James got it right. I have a 16KW generator and am adding a 5KW unit. I
mainly want it so I can load it at 75% when charging my batteries. Will
save me money on maintenance in the long run since running the big one
at max 25% is not healthy for the engine.
But, yes, I also want the second generator as a backup. Running my main
engine just to charge batteries is the last thing I want to be forced to do.
The super-sound-proofed 5KW 1500rpm genset set me back 4K euros
(slightly used), should give me more than 15000 hours of charging.
Adding another one of these coolers would probably cost at least that
too. Drydock, work hours, etc. So sharing the cooler makes a lot of
sense financially, I think.

Al





James wrote:
Thje conclusion I drew was that he was installing a smaller 2nd genset. I
could see that as generators have a minimum fuel consumption based on their
maximum output. If you use a large one to just get a few hundred watts you
are wasting fuel because even at little or no load the generator engine
still has to turn a set rpm to maintain the 60hz output. It will do it at
a lower throttle opening but you are still turning a bigger engine and a
bigger alternator. There is a fixed overhead load in the size. It is more
efficient to run a smaller one if all you need a little power.

"Rick" wrote in message
...

"James Sweet" wrote in message
news:i7Eoh.3238$2D.1367@trndny07...

exchanger was sized for a bigger engine (bigger than my
'big' generator) but I intend to run only one genset at
a time anyway.

Thx, Al


Your present heat exchanger, while it might be big enought to handle a
larger engine, it's probably not big enought to effectivly cool two
engines.



What difference does it make if he's only running one at a time? Did you
even read the post you replied to?

Why install a second genset and only plan on running one? Is it for
relibility?

If so does sharing a cooling system really make sense? How much do you
save over the entire cost of installing a genset????