-> > has done this before.  No sense re-inventing the wheel...
-> >
-> > Yes, I would intend on heating the house with the reject heat.
-> > I wonder if a catalytic converter would work on natural gas?
-> > The heat that throws off would be a bonus for very little loss.
-> >
-> > I am looking at a V8 for a couple of other reasons.  An engine
-> > with a larger number of cylinders is usually smoother.  And,
-> > the V8 design is inherently balanced.  A four usually isn't.
->
-> If you're not wanting to reinvent the wheel, you should probably
-> copy what others are doing along these very lines. They generally
-> use small water-cooled engines, 2, 3 or 4 cylinders. Use the
-> induction motor to start the thing, and use that for the electrical
-> part of the co-generation.
It's pretty much a "use what you have" deal.  I am very familiar
with the Chevy 350, and there are a lot of the specific parts
available like the small-port, small-combustion-chamber heads for
high compression, without the need for domed pistons that mess up
flame propagation.  Roller valve train components for friction
loss.  And, most of the smaller engines want a higher RPM.
-> You don't need a catalytic convertor; the
-> engine will be pretty efficient because it's runnin at a higher
-> specific load than your V8 idea. You would probably want marine-type
-> exhaust manifold to extract the heat from that area
I'm looking at the catalytic convertor only to make sure I've extracted
every bit of heat value from the natural gas.  And, they are cheap at
the parts yard .
-> Vibration and noise are not a concern in these applications because
-> it's pretty straightforward to suppress. Put the engine on a
-> concrete foundation, with vibration-absorbing pads under it, and
-> build a soundproof box around it. You should be able to get it as
-> quiet as a typical central A/C condensing unit.
I was thinking of making a sub-chassis for the unit, and mounting
that on coil springs, in turn mounted on rubber isolators.  Then
to the concrete floor.  Have not thought much about the use of the
generator as the starter.  Will consider that!  Have thought about
using a rubber timing belt step-up between engine and generator.
Goodyear just came out with a timing belt with cogs in a herringbone
shape for noise reduction, and self-alignment.
-c-
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