DIY project - AC Generator 2kw from lawn mower engine

[Mr Chibs]

Is there anyone who could help me with this little project please?

Mates allotment has been robbed and their generator (2Kw) has been stolen, which they use to power a water pump from a bore-hole.

Turns out they have a lawn mower or rotavator that wasn't taken, presumably due to weight and not being worth much, both working, but not used.

I was having a look around and stumbled on this:

https://www.evolutionpowertools.com/uk/evosystem/gen2800/

It converts evo engines to be able to run 240v items... would this fit any single piston 4 stroke engine?
The engine on the rotavator looks like the evolution engine... it's a 6.5Hp, 4 stroke jobby,

I don't know much about engines, so thought I'd ask you guys.

Obviously this is a money saving option if they can butcher the engine from machines they currently have.

TIA

 

[bernardgreen]

It converts evo engines to be able to run 240v items... would this fit any single piston 4 stroke engine?

There could be a problem. It maybe that the generator has to be able to adjust the throttle on the 4 stroke to control the rotational speed within the limits of the generator.

 

[Burnerman]

This system uses one power unit to drive a variety of accessories.....generator, water pump, pressure washer etc. It's quite a good system that works better in theory than practice, I've found. (I'll justify this by saying that the generator only put out 220v which wasn't enough - on the one I repaired).
The motor has clips / cam locks that connect it to the accessories so it is effectively direct drive.
To fit this to a mower engine (although 6 HP is enough) would require significant alteration to the engine crankshaft and end plate, maybe even conversion to using a pulley drive system which would be a pain.
It's very important that the generator is set to provide the correct voltage at the specified RPM - any increase in RPM would damage some accessories, especially battery charging.
I'd go for a genuine replacement generator, with a Briggs or Honda engine if possible - though some of the Chinese copies (Loncin) are actually quite good!
John

 

[Mr Chibs]

Excellent replies, many thanks.

I see the issues as pointed out in your posts.

A suitcase generator would probably be better suited, as it could be removed. Although someone has to carry it around.

 

[Burnerman]

The suit case generators are very good and quiet - especially the Honda ones but they cost a fortune.
Occasionally Lidl stock their own Parkside make but whatever happens, steer away from two stroke machines if you can!
John

 

[bernardgreen]

Is there maybe an alternative to electric powered pumping ? A small wind powered mechanical pump may be an option, with a water storage butt the pump could be left to run as and when there was wind,

 

[Mr Chibs]

Is there maybe an alternative to electric powered pumping ? A small wind powered mechanical pump may be an option, with a water storage butt the pump could be left to run as and when there was wind,

I'd like to look at wind power, but from my very rudimentary knowledge, presume I would need wind turbine into a battery bank and inverter to convert to 240v.
They run the generator to fill the water tanks... possibly 500-1000 litres every couple of days in Summer, nothing in winter.

The thieves took a grinder to the container box and basically cut through everything in their way, with this in mind it makes then weary of replacing like for like.

 

[bernardgreen]

presume I would need wind turbine into a battery bank

I was thinking of direct mechanical push-pull drive to a reciprocating pump, nothing electrical.

 

[ericmark]

Oh a blast from the past. Collage had a lawn mower engine powering an alternator mainly as a dynometor to test engine, but this would work with an inverter to transform to 230 volt.

However direct AC the problem is keeping the generator at the right speed.

 

[JohnD]

Running an engine to power an alternator to power a battery to power an inverter to power a motor to power a pump is inefficient and needlessly complex

You can get a diesel or petrol powered water pump

 

[Mr Chibs]

They've decided to buy a 2Kw+ suitcase generator to try, as they have all chipped in.

Thanks again.