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2.3
COOLING AND VENTILATING AIR
It is absolutely essential that an adequate flow of
air for cooling, ventilating 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 for a
path for exhausting the cooling air to the exterior of a
compartment, 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
Engine operation drives cooling fans for the two-stage
cooling air system. A pressure fan draws cooling air
into the top of the generator (Figure 2.9). This airflow
cools the engine/generator and electronic components.
The second part of the cooling system, a suction fan,
draws air that is heated from a hot engine into a col-
lector pan at the base of the unit. This heated air
(although cooler than exhaust muffler) is then deflected
out the bottom toward the ground.
Figure 2.9 – Airflow Through Engine/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 100 square inches (see
Figure 2.10). 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.
26
Section 2 – Installation
Recreational Vehicle Generator
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" sec-
tion.
Figure 2.10 – Air Inlet in Compartment Door
Be sure to meet the minimum clearances illus-
trated in Figure 2.4.
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 2.11).
Figure 2.11 – Suspended Mount: Inlet Door
•
Using ductwork (Figure 2.12). The installer must
be sure air is available to the top of the generator
since air inlets are located at the top.
•
By providing an opening in the vehicle skirt and
space behind the generator for cooling airflow
(Figure 2.13). Recommended clearance behind
the back of the generator is at least 1/2 inch (13
mm).
NOTE:
NOTE:
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