| A genverter system is the combination of a | | | | the plug on the inverter. |
| generator, an inverter, and a battery. The generator | | | | Operating Instructions: |
| produces the power to run your AC devices like | | | | This simple genverter system is designed to be |
| lights, radio, etc. Its also used to charge up the | | | | inexpensive. It is very practical for small loads in an |
| battery. The inverter takes the battery power(12V | | | | emergency setting, or when camping. The power |
| DC) and converts it to normal household AC power. | | | | target for this system is about 40 Watts. This power |
| By using this combination, extra power is harvested | | | | should be available for many days, given the proper |
| from the generator when its running at anything less | | | | charging of the battery and maintaining less than a |
| than full rated power. The genverter is in 'silent' mode | | | | 40W load when on battery power. [Note: this system |
| when delivering power from the battery to your | | | | is not practical for compressors, air conditioners, or |
| appliances. | | | | electric heaters, find out more at author's website] |
| What you need: | | | | Once everything is connected as described, you |
| - Small 500-1000W generator | | | | should be able to turn on the inverter and have |
| - Power Inverter 300-500W | | | | power! Most inverters have a low battery shut off |
| - Deep Cycle 12V Battery - This should be a new | | | | feature. You can run the inverter on battery power |
| marine battery with 160 minutes reserve capacity. | | | | until it shuts off, normally this is around 11 Volts. |
| - Automotive battery charger, 15-20A | | | | When you use the auto shutdown feature, the |
| - Extension cord and power strip (optional): Never run | | | | battery is discharged a little more than suggested. |
| a generator indoors! You will probably want some | | | | This may shorten the battery life some, however, if |
| way to get the power in the house safely. | | | | the battery lasts 4 years instead of 5 years, is it a |
| How to assemble: | | | | problem? (no) |
| - Move all the components to a safe, dry, outdoor | | | | Now for charging mode; connect the red clamp from |
| location. | | | | the battery charger to the positive battery terminal. |
| - The battery should be stored with the charger set | | | | Start the generator and plug in the battery charger. |
| to trickle. This keeps the battery always ready to go. | | | | If it is a 15 Amp charger, your battery should be |
| Do not store it on a concrete floor since this will | | | | nearing full after about 2.5 hours. If you have a |
| affect its performance. Instead put it on cardboard | | | | voltmeter, the battery voltage of 13.6-13.8V means |
| or wood. | | | | its ready. Time to run silent again! |
| - Connect the Inverter's red clamp to the plus | | | | Summary |
| terminal on the battery. Do likewise with the black | | | | The genverter system described, is inexpensive and |
| clamp and minus battery terminal. | | | | can provide power at the 40W level for many days |
| - Plug the battery charger in the generator, connect | | | | straight if operated as outlined above. The author |
| its black clamp to the negative battery terminal. Do | | | | provides detailed instructions on determining a power |
| not connect the red clamp until you are ready to | | | | budget, and 'free power' time when operating this |
| start the generator and charging mode. | | | | kind of genverter system, but space does not permit |
| - Plug in your extension cord and/or appliances into | | | | in this article. |