Micro CoGen.

Thanks Glort,I,m going to check out a few Jap auto wreckers here in Melbourne,The going price seems to be around $4o-$60 an alt from enquiries.
A mates got a couple of second hand Chondas I can play around with,not sure of their exact status or condition at this point.
Happy to do the experimentation with scrounged gear for now and iron out the bugs.Curious as to how you synch the 2 alternators together in your setup.Not sure if this Sterling Pro reg B would allow it or not?Whats the rated amp output ability on the average modern Japanese auto alternator?
Thanks,Andy

Fella,s- Thanks all for your replies and apologies for the delay in getting back.
I,ve only just received the Sterling regulator,When I can get someone to help me post photos and diagrams I will post some of the information from the information manual to give you and/or any future potential users an idea of it,s specs.
Can tell you that it will accept up to 120 amps without the internal alternator reg or 300 amps when combined with the alts original regulator.
#Is a 3 stage reg also with Equalize function if reqd.
#Has soft start ramp up.
#Has a number of safety features and cutouts.
#Pre set battery selections.
Basically,It does what a good solar charge controller would,except from an engine driven source.I,m a ways of building and using this unit so cant yet testify any information in a factual way,However I have researched a number of English sites whereby people with campervans and starter/house battery bank setups have extolled their abilities and durability.
On another note-I,ve decided against using the 13hp Kawasaki as it,s been a great gennie in the past so I,ll investigate the option of having the actual generator output problem solved/fixed.
I can still run drills,grinders fine with it but there is still some problem existing with it that's outside my electrical abilities.
So the the options am looking at now is to make use of the 2 cylinder diesel engine in my small Kubota tractor(either straight via the engine,or,via the gearbox and pto shaft(given the occasional use-Whats your thoughts on this?)
Alternatively-get a 4-6 hp motor for the job.
Glort,I like your ideas with the alternators from the wreckers, What area of Oz do you live in mate? I,m in the Gippsland area of East Victoria-Be good to catch up and bounce ideas!
As mentioned by one of the other blokes here regarding battery bank size and charge acceptance-It,s 875 ahr,s of Yuasa Agms.Hav,nt really been able to find information on max charging capacity (ie:10-40%), So am figuring on 20% being a safe margin to work on,given I only really want to work on the bulk charge at this stage.
To all those that have contributed-Thanks again

Thanks all for your replies,I,m only an occasional user of the net so return answers from me can be delayed at times.
Agree the motors on the large size,It does,nt owe me anything though so I guess I can write off the extra fuel used occasionally against the additional outlay of another,albeit,smaller engine.
I was planning on running it thru the same solar Trimetric so,s I am able to keep an eye on it whilst running.
Also intend to just get the bulk charge in only with it though I guess in prolonged spells of lousy weather,getting the batteries fully charged would be a good principle to abide by.
From the spec sheet for the- Sterling alternator Pro B regulator- that I,ve read,It does have separate settings for Wet lead acid/Agm,s/gell etc.
These voltage settings correspond with the 14.4 volts (bulk stage)   I,ve been running thru the Xantrex C60 solar controller for the last 2 years without issue so far,(touch wood)
The AGM batteries were a donation from a mate who works in UPS rooms,hence why I went with them.
I designed and built the setup myself-In hindsight I,d have utilized 24 or 48 volts instead-A learning curves a good teacher though.
well I,ll read thru this information several times to sink it all in and post some questions to your good advice later so,s I can fine tune the design.
Once again-Thanks for your help!

G,day all from Oz,
No doubt this topic has been covered many times but poor computer and search skills have failed to help me.
I have a modest 12 volt solar system of 875 amphours using donated Agm batteries,The system has met my needs adequately for the last 2 years,however about 3-4 times a year I need to utilize charging back up from another source when the cloud cover decides it needs a 6 day holiday in my part of the stratosphere.
Up to now I,ve used a Xantrex 60 amp charger off my generator to bulk charge,panels do the rest and everythings been fine.
Unfortunately some AC output issues on my Kwaka Ge5000 generator resulted in the Xantrex emitting a bright flash and Loud bang that clearly were,nt within the manufacturers specs.
So here,s my query Folks-I have a very good 13hp?? Kwaka motor(ditching the generator),A Sterling ProB regulator on the way and I,d be appreciative of your advice and wisdom on-
*What size alternator to use(unsure if the Stirlings specs on amps relate to input amps,or output amps?
*What the optimum RPM,s for this motor/alternator/reg setup should be?
*Alternator brand-(leece-neville appears to be favoured on this site.
Bearing in mind thanks that this arrangement will only be utilized 3-4 times per year,The motor though probably oversized,is something I already have and the fuel consumption therefore not overly important.
A great forum from what I,ve read,Knowledgeable and generous contributors.
Thanks all for any replies,Unfortunately,Our 11 hour time difference and my typing speed preclude quick replies on my behalf.
Regards,Andy.

g,day all from Oz,
No doubt this subject has been covered here in the forum,Unfortunately my computer and search skills are poor and am unable to find so here goes!