I am thinking of constructing my own WVO/WMO fueled power station, wich would consist of a 1.5 or 1.6l NA engine spinning a large 3-phase motor set up as a gen...it would sit in a shed and be running mostly 24/7/365... im assuming the 1.5 would use less fuel in this application? but theres a 1.6 on CL local that im tempted to get...what is the most efficiant rpm range for these engines? any other thoughts or precautions from anybody on this?
I would say it would be best to use a 1.6, mainly because if something breaks.. parts will be a little bit easier to find
I have measured (very roughly) the amount of fuel consumption over time with a 1.6 n/a at idle.. I used 200mL for 30 minutes of idling, with the engine at operating temps.
0.4L/h or ~0.132086026 US gallons every hour at idle. if these things can produce 45-50mpg at 25-2800rpm.. they should return outstanding numbers at 16-2000 where I would run it to take advantage of the torque curve..
sounds fun!
the peak of the torque curve is about 2500-2800 if i remember right. its not as low as a normal big diesel engine. these engines still have alot of gasser characteristics. they are based from a gasser.. and every properly timed 1.5 ive seen will get way better economy than the same 1.6 would. my grandpa used to get 50+ easy with his 1.5 engines, now he has a 1.6 in his caddy and struggles to get 40 out of it. my 1.5 also got quite a bit better economy than my 1.6td did. i would take a n/a fuel pump and swap in an 8mm eco diesel pump head in it. should use even less fuel yet that way.
another thing, 1.5's arent really hard to find parts for, unless something big and important breaks or goes wrong. like when you overboost your engine and crack the end off the block. lots of 1.5 and 1.6 parts are interchangeable.
Im pretty sure the normal RPM of this motor/generator is 1750, like most AC electric motors...so id probably be running it around 1800 for it to function as a gen. and then the engine speed can be changed by selecting pully size of corse.