Automatic start generator control for charging batteries?

[Number21]

Hello everyone. I am trying to setup a small generator that would keep some 12v batteries charged. I would like for the generator to sense that the batteries are low, automatically start and charge them, and then shut off. Is this possible? I would like to use an inverter generator that already has an electric start option. Does somebody sell any kind of controller that could start that generator for me?

I've found the Onan "Energy Command" system that basically does that, but I believe it only works with newer Onan generators. Is there a more generic system I could buy?

[glort]

I have one. It came off a mobile traffic light signal trailer. The thing used a Hatz Diesel engine that had an aluminium mount that direct coupled a 90A car alternator.

It has auto and manual start and lights that indicate low oil pressure and shut down, over temp, fuel pump running, over and underspeed, start command ( which has a delay on auto) engine running and  fail to start ( gives it 3 tries with about 10 sec between cranks.)  I can't remember the brand now But I did look them up when I bought the setup and it was over $1000 that much I remember.

As far as I can see you could wire the thing to any electric start machine independent of oil pressure, temp and other inputs.  I'm not sure what the settings are for cut in and cut out of the auto setting, The  machine I got never did it  and we only discovered the function when mucking around with the unit my mate got ( Bought them together)  when he broke some wires about 2 years after we got them and I repaired it and the thing started itself and charged the battery then shut down.

I'll try to look for the brand again tomorrow but these controllers are certainly out there.

[Tom Reed]

The Trace SW2512 inverter I have will do that. It's fully programmable too.

[Tom Reed]

Just found this link on the Lister board. It's looks like exactly what you want.

http://www.mcphersoncontrols.com/details.cfm?ECU-05-12-Volts&cat_main=1&cat_sub=4&id=84

[thomasonw]

If you are using a DC alternator and have some basic electronics / soldering skills -  the controller project I did does just what you are asking for (plus a bit more)  http://www.microcogen.info/index.php?topic=2941.0

In addition to auto-start, you can also program in black-out periods so as to not start things up at 2am.  It will  pull the throttle back as the battery gets charged, then auto-shuts down the engine when fully charged.   You can see more details about this project here:  http://smartdcgenerator.blogspot.com/  (And btw:  it is open-sourced for non-commercial use)

-al-

[Number21]

Just found this link on the Lister board. It's looks like exactly what you want.

http://www.mcphersoncontrols.com/details.cfm?ECU-05-12-Volts&cat_main=1&cat_sub=4&id=84

Yep, that looks about right! I found another brand also but it's about 100 bucks more and doesn't turn the engine off when the batteries are charged. (I suppose some kind of extra relay could do that job)
http://www.magnumenergy.com/products/AGS-S.htm

thomasonw - I'll have to read through that thread when I get a chance, looks interesting!