This is a generator question

[FLHayman]

Since your well is run off 2 15 amp breakers, and assuming they are not heating up with normal use, you could go as low as a 3600watt generator IF you cut off the breakers supplying the fridges and lights, etc, then charge up the tank.

Your idea of the 7K+ generator seems realistic, since nobody would want to constantly turn off everything to charge up the well tank. Just be aware that microwaving something at the same time the well pump starts could give you a brownout. No big deal if the wires, plugs and connections are all good, but electronic stuff doesn't particularly like it. UPS your computer or use your laptop, and watch the cheapest TV!

I've seen lots of small generators overstate their real world capacity, so it would be good to subtract about 25% of capacity for average use. Your tractor should do a better job of handling the load of a starting current drag on your generator, since it would have more torque than a homeowner generator with a briggs and stratton engine.

I'm also interested in PTO generators to upgrade my place, but have thought about running in 1000 RPM mode, with the throttle way back, in order to get 540 rpm. What I would lose in sudden torque or peak hp would be a good tradeoff in a larger tractor for better economy during the relatively low load times between electric motors for the appliances.

Try using a 'Kill a watt" meter for your 110 appliances, available even at China...I mean Harbor Freight. I used one to help evaluate things for solar power. On a generator, air conditioner and hot water is pretty much out, unless you have a pretty large one!

 

[mkulikow]

As mentioned the start up current is a killer but a 7kw generator should power most well pumps if NOTHING else is connected to that circuit unless the well pump is off. Most people run the pump to pressurize the system, turn it off and then use other appliances. Both the pump and other appliances will spell disaster for a 7kw generator.

There is a big difference between "turning" a motor and "powering" it.

You are ALWAYS better off having more power than you will ever need when it comes to generators, unfortunately for most that means that PTO generator is nowhere near enough.

And "brownouts" will do fatal damage to motors in every sense of the word, you just won't realize it for awhile. Again, the statement above about powering a motor and turning it should be committed to memory.

 

[atgreene]

I'm also interested in PTO generators to upgrade my place, but have thought about running in 1000 RPM mode, with the throttle way back, in order to get 540 rpm. What I would lose in sudden torque or peak hp would be a good tradeoff in a larger tractor for better economy during the relatively low load times between electric motors for the appliances.

FWIW, I tried this with mine, although in 750 rpm mode. It doesn't seem to do well, as the tractor govenor isn't capable of keeping it that close to the set rpm's to keep hertz constant. At 540 the flywheel effect of the engine does much better when the govenor kicks in. On 750 the hertz drop while under a real heavy load. Ok for lights and such, but as you stated, electronics don't like it.

 

[tommu56]

Arrow
Is the generator for back up to the grid?

If you are off grid I would suggest a groundfos sqflex pump I have one off grid at my cabin and it runs on a 2800 watt inverter with out any problem with the pump, I do have a slow well and at 450' so I pump 2 or 3 times a day for about 20 minuets each

tommu