On , Roland Balke wrote to All :
RB> I would like to know where a person might find a generator in the 3-10 KW 
RB> range
RB>  110v AC that can run on alcohol. Being in a highly sunny area, the idea 
RB> of a 
RB> sun-driven still for night time power or cloudy days is VERY appealing as 
RB> a 
RB> backup. But you apparantly just cant take a PowerPony or other little 
RB> generator
RB> that runs on gasoline and pour in 160 proof ethanol; ethanol burns too 
RB> hot for 
RB> the engine , so I am told. Advice?
RB> 
Alcohol isn't as efficient as gasoline at lower RPM's, or so I am told.  
However, you -can- mix about 10% alcohol with the gasoline.  This will help 
conserve gasoline, as well as decrease emmissions.
At ratios above 10%, you start to have a cold starting problem, as well as a 
problem with accelerated deterioration of the rubber components in the fuel 
system.
It would probably be a good idea to richen the fuel/air mixture slightly 
using a "gasohol" mix.  The commercial fuel that I buy is 10% alcohol, and 
has given me no problems...daily driver is an '88 LeBaron with E.F.I. and a 
turbo.
On a related subject, is there any sort of gas turbine engine out there that 
is small enough to run a "personal" system?  Know that some of the military 
gas turbine setups can burn just about anything from heating oil to aviation 
gasoline...but the efficiency and longevity of the unit are severly 
compromised with "improper" fuels.
KLC
...This copy of ProBoard has been unregistered for 92 days!
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