered shaft that bolts to the flywheeel and get a 2 pole generator like listed on ebay?

Where would i find the shaft or do I need to have it made?

The engine specs are:
Kubota Diesel Engine Super 05 series - Model D1005

The generator specs are:
http://www.brandnewengines.com/pdf/meccalte/s20w.pdf


I plan to make it a permanent connection to my circuit box with appropriate safety interlocks.

Any help or suggestions would be appraciated.

Thanks, Chris

 

[JoelD]

As I've said on this forum a number of times, in my opinion it is a bunch easier and likely cheaper in the long run to buy a gas generator. You can get 5000-6000 watt machines for around $500 even in Northern Tool. The prices keep coming down. It is just not worth the effort in my opinion to build one when you guy purchase cheap cheap.

I've had a cheap generator for a few years now, never a problem and plenty of power. I've run four days straight without an issue. My neighbor ran his 8 days straight, again no issues.

We just shut down every 25 hours or so and change oil.

Joel

 

[hr3]

Fromdog.. you don't say what size generator you would be running.. I see in the specs that they run 6 to 10 kw,, You can run a pulley setup and gear up the gen,, that way you don't need to run full out at 3600 rpm..

 

[Fromdog]

I already have a 7000W Generac and it is about ready to be retired. I live on a farm and need to power more then the 7000W can handle during power outages. I was thinking 10000W would cover my needs. I would like to use diesel since I have a couple of 300 gallon tanks for my tractors and house heating oil.

 

[BHD]

if one wants to use a one bearing generator, I suggest, you go with one that uses a flex plate, (the flex plate, is disk that attached to the flywheel) like a automatic transmission in a car

but it would be much easer for most to use a two bearing Generator, and some type of flex coupler to drive it, (that would be rated for the speed),

here is a picture of the generator I assembled, used a old flat head Chrysler industrial engine, and a single bearing generator what used a flex/drive plate, I could not find a bell housing so I have to make my own, if your generator takes a standard industrial SAE bell housing, and the flex plate or (drive plate),
it would be fairly easy, but if you try the tapered shaft business and trying to mate it up to a bell housing it is a job,

but using a two bearing generator would have been much simpler, as the method of attachment would have given many more options,

some type of a direct flex coupling, belts, timing belts, gears, drive shaft, and U joints, and so on, the precision needed is much less than with a single bearing design, and self assembly,

(the reason for the tapered shaft is so it will mate to a specific type of motor, made for generator, or a custom made unit by a manufacture, and it saves the manufacturer the cost of a second bearing, and a more compact unit, and since it direct bolted to a motor it works well, and the consumer simpler maintenance),

 

[oc3crwler]

Ok let me confuse you some more. Those cheap gas gen sets will not last. I mean with that engine you want to build something that is going to last the next 20 years, right. And no 5 to 6k gas burner gonna do it. You got a great engine to start the build. Next a gen head that will work the way you want. With out needing to plug in 5 diffrent plugs.

ST Type Gen Heads

Im not in anyway connected to this site, its just a great site with info that is simple to understand. Search the web and find other sites like this one. And get as much info as you can before your build. This site will help you to understand what real standby power is about.

ST gen heads are the way to go. Ive got a 50hp perkins with a 30Kw head that is driven by a short stub shaft off the front of the engine, and it runs at 1800rpm. With a 300 fuel oil tank I have went 9 day without refueling and with out power from the grid. Can run everything at the house and shop.

 

[Fromdog]

Thanks for the information guys. I do want to do this just once. I will look into the ST type Gen Heads. Any pointers to the flex plate coupling site?

 

[BHD]

I bought my generator from a company called Katolite in the Dakotas, there generators were in a military station I worked in as a civilian and they were good units,

it was one of theres that had been traded in and the former owner had blown the engine they sold it to me for a fair price, and sent me the bell housing (which I could not use), but the flex/drive plate was on the generator,

apparently they have been bought out, by a company called MTU. Katolight Generators - USA-Generator.com - Home standby / backup generator, industrial generators, emergency diesel generators

MTU Onsite Energy in North America: MTU

I do not know if they would sell you a generator to bolt up to your engine or not, or be willing to tell one where to get parts,

one may do just as well going to a generator dealer for information,

if you can find a copper wire generator and IN my opinion not Asian made, unit you will do your self a favor,

before re powering my other generator I seriously considered this company,
Winco Generators - Home
they have two bearing generators as well,

 

[gochenour799]

This will be my next project .. as soon as WOOD ZILLA is finished . Man I love this stuff. Keep it going guys .... I have a 100hp 2.0 Ford so I just need to figure out what head I need .

 

[Soundguy]

I'd go with a couple pillow blocks for the shaft stabilization.. with that hp.. you could go to about 11kw and be good. ie.. your 10kw head with a lil peak overhead would be safe..

keep us updated on the project.. I've seen dozens of build it yerself gen threads... good luck.. it will be a bit of work..

soundguy