Generator Enclosures Questions

[scanzel]

When mounting a generator in a bay and not having a remote mounted radiator how are you cooling it ? What method of intake air and exhaust air are you using ? Did you cut holes in the bay floor ? What methods are being used ? I have a 9kw Kohler and want to make sure it is cooled properly. The manual shows different methods but we also want to keep inside noise from the outside.

[Sean]

Steve,

The quietest solution will be to go with the remote radiator.  That said, if there is no way to do it, what you want is to pressurize the compartment with a high-volume squirrel-cage fan, using convoluted, baffled intake and discharge pathways.  Arrange the airflow so that it assists rather than fights the existing cooling air flow across the radiator.  Make certain some cool air is directed toward the generator head, as well.  Lastly, select a good muffler for the exhaust.

Now, the $64,000 question is how big to make the fan.  Figuring CFM for an application like this is something of a black art; the Kohler might actually have a spec for CFM for cooling air, but you will need to increase it due to the baffles/convolutions.  At some level it is trial and error; my suggestion is get the biggest honking fan that will fit.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

[cody]

If you follow seans advice and get a fan that honks, please don't park next to me, that honking would drive me nuts, now if you can find one that quacks I'd be fine with it. lol

[Len Silva]

Cody, You quack me up!

[PCC]

Ducks quack

Geese and Fans honk

I have that on good authority !!

Thanks (I think)