I am looking at a MEP-004 15Kw. I have Off-grid property, where I want to have a cabin. Tell me about this unit. As I understand it, it is 400 cycle, right? In reading threads, it also has trouble with 240 volt, Right? I jusr downloaded the TM, and I am working through it, but I could use some advice from some one who has. or uses them. What can you tell me about these units? Oh also what a decent price?
Thanks
With 400 Hz you can only run lights....... and incandescent lights only. No motors, refrigerators, heaters with fans, tools, nothing. Why on earth would you want one?
For some reason they used the same data plate interchangably on the 60 Hz 15KW MEP-004 and on its 400 Hz cousin powered by the same engine (Maybe MEP-113a?) These generators are set up to produce 3 phase power only either high wye or low wye using a reconnection board. It is possible to rewire them for 120/240 single phase, but there is no real point to this if you are offgrid and are not connecting to existing wireing, just use 120/208 3 phase breaker boxes, etc. Having said that, this generator is likely too large for what you need, diesel engines do not like to be ran at less than about 70% load (see wet stacking) and like most military generators these are under rated and would likely be marketed as 20-25kw units on the commercial / industrial market.
Maybe I am asking the wrong question. I would like a generator that;
1. Runs on diesel. (stores longer that gasoline)
2. Powers an entire house, if needed. Including Air-conditioning, dishwasher, lights, furnace etc. 15 Kw is large, but at times I could draw 60% max.
3. Could run for years, mostly with constant use.
I would bet the largest draw would be 6-9 Kw (A/C, Dishwasher, lights etc) I would not think a consumer style Air-cooled (generac ect) unit would last years. There are smaller Diesel types, but once again, I am not sure how long they last, most are made in china. These are over built, and should last forever. Also the cost of of these "stand-by" generators are several thousand. Also "stand-by" sound like not built for constant use.
RANDINI, This is simple, add up all the power you think your going to use do the math then get yourself a MEP 10-20% larger than you will need. Make sure you get the MEP-with ASK. IMHO Diesel is the way to go. This fuel stores well with PRIG-D and will out last any gas generator on the market. Pick up some Farm fuel tanks if you can for storage. UG is the best but gravity feed is good to. But with AG tanks your exposed.
UG= Under ground
AG= Above ground
EDIT: Almost forgot, Dont forget to get the unit made to produce 60Mhz not 400Mhz you will ruin almost anything you hook up to it besides light bulbs.
__________________ Oh Dear Lord Thank you for Our Defenders in Olive Drab
school me, MEP-004
