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2.3
COOLING AND VENTILATING AIR
It is absolutely essential that an adequate flow of
air for cooling, ventilation, and engine combustion
be supplied to the generator set. Without sufficient
airflow, the engine/generator quickly overheats. Such
overheating can cause serious operating difficulties
and also may cause fire and personal injury. The
installer must make sure that sufficient air is avail-
able to the generator for cooling, ventilating, and
combustion. The installer also must provide a path
for exhausting the cooling air to the exterior of a com-
partment, if so equipped.
DANGER
Never use discharged cooling air for heating or
permit such air to enter the vehicle interior. This
air contains deadly carbon monoxide gas and
other poisonous, flammable, or explosive gases.
2.3.1
GENERATOR AIRFLOW
This unit uses an impellar fan located on the alter-
nator drive pulley to cool the alternator's internal
components. Air is drawn through the alternator and
expelled radially behind the drive pulley. An engine-
driven centrifugal blower draws in cooling air through
air inlet openings, moves that air around the engine/
generator and across the radiator, then discharges
that air out the bottom (see Figure 2.7).
Figure 2.7 – Airflow Through Engine/Generator
26
Section 2 – Installation
Recreational Vehicle Generator
2.3.2
COOLING AIR INLET OPENINGS
The minimum size of the air inlet opening, whether
the generator is housed in a conventional compart-
ment or not, is at least 150 square inches (975
cm 2 ) (see
Figure 2.8). This rule applies whether
inlet air is brought in through an opening in the
compartment door, an opening in the vehicle skirt,
through duct work, or by any other means.
Screening, louvers, or expanded metal that cover
air openings restrict airflow. Compensate for this
by making the actual air opening proportionately
larger. See the "Compensating for Restrictions"
section.
Figure 2.8 – Air Inlet in Compartment Door
When the unit is installed on a suspended mounting
system, one of several different methods of supplying
airflow may be used as follows:
• Provide a door in the vehicle skirt having an air
inlet opening (Figure 2.9).
Figure 2.9 – Suspended Mount: Inlet Door
• Use duct work (Figure 2.10). The installer must be
sure air is available to the sides of the generator for
proper air intake.
• Provide an opening in the vehicle skirt and space
around the generator for cooling airflow (Figure
2.11). Recommended clearance around all sides of
the generator is at least two inches (50 mm).
NOTE:
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