After 4 years we decided to
installed a 4Kw 3000 rpm Fisher Panda generator (4.5ND) We purposely
ordered a dry exhaust generator (around same price as standard river
cooled). It is still water cooled, but I have used the central heating
radiators (and calorifier) as the coolant. Good when chilly, not so good
in a heatwave!!). I could convert the cooling from central heating
radiators to use the engine keel cooling, but I do not think this will
be necessary.
So far the longest
time I have needed to run the generator is 2 hours. It takes the
radiators about an hour to get hot, outlet water temperature of the
generator after 1.5 hours is around 45 degrees. Not sure when the in
built high temp cut out kicks in, probably around 80 degrees, so
confident it will run for 2+ hours with no problem
We have found
that we do not need a generator during the cruising season when cruising
an average of one hour per day. Our batteries and solar panels give us
around 7 days on a mooring without power (but then we have to cruise 7
hours to charge up batteries). We run the washing machine when cruising.
So we only need the generator when not cruising and on a mooring for a
week or so. We use the generator primary to charge up the batteries (gas
cooking, no air con.) The battery charger takes around 2Kw (70a at 24v)
so we still have 2Kw spare for other use (washing machine or vac or hair
dryer etc.) when the generator is on, so a 4Kw generator for us is
plenty. With generator on through the Victron Multi plus we have around
7Kw available if needed, more for very short periods of time.
The Fisher
Panda generator is installed adjacent to our Perkins M92 engine, in the
engine room. Inside the barge the generator is much quieter than the
Perkins (you know it is on, but quiet enough to speak normally etc),
outside however the generator is louder than the Perkins, our Perkins is
very quiet as it has a very large hospital exhaust. Bit disappointed in
the outside noise level of the generator, but happy with inside level.
The dry exhaust silencer was supplied by Fisher Panda. A larger silencer
would be quieter, but we do not have the room.... And inside is fine!!!!
Advantages of dry
exhaust with water cooled from central heating radiators. Free heating,
possibly easier to install (no river water connections) if central
heating pipes are near by.
Disadvantages. May
not be able to run continuously for hours on end. Will warm up boat even
on a hot day. Can not run central heating and generator at the same time
(but no need to!). Need to open / close 2 valves when switching between
central heating use and generator use (to isolate one unit from the
other).
Conclusion. Can not
beat a stand alone generator. For us a 4Kw one is sufficient, but need a
larger one if cooking on electric or using air con.
For installation and
photos of installation click here