Section 2: General Information; Ecogen Operating Principle; Benefits; How It Works - Generac Power Systems 15 kW EcoGen Owner's Manual

Section 2: General Information

EcoGen Operating Principle

Benefits

The 15 kW EcoGen generator brings exciting new
technology to the Home Standby generator product. The
generator is significantly more fuel-efficient than constant
speed generators at normal loads, provides premium
power quality, and is significantly quieter while operating
at normal loads.
• Quieter operation - 3 dB with improved tonal qualities
under normal loads
• Cleanest Standby power available with 1.5% THD
• Significant fuel savings: more fuel efficient under
normal loads
•
Lower operating speed of 2700 rpm at low loads
• Tuned exhaust system to further lower sound levels
•
Variable Speed / Constant Frequency operation

How It Works

In an off-grid solution, the generator is an important
source of backup power when other resources are
insufficient for the demand, improving overall system
reliability.
1. Sun (solar cells) and/or wind (turbines) generate
DC current.
2. This is fed to the inverter charger and then on to
the battery bank.
3. The inverter takes DC power from the battery bank,
converts it to AC, and then sends the current to the
AC electrical panel.
4. If there is no solar or wind gain and the battery
bank level drops below a preset threshold, the
inverter automatically signals the generator to start.
5. The generator feeds AC power to the inverter,
which in turn sends power to the electric panel and
recharges the battery bank to an acceptable level.

Startup

When the generator starts, the engine speed gradually
increases to 3600 RPM to produce maximum power. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to carry the load on
start-up. The engine RPM then gradually decreases to a
speed appropriate for the attached load.
For example, if there is no load, the engine speed
decreases to approximately 2700 RPM. The time it takes
to decrease to 2700 RPM is approximately 4–5 minutes.
Since the ramp rate is linear, less time would be required
for it to decrease to only 3400 RPM.
Owner's Manual for 60 Hz EcoGen™ Generator
During startup, as the engine speed increases to 3600
RPM, the Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) electronics
perform a self test involving an overall system check of
the unit. If a fault is detected, the unit shuts down and
displays an alarm.

Normal Running

The engine operates between 2700 RPM–3600 RPM
depending on the attached load. When the load
increases or decreases, the speed increases or
decreases accordingly.

Small Load Changes

The system is designed to maintain the current engine
speed for small load changes. Larger load changes result
in a change in engine speed to appropriately handle the
load.

Large Load (Not Overload)

The engine always runs at a speed appropriate for the
attached load. Typical loads up to 10 kW or 2 hp can be
wired directly. The engine speed remains at 3600 RPM
for a programmable time (20 minutes default) and then
decreases to the speed appropriate for the attached load.
The programmable time can be changed by the dealer to
prevent annoying increases and decreases in engine
speed if large loads turn on and off frequently.
If natural gas is the selected fuel type, then all loads up to
9 kW can be wired directly.

Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) Cooling Fans

The system is equipped with two fans to cool the AVR
electronics. The primary fan is powered by AC during
operation. The secondary fan is powered by 12V DC
through the controller. The fans are monitored during
operation and if a failure occurs, an alarm is displayed.
WARNING
Moving Parts. Keep clothing, hair, and
appendages away from moving parts. Failure
to do so could result in death or serious injury.
The secondary fan continues to operate for up to one
hour after the generator is shut down. Proper cooling
must occur before removing battery connections for
maintenance or other service activity.
NOTE: The AVR cooling air inlet includes a filter. Verify
the filter is installed and properly seated at time the unit is
installed. Check the filter at regular maintenance intervals
to verify proper airflow.
General Information
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