Convert 3600 rpm generator to 1800 rpm

[bengyt]

I have a fairly new model 5336 natural gas 20kw generator. It is a lot louder than I expected at running speed. It's not unbearble, but...... When it exercises at 1800 rpm the sound is a lot quieter.

My question is: Would it be possible to convert this model to 1800 rpm operation? :confused:

If so what would be involved in the conversion? (change out the generator head?, controller modification?)

If so what kind of power reduction could I expect?

Thanks in advance for your answer(s)

Bengy

[d11gnccer]

No. You'd have to have a 4 pole rotor to get your 60 hertz.

[WB5CCO]

Can't be done for a reasonable price. Recommend putting up for sale and looking into a 5638.

[bengyt]

What about installing a 1:2 gear drive between the engine and the alternator? The engine speed would be 1800 and the alternator speed would be 3600. Can the dip switch setting be changed to tell the engine to run at 1800 rpm during normal operation? Just looking into the feasibility of such a conversion. If sold it (the 5336) I would take a loss and I would have to pony up couple thousand more than I paid for the 5336. I will probably just end up dealing with the noise level.

Thanks

Bengy

[ABV]

by the way, it is running at 2400 rpm at exercise

[bronco]

Your case would be to small with the new drive so you would have to modify the case. then there would be the issue of makeing the alternator and rotor mate up. sounds like a lot of work.

[Jack Hottel]

The horsepower available from the engine is a direct function of the RPM. Halve the RPM and you halve the horsepower, so you could not drive the current alternator, even with a gearbox. Rule of thumb is 2 horsepower per kilowatt. If you could find a 4 pole genend you might be able to make a 10kw unit.