DC generators....

[jkindt]

Theoretically. As long as you could find a big enough inverter. I had considered this option as well for a generator. Get a 3hp engine and a high output alternator connected to an inverter. Probably a bit more to it, but I haven't looked into it very much yet.

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted by Pied Typer

Okay, so I came across a really awesome deal on a generator... The catch is that it is a 24VDC generator rated at 100amps constant duty. The question is, if you have a 24VDC generator rated at 100 amps hooked up to appropriate 24VDC inverters does that mean you can get 10,000 +/- AC watts out of it?

I don't see how. 100 amps at 24 volts is only 2400 watts. Watts = amps x volts.

[jkindt]

Originally Posted by Jarlaxle

I don't see how. 100 amps at 24 volts is only 2400 watts. Watts = amps x volts.

Good point, I didn't do the math. So a 12V 100amp alternator could only 'theoretically' put out up to 1200 watts. Not really worth building a 1200 watt generator. Now if you could get a 250 amp 24V alternator, that would be some great watts.

[jkindt]

No, amperage doesn't stay the same when converting. Think of it this way:

VOLTS is like pressure - more pressure means more flow
AMPS is like the size of a hose - bigger hose means more flow
WATTS is the actual amount of energy - more watts is more energy

Volts X Amps = Watts

12 X 100 = 1200

By changing a 12V source at 100 amps to 120V means that you will only get 10 amps. Of course 10 amps of 120V is a good amount of power. Of course this is all theoretical because there is always inefficiencies and energy loss due to heat.

[lapeer20m]

you'll be money ahead to spend the $1k and get a honda eu2000i generator. super quiet, super light, and up to 15 hours run time per gallon of fuel.