Hi. I have free natural gas where I live and would like to charge a Tesla model S battery with a gas generator/ inverter. What is a good size generator to use for this without using the battery's cooling lines? Also, if I got 2 modules, would it be better in series (48v system) or parallel (24 volt system?
Tesla model S 24 volt module
- Thread starter Chuckster
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freds
New Member
I would think that you could get by with a 3KW generator.
You don't really need a generator/inverter combination as the inverter helps when you have low power draw. That is going to be buffered out with the batteries and the down stream inverter.
I purchased a Sigineer Power split phase 6KW 24V Sigineer Power inverter that understands Tesla Voltage Ranges (have yet to put it into service).
They also make more powerful models that are 48V and one of the features that it has is remote generator start.
Tesla Inverters
I saw an interesting note in their manual for their higher power inverters 8-14KW is that you order them with a built in MPPT solar charging modules.
How do you have free natural gas?
You don't really need a generator/inverter combination as the inverter helps when you have low power draw. That is going to be buffered out with the batteries and the down stream inverter.
I purchased a Sigineer Power split phase 6KW 24V Sigineer Power inverter that understands Tesla Voltage Ranges (have yet to put it into service).
They also make more powerful models that are 48V and one of the features that it has is remote generator start.
Tesla Inverters
I saw an interesting note in their manual for their higher power inverters 8-14KW is that you order them with a built in MPPT solar charging modules.
How do you have free natural gas?
Steve_S
Offgrid Cabineer, N.E. Ontario, Canada
While an Inverter Generator is not a requirement as such, using a non-inverter one does have a few issues. This is more pronounced IF you also make use of the pass through capabilities. Charging batteries while continuing to supply AC out to home you can stress a few things if not setup right, Little things like electric clocks and such will go out of correct time. Depending in the Inverter used, it "may" take dirty input (mod wave sine) and clean it up but that is not the norm as such and is a costly extra.
EDIT: Forgot... In pass-through mode, if using a MOD Sine Generator (the most common and cheapest) and the inverter does not clean it up to pure, another unpleasantness is that MOD Sine is hard on motors, pumps, fridge compressors. You'll hear noises from them and quite often they will run hotter. Newer digital motors are more finicky as well. Old motors with high start demands tend to get really noisy & hot (shortens their lifespan significantly. It's also not that good or "fine electronics" like computers.
I am 24V and only use 120VAC as have no "need" for 240VAC and it's fine on my small system but if I wanted to go bigger I am pretty much at the workable limit, next step would be stacked inverters or a full upgrade to 48V with new "everything" pretty much (just not gonna happen). IF you start with 48V you can build on that, increase it over time and deliver quite a lot of juice. My suggestion is to think of your longer term view and build the basics with that view in mind to save money later when you add more goodies for your independence.
EDIT PT-2: If you have a GAS Generation and want to convert to LPG or Natural Gas, this company makes kits for just about every generator out there and very well priced as well. Worth a gander if you already have one you want to switch. REF: https://centuryfuelproducts.com/
Ideally a small "Home Stand-By Generator is an ideal companion for offgrid, especially as many come with Gas or LPG or Natural Gas. Best Bang for Buck can be found here: (They go on sale occassionally at really great pricing)
REF: https://www.championpowerequipment.com/products/generators/home-standby-generators/
With the 50A Switch included, they sell for $3500 Canadian. I have seen them ON SALE for 3K Canadian and $2200 USD at Home Despotic once.
EDIT: Forgot... In pass-through mode, if using a MOD Sine Generator (the most common and cheapest) and the inverter does not clean it up to pure, another unpleasantness is that MOD Sine is hard on motors, pumps, fridge compressors. You'll hear noises from them and quite often they will run hotter. Newer digital motors are more finicky as well. Old motors with high start demands tend to get really noisy & hot (shortens their lifespan significantly. It's also not that good or "fine electronics" like computers.
I am 24V and only use 120VAC as have no "need" for 240VAC and it's fine on my small system but if I wanted to go bigger I am pretty much at the workable limit, next step would be stacked inverters or a full upgrade to 48V with new "everything" pretty much (just not gonna happen). IF you start with 48V you can build on that, increase it over time and deliver quite a lot of juice. My suggestion is to think of your longer term view and build the basics with that view in mind to save money later when you add more goodies for your independence.
EDIT PT-2: If you have a GAS Generation and want to convert to LPG or Natural Gas, this company makes kits for just about every generator out there and very well priced as well. Worth a gander if you already have one you want to switch. REF: https://centuryfuelproducts.com/
Ideally a small "Home Stand-By Generator is an ideal companion for offgrid, especially as many come with Gas or LPG or Natural Gas. Best Bang for Buck can be found here: (They go on sale occassionally at really great pricing)
REF: https://www.championpowerequipment.com/products/generators/home-standby-generators/
With the 50A Switch included, they sell for $3500 Canadian. I have seen them ON SALE for 3K Canadian and $2200 USD at Home Despotic once.
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