Micro CoGen.

Don't worry, I got it running.  I had the throttle position wrong.  The markings are gone and I thought the off position was full throttle.  After lots of cranking, it works well now.

I have just aquired an 1988 model 175 II.  The injection pump was all gummed up.  I have dis-assembled it and cleaned it and have put it back together but I won't pump.  I am wondering if I have misinterpreted the alignment marks.  Does anyone know of some instructions or pictures?

Thanks
Bryan

I too, have had the same problem.  I have disassembled and cleaned mine but am having trouble with the reassembly.  Can someone help me with the alignment marks?  The rack has a line in the center position and the gear that mates with it has a notch on one side and a flattened tooth.  I aligned the flattened tooth with the rack line.  The plunger has a dimple on one side which I aligned with the notch on the gear.  Doesn't pump.  Any ideas?

Thanks guys!
Bryan

Quote from: mike90045 on April 04, 2019, 10:46:30 PM
and at some low RPM (generator going below 40Hz) the generator will poop out.

Why does it "poop out"?  Can I increase the excitation voltage at lower RPMs to maintain output?  What about a permanent magnet generator?

I will need to run this thing from idle to full throttle for variable heat outputs so it sounds like an Induction Motor As Generator is not going to work.  The other options I can think of are:

1) Permanent magnet 3 phase generator (or motor).  I have a 23 hp low RPM (100 rpm) which is difficult to drive that slow.

2) DC generator (or motor).  Large permanent magnet motors are not common (expensive), I may be able to get a 15 - 20 hp DC motor with controllable field.

3) Standard 3 phase generator using the wild AC with the voltage regulator disabled.  Is this possible?  Do I just power the field full voltage all the time and the engine rpm determines the output?

I would like to stay as close to reproducible as possible so others can do this too, so my preference is to use a standard AC generator head (choice # 3).  Does anyone know how I would determine what the excitation voltage is for a typical generator head? 

IMAG = Induction Motor As Generator

So here is where I am at ...   I have figured out how to deal with the MPPT/governor conflict.  A diesel generator governor is designed to maintain the set RPM when the load changes.  Other diesel engine uses (automotive) do not have that type of governor.  For example an automotive engine governor is designed to protect against under-speed and over-speed, it doesn't care if the RPM changes with load.
My plan now is to couple a VW engine with a 3 phase IMAG, rectify the unregulated wild AC and feed a Certified grid-tie solar string inverter.  So, in effect, it will be like running the IMAG as a standalone generator.
What I am not sure about at this point is:
 will the IMAG maintain its "flash" at varying RPMs, particularly lower RPMs?  How low?
 what load will the IMAG handle before loosing its "flash"?  50% of name plate?

I am sure some of you guys know this stuff or could point me in the right direction.
Should I cross post this to the " Induction generator" category?  

Quote from: LowGear on February 20, 2019, 10:18:06 AM
The software used to be available on their website.

i had a pretty thorough look through the web site and all I found was two firmware updates with no info on what they were about. 

Thanks LowGear.  I have talked to SMA before, but I just tried again, and they do not like the idea that I am doing something other that solar.  They were NOT helpful at all.  I did manage to get him to admit that the parameters can be changed.  I asked for some documentation on the parameters but all he would tell me is: read the installation manual.  I downloaded it and all it contains is paragraph on how to access the parameter menu in the unit.  It does not mention any particular parameter or what they do. 

I have also sent a query to ABB.  We will see what they say ...

Definitely let me know if that windy boy doesn't work out for you, I am interested ....

Quote from: glort on February 18, 2019, 01:06:50 AM

So the windy would need to be programed to each individual alternator so it knew what it was going to be doing at a certain output.

You would need to connect the alternator to a motor of some sort and run it  from zero to max RPM to build the reference table would you not or have one from the manufacturer of the alt with a certain specfic blade in this case.

It is my understanding that they came with a default table and then you manually "tuned" the points in the table (around 10) for your specific generator.  The MPPT algorithm then used these points to create a power curve for RPM to Current Draw calculation.

Quote from: glort on February 11, 2019, 04:47:34 AM

If it is the idea they don't ramp up and down looking for the sweet spot of the input

Are you intending to modify them or is there something I have missed ( which wouldn't be hard!)

The difference between a Sonny Boy and a Windy Boy is the MPPT method.  The Windy Boy does NOT ramp up and down looking for the sweet spot.  It has an RPM input and compares the generator RPM to the table curve to determine the current draw.  No hunting.  If the generator is turning this fast, draw that amount of current.
LowGear has posted that the Sonny Boy MPPT can be converted to a Windy Boy type of MPPT algorithm.  If this is the case, I will be a happy man!

Any info I can get on this procedure is greatly appreciated!

Quote from: LowGear on February 16, 2019, 09:48:34 AM
These are one program intervention away from being Windy Boys.  That's a free download or was a few years ago.   

Everyone I talked to said that a Sonny Boy could not be changed to a Windy Boy.  Please tell me more about this! Where did you get your information?

The ABB PVI-5000/6000-TL-OUTD (North America) is one ...

Quote from: glort on February 08, 2019, 08:44:12 PM

What model of the power one's?

I have several, 2 kw and 3.6 Kw units and have used them in this setup. Can be seen in my Vids. They definately Hunt searching for peak power.

are they solar models or wind models?

Quote from: LowGear on February 07, 2019, 11:52:43 AM
How about a search on eBay

Yeh, been there done that ...  There is only one that shows up and it is too small.  I need at least a 5000 - 6000 watt one.  I have phoned a bunch of dealers, repairers, and installers, to no avail.  
The three products that would work and are grid-tie certified here are:
- SMA Windyboy, - ABB Power-One, - Ginlong Solis,  in the 5-7 kW range with single phase output.

I have asked a couple of installers if a Sonnyboy can be converted to a Windyboy and the answer is always - NO.  Different beasts.  The MPPT is not changeable.