Generator Forum

At least 22 large fires are burning in California, where dry, windy conditions and record-breaking high temperatures have been fueling flames for weeks in some areas. A public safety power shutoff is in effect for 22 counties in Northern California, with 172,000 Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customers impacted. California Wildfire | Aurora Generators A red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for Ventura and Los Angeles counties through Wednesday morning. Peak wind gusts of up to 50 mph are expected for many elevated areas in Northern California. Most of California remains under the threat of unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions with a combination of extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit. California Fire Map https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/

A generator (or car) battery discharge rate is about 1% per day at room temperature, 0.25% per day at 10 °C (50 °F), and 1.5% per day at 30 °C (86 °F). Self-discharge happens without anything connected to it. When your generator is on "standby," the controller is using battery power. It will discharge even faster. But how long will it last? How long the generator battery lasts depends on the battery's age, the climate (heat speeds up the process), and how often you run your generator. When your generator is running, the engine alternator recharges the battery. This quick charge is a bulk charge up to about 80% of its capacity. It is due to a powerful amperage and voltage. To fully charge the battery requires a more extended period. This absorption charge stage is at a much lower current rate. Exercising the generator is often not enough to ever do this. The solution is to use a smart charger. It can stay plugged in all the time. The bulk, absorption, and float charge cycles are all taken care of for you. It will save you fuel, prolong the life of your engine and battery. When the battery is at rest, not under load, or being charged, the voltage can tell you what the state of charge is. Here is a chart you can use below. The best way to measure the battery voltage is with a voltmeter. The voltage shown on the generator controller can show 0.1 volts lower as the actual measurement is at the controller, not directly at the battery. (Something to keep in mind)

Need a small diesel generator? If so, take a look at this one. https://www.auroragenerators.com/product-page/6-kw-yanmar-diesel-generator Yanmar makes this little 0.854L engine. It is three-cylinder diesel-powered and meets EPA Tier 4 emission standards. When it comes to 1800 RPM liquid-cooled diesel engines, this is one of the smallest you will find. It is made in Japan Meccalte is an Italian company that makes this small industrial pancake alternator. It is brushless and automatic voltage regulated. Add our DynaGen instrumentation and control to this, and you have one nice small Genset for use in a wide range of applications, from recreational vehicles to off-grid power and emergency standby. Aurora can even offer this generator package with a remotely mounted generator panel, such as this LOFA / DynaGen CP600.