Q:I just watched the Chernobyl Diaries and it made me really interested with the actual disaster and the impact of it. I never really knew anything about it up until watching this movie and it just fascinates me. What happened that the nuclear plant exploded? Did people did from it? What is Chernobyl like today? Just some interesting facts about the whole thing would be great!

On April 26, 1986, the operating crew planned to test whether the Reactor No. 4 turbines could produce enough energy to keep the coolant pumps running until the emergency diesel generator was activated in case of an external power loss. During the test, power surged unexpectedly, causing an explosion and driving temperatures in the reactor to more than 2,000 degrees Celsius—melting the fuel rods, igniting the reactor’s graphite covering, and releasing a cloud of radiation into the atmosphere. The precise causes of the accident are still uncertain, but it is generally believed that the series of incidents that led to the explosion, fire and nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl was caused by a combination of reactor design flaws and operator error.

Q:Also Onan generator Diesel Fuel filter# 149-2513 ?Also Onan generator Air filter#140-2897 ?

napa gold 1064 for an oil filter or Wix 1334 (replacement for the Onan filter) and Onan 122-0833 are physically the same. fuel filter 3063 napa I'm having trouble with the air cleaner

Q:I have read Wikipedia as to why Diesel Fuel can cost so much so please don't send me any links. Just want your opinion or 1st hand knowledge. My understanding is that Diesel is supposed to be the lowest cost fuel to make. but it costs the most. Why???

Yeah, I think since it is in higher demand, the cost goes up. It's my understanding that diesel is easier to make than gasoline. Back in the 70's it was cheaper than gasoline. But since a lot of vehicles use diesel, the cost goes up because the market will support it. Still, gallon for gallon, diesel gives better milage. But it stinks.

Q:I want to buy a portable generator for power-outages and need some advice on which to buy. I want to run: at least one refrigerator possibly a stand-alone freezerbasic lightinga few outlets a sum-pump. I also need to provide power to my heat in the winter Our heat is natural gas but it needs to be lit with the pilot light and I guess the thermostats need power. Preferrably diesel so we can store fuel safer. How many volts and watts do I need, what price range should I look for, and how many gallons of fuel would I need to be prepared for a good 2 days without power? Thanks- best answer gets the 10!

You need at least a 5KW, I''d start at a 7 KW. You need to read the specs to see how much fuel it consumes, most give a rating such as 9 runtime hours at 1/2 capacity. You would not need to run it all the time either, like maybe 1 hour on, 2 off, and off overnight. You would get a transfer panel installed, for youe sump-pump, furnace, appliances, and convenience circuits you require. Since you have NG, you can look into an NG powered generator.

Q:I have a diesel truck as well as a 25,000 watt diesel standby generator for my home. I'm curious if they will be affected should a solar flare zap us. I'm not too well versed in the whole solar storm issue.

Most solar storms don't affect us but occasionally intense electromagnetic disturbances can knock out communications or possibly even overload power grids. I wouldn't worry too much about your diesel truck. Not too sure about your generator but it's highly unlikely to be affected.

Q:Have a 15kw generator. Diesel. I want to upgrade without buying a whole new generator. Can I keep the motor and swap a generator hook up

The power of the diesel is matched to the electrical power rating. In theory, the Diesel requires 21hp to drive a 15kW output and is actually 25 (or more). The Diesel cannot deliver more electrical power. The oversizing of the prime mover (diesel) helps to absorb starting loads and prevent full throttle operation at rated output. In addition, specific exciter voltage is often drawn from the engine. The bell housing and couplings which join the engine to the generator are also likely to be specific. The chances of DIY improvement a slim.

Q:Does a current carrying conductor experiences a force onlywhen the current is in the same direction as the magnetic field?

Current carrying conductor will always experience force, weather the magnetic field is from external or self induced magnetic field. The reason I know this is because I have been involved in testing 50,000 watt diesel generator sets by applying a dead short (1000's amps) across the output. And have observed double (00) cables jumping on the laboratory floor (like a garden hose when you slam the valve shut).

Q:I am trying to settle a estate for a friend and there are 2 small generators to start

Onan is the name of a company that manufacturers generators. Usually small generators for emergency / camping /RV's. A small 8 - 15 hp gasoline engine and a generator. Either electric start or pull rope start.

Q:I get conflicting opinions from mechanics about extended shut-down.I am parked for 3 months and driving is not an option. Should I re-start my diesel engine weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or just wait the 3 months and re-start then? If so, should I just restart as normal?I do know when I re-start, I must wait until normal temperture is reached prior to shut down, this could take 20 minutes or longer with the rear mounted engine. The radiator covered from the outside will not warm-up as fast as a front mounted engine. Covering this radiator from the inside is not an option due to a shroud covering the fan.

if you are going to leave it sitting they can sit for more than a year and it will still run fine but the only question is the battery they can not stay fully charged so if not using then disconnect the positive side to the battery and when you want to use it just reconnect it this is the way i do to preserve the battery and for added protection add stabil (fuel stabilizer) to diesel if it is going to sit through the winter Edit : a battery charger is a good idea My parent's RV has a solar panel which keeps the battery fully charged but does not use the RV much 1 to 2 times a year had a stabil in it so far no problems but the generator is problematic cause it runs on gas so I had to start it every month to make sure there is no problems with it(run it for 1/2 hour) gas deteriorates faster than diesel even if it has stabil

Q:avr is automatic voltage regulator for power generators

If you mean the build-in pcb of a fuel/diesel generator which build-up voltage initially and then keep it stable under any load, then read this: First you need to see your generator minimum requirements to determine specs of AVR. You will probably found a label on generator with those Information: Ex. volt (maximum excitation voltage) Ex. amp (maximum excitation amperage) Your AVR output must exceed those specs. If generator is brushless type in most cases it does. Also input voltage of AVR must be the same as output of generator (ex. 110V110V, 220V220V). If generator is triple phase then you can do the same (ex. 380V380V, 440V440V) but if generator have output in star formation then you can use node for a smaller voltage of AVR (ex. 380V220V, 440V253V). If generator work in parallel operation (usually marine main generators does) then things get complicated. In this case AVR is good to support current transformer to make generator more elastic under load fluctuations and match other generators in the same circuit.