Power

Diesel or gasoline?

Small generators (up to 5 KVA) fuel usually gasoline. Beyond 5 KVA diesel generators are more appropriate. They operate at lower rpms, and are quieter. Their fuel consumption is reduced.

What power?

The power of a generator is expressed in KVA. And yet ... when you add the power consumption of all the devices you want to install to your vehicle tour, you will get a total expressed in KW. How to convert? It is both very simple ... and very complicated. Between KW and KVA applies a coefficient called the "power factor". On applications purely "resistive" (eg a coffee machine, an incandescent or electric heater), KW = KVA. It is only on the devices that applies the famous inductive power factor. It expresses the "loss" between the power received by the device (KVA) and the one it produces (KW). Here is a table showing the power factors to apply several common facilities for touring:
-electronic devices (PCs, monitors, stereo, etc.): 90%
- winches, heavy electric motors: 30 to 50%
- refrigerator, air conditioning: 75%
Not want to calculate the power factor for each device? Simplify your life: take an average of 60% to be applied to the total wattage of all electrical equipment onboard.

Transport the generator?

Up to 5 KVA, your generator will be provided on frame (with or without wheels according to its weight), and it can easily be moved by one or two people. Specifically, the group is located near the vehicle during the day of use, then loaded and stowed on board in time to pack. Beyond 5 KVA is different. As an indication, a 7 KVA diesel will weigh about 100-150 kg (the weight of a moped or scooter), a 10 KVA is a machine from 250 to 350 kg (the weight of a motorcycle) and a 25 KVA is as heavy as a car (in excess of a ton). In other words, instead of a group of more than 7 KVA is in the bunkers of the vehicle (when possible) or in an accompanying van, where they will remain stowed for the duration of the tour.

Connecting Electronics

All generators have, output generator, a regulator that limits to about 10% the voltage variations. For connecting devices to low power (computers, TV, Hi-fi, etc ...), it is imperative to have an electronic control which reduces the tolerance to less than 1%.This electronic control is standard on the the most powerful groups (from 20 KVA), but not on the groups range from 1 to 15 KVA. This can result in such noise on the flat screens, computers unstable, or more generally, inconsistent operation of electronic devices. To solve the problem, plan to provide a UPS who will play the role of "buffer" between the generator and sensitive devices. Incidentally, as a bonus, you'll be protected if the group had to stop working (especially valuable for computers). Note that laptops are provided to do so because their own internal battery protects them from voltage variations. Do not forget that the ability of UPS that you provide should be slightly higher than consumption of electrical appliances they feed.

Security?

When your requests for parking permits, you may occasionally have to make undertakings more or less restrictive as to how the generator will be used: use of barriers, grommet, noise standards, the presence of extinguishers, etc. There is no specific rule on the matter, and demands of local authorities can sometimes be extremely simple, and sometimes extremely complicated. The only rule: Anticipating ... Feel free to contact us if you are confronted with requests for material that was not included in our estimates.

Protection of persons and risk of electrocution

It is important to ensure compliance with standard UTE C15.401. Concretely, this translates into a 30 mA differential protection (installed as standard in the electric vehicle of your tour, if there is one course!), and by using a ground stake (supplied with the vehicle) down to minimum depth of 50 cm.

Consumption, supply and autonomy

Diesel generators usually have a range of around 8 to 10am. Groups gasoline more limited autonomy, the order of 3 to 5 hours. Note that for security reasons, it is imperative to stop the engine before the fuel boost. Your driver will have cans of it will be extra fuel as often as necessary. To estimate consumption, a rough but fast: 1 liter fuel = 4000W.

And solar?

Why not? Until about 1000 W power consumption, a vehicle whose height does not exceed 3m50, use of solar panels is a scenario all-in-fact style. Particularly if your tour plays on the fiber organic, or sustainable development. Expect a return of about 100 to 150W per m² for a sign that is oriented. Feel free to contact us if you want to examine this possibility.

What's next?

Your project manager is at your disposal a spreadsheet to make computing power to provide power for your vehicle tour. You will repeat drinks (even approximate wattage) and you return it. Your project manager will then offer you a generator for your needs and consistent with the modus operandi of your tour.