I have a simple question is it possible to hook up a generator head to my trucks engine and be able to turn it on only when necessary i do a lot of work were i don't have an outlet right next to me. also i realize i could just throw a generator in the back but i thought this could be a interesting project if it is even possible
Thanks for any help
Mike

 

Yes it is possible we have one at work on a C7 cat its a 5500 watt clutch driven unit. It is not cheap the clutch assembly alone costs 800.00 to replace. Our new units are PTO driven hydraulic setups much better and reliable.

 

Do a web search for a kit that turns your alternator into a 120v generator. It's good for occasional power tool use when you need it. If you didn't want to put the convertor on your regular alternator you can add another alternator for it.

 

I apologize for bumping this old topic but I got to this post by googling.
Actually I want to power up my 12KWrms 220V sound system (+2 500w UV cannons) in an efficient way with my 95 chevy g3500 7.4L engine.
I thought I'll install 4 hi-output alternators (with hi current on idle) and found some that will fit+ a bracket to hold them. I then wanted to connect some batteries (at least 1 battery to each alternator) that goes to a synced stackable 6 units of 2500W inverters.
All this setup should have been connected to an electric clutch pulley driven by the idler. (I plan on using it just in neutral).
My chevy also runs on LPG so it should be more cost effective that to buy a towed silent diesel 15KVA-20KVA generator on trailer.

I did some search and found out that I can use a big 15Kw AC-AC 3-phase alternator-generator head instead (or maybe 2 small), and reving it with the magnetic pulley. I thought on also putting a voltage regulator after the gen.

I just read that you (ford390gashog) have a similar setup but you drive the generator with different method, is the generator-to-transmission method more efficient? and can you explain more about it?
Is the generator noisier (extremely noisier than 4 alts)?
I need the system to be portable, efficient, and not very noisy.

btw, I think I also need to tune the ECU for a steady 1500 or 3000 idle RPM (60hertz)

I'll appreciate every comment
Thank you.

 

You should do a search on the web, and I think you will find a formula to convert kw to horsepower, and see how much horsepower it will take to turn a system big enough for your needs. You may find a single v-belt will not transfer enough power to turn the generator(s) and the magnetic clutch may not be able to handle the power going through it without slipping.

Using your engine to generate 12v power, and then converting it to 220v with inverters is not a very efficient way to do it either. If you are going to need 220v, why not generate it without inverters? If you go to northern tool, they sell generator heads that will generate 220v right from the head. Mounting it under the hood with enough room may be the problem.

 

hey franklin, thank you for your quick answer!

I understand that only way to go is PTO driven generator, efficiency wise, as long as I have the space ofcourse.

To drive it I need a PTO clutch assembly, do you have any idea where I can look for it?

 

PTO's mount on the side of the tranny or transfer case. They are commonly used to drive hydraulic pumps for dump truck beds and such. If you have a shop in your area that installs bodies on trucks, they should be able to get one if you have the required plate on the side of your tranny or transfer case.

 

You could figure out a way to mount a generator head under your hood. The only concern I would have is keeping your engine at a constant RPM while generating. A generator needs to be kept at a constant speed to keep it generating the correct voltage and also to keep output at 60 hertz. If your using a 4 pole generator it needs to be kept at 1800 RPM. A two pole generator needs to be kept at 3600 RPM. You could have the generator geared to the proper RPM at idle or another set RPM, but when you apply a load its gonna pull down your engine some which will affect the output voltage and frequency "hertz". I would think you would need some sort of governer to keep the engine at a certain rpm at various loads on the generator. This is only my thoughts. It may work fine without a governer, but if it was me I would go with some kind of inverter. Just my 2 cents...

Ben