Q:Hi -- looking for specifically Lister Petter Diesel Generator parts distributor in central Cal. Electrical parts -- cycle timers, a/c disconnects, etc.,. The main company (ListerPetter)is closed until after the 5th, and this machine powers my home, in the process of battery conversion project, and looking to finish this project between th holidays. THis is my hubbys endeavor -- I am just the messenger -- so I hope these questions make sense, please feel free to email me more details or anyhelp you think useful. Thanks everyone

Depending on where you live try the on line yellow pages. Especially in large farming areas, like Fresno or Bakersfield, Stockton etc. Their will be equipment parts shops that will help you find what you need if they do not have it.

Q:I was also wondering what you but in them for them to work (gas, electricity etc.)

Well just like electricity entering your house from the power company, the power from The power from your gas generator is the same thing. How much you run the generator is the same as running your light Or treadmill. However since power from the company is more steady and subsides, it's cheaper to be on the grid than to generate your own electricity especially with today's high gas prices.

Q:Effects on health, economy, business, the environment, etc.

diesel emits CO, NOx and particulates (dust). The CO and NOx make acid rains and the dust is an irritant to lungs. But, it runs ambulances and generators at hospitals. It transports goods to market. It runs tractors that grow and harvest food.

Q:I live in california, in the ventura count so anywhere close to there.

Cities, Counties, and States each have surplus equipment sales. I have seen diesel generators in our State Surplus Yard. Another place is OKorder. How large a generator do you want? I can find one and give you the link.

Q:I planned that the factory be fully mechanised. Public power supply is very poor. I wanted to purchase diesel generators but i have been advised by a friend that solar generators are more cost effective. Is solar a good source of energy to power such a factory?

Yes, it can be fully solar. Very power comsuming factories are autonomous. If you dont find how to, if you want e-mail me and i will put you in touch with some companies. For your info, some companies not only are autonomous, they resell power while they dont use it.

Q:Having lots of diesel fuel to make electricity (200-800KW)is it better to use a diesel generator or a steam turbine?(Remember : the only way to produce steam is burning diesel)Does anybody know how many KWh can make per 1000gal?

Diesel generators in the 200 to 800 kW range are very common. The cost of anything above 600kW gets pretty high, but the diesel engine is much less expensive than a steam or gas turbine. The advantage to a reciprocating engine vs a turbine is that a reciprocating engine can better react to varying load conditions. Although a gas turbine is generally more efficient than a piston engine, they can not react quickly to a change in load. You also have a lot of excess machinery to utilize the high shaft speed of a turbine. There is one answer that suggests that you count the number of energy transfers. This can be a valid point, but you need to take into account the efficiency at which you are transferring your energy and how much waste heat you can recover and put to good use. A standard diesel engine turns fuel into work at about 35% efficiency, with little chance of recovering any usable waste heat. A turbine converts heat energy into work energy at about 40% efficiency. However, in the case of the steam turbine, a heat exchanger can be used to remove energy from the exhaust and preheat the boiler water, thus requiring less energy input from the diesel fuel, provided the system is at a steady state condition. In practicality, but a diesel genset.

Q:ANDwhat kind is it? How many times have you had to use it? How many things could you run on it? How much did you spend? Would you buy one with more power next time, or is the one you have sufficient? What types of problems have you had with running it. Do your neighbors always ask to hook up to it?

If you have access to natural gas the best would be a unit that uses it as fuel. Advantages include - reliability, no refueling, automatic periodic testing, low noise, compact size, built-in weatherized cabinet. Disadvantage is cost. One must really think long and hard about installing a generator vs its cost/hassle. How many outages have you had in the last few years? how long have they lasted? how much inconvenience did you/would you experience? do you live in a winter area where you require heat? Do you have friends/family on the other side of town where you could seek refuge for a few days? I have lived in many areas of the world (including Florida)and never have felt the need for a generator. A refrigerator will hold food for about 12 hours - its freezer will hold food for days if unopened. If you do opt for a generator, I would size it to handle everything EXCEPT the air conditioner.

Q:Diesel trains use electric motors because the low-end torque is much greater than a mechanical drive drive train, I was wondering, since low-end torque is essential to starting with heavy dead weight, why more trucks and SUVs don't have electric motors on the wheels?

Diesel powered trains are hybrid vehicles because the diesel engine turns an electric generator and the electricity is used to turn an electric motor which drives the wheels. This technology is great if you don't need to worry about acceleration and braking speeds and don't have any weight limits, but SUVs and trucks have to travel over highways, bridges and roadways and blend in with other cars and trucks. While there are a few hybrid SUVs and light trucks being sold today, the technology is just not there yet to make it practical or affordable for all applications. Maybe sometime in the future

Q:How bout you??? According to physics traction is not dependent on surface area. I'm vehicles with extremely tall wheels that absorb energy from impact run more efficiently do to lower rotating weight and driven by direct hub drive dc motors powered by small diesel generator/ solar and battery reserve. What would this look like? Who cares about looks!

I haven't been in a physics class for 20 years, so don't know what those guys are talking about. I do know race cars need more traction than normal vehicles because of the maneuvering they do at high speeds, plus an engine many times more powerful than anything we would likely need. I think of road bike and mountain bike tires; the first is so much easier to propel than the latter, but isn't very good in the mud. Most vehicles don't need wide tires, but they are a macho factor.

Q:I Live way out in the country and have a diesel generator.I want to switch to nuclear because it could be cheaper. I have plenty of land to dispose of any nuclear waste.

I really appreciate your sense of humour, and all of the answers are worth reading Keep the Faith John