Homebrew 1.8kW Inverter-Generator
I built this a Generator a couple of years ago, because we used to have alot of power outages, and I didn't like what I saw at Home-less Depot and Lowe's. Used it several times for power outages, Field Day, and places where there is no AC. Although it puts out only 1800W, its battery-Inverter arrangement allows the gen-set to run in silent-mode (engine shut down). I have about 600Ah extra capacity I can add, so at 900W load, I can run on batteries for about 6 hours (conservatively), and about 10 hrs at 500W load, before the engine need to be restarted to charge the batteries.
The engine, alternator, inverter, and generator frame were all found new on eBay. The Alternator, in case you didn't hear in the video (lots of noise) is a 140A OEM unit, and the engine is a Briggs & Stratton 6.0hp vertical-shaft, electric start. Xantrex makes the inverter (a Pro-Sine 1800 with 12V input, hard-wired 120VAC output), and the frame was from a Coleman 6500 generator. Wheels are pneumatic, and the steering mechanism turns via custom-made brass fitting.
The engine drives the alternator by a K-6, 6-rib serpentine belt. Engine pulley is 7.00" dia., and the alternator pulley is 5.00" dia., from an old Ford smog-pump.
I am no longer seeking suggestions for a its name- I've decided to just call it my 1.8kW Inverter-Gen-set.
I promise I will be doing an update to this video very soon.