Community Forums

rbursek · 08-02-2011, 09:14 AM

I may have not worded it right but what is the power saving mode for, how does it work and when can you use it on Honda gensets.
TIA,
Bob

1ciderdog · 08-02-2011, 09:37 AM

I have a portable Honda generator with an Eono mode. This allows the generator to run at a lower RPM and then increase when or as a load is applied.
Safe Travels
Bob

alvinc · 08-03-2011, 11:03 AM

Traditional generators create the correct voltage and frequency by running the engine at a specific and controlled RPM. If the RPM varies the voltage and frequency of the output will vary.

Honda was one of the first generator manufacturers to use an inverter in their generators. Basically they have an engine that generates power and runs at an RPM that generates enough power. The special part of the Honda is that the engine powers an Inverter (converts low voltage DC to specific AC voltage and frequency for output). The inverter produces 120 VAC at 60 cycles and it does this regardless of the engine RPM. If more power is needed the engine controller will increase the engine RPM.

The affect of this engine/inverter is that the engine can operate at a low, less noisy, RPM if the power requirements are low.

The reason for the ECO-mode switch is to be able to turn the low RPM capability off. Why would someone want to do this? If the load is intermittent, the engine RPM will bounce up and down with the load. This may effect the stability of the power and is a bit annoying to listen to. The generator will be noisier but it will be a consistent noise, not varying.

TXiceman · 08-03-2011, 06:19 PM

Some large loads will not work well with the ECO setting. When the generator is hit with the large load, it takes some time for the engine to load up enough to handle the power. The load may bog the generator down to much and trip the generator or possibly damage the load.

Ken

alvinc · 08-03-2011, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Some large loads will not work well with the ECO setting. When the generator is hit with the large load, it takes some time for the engine to load up enough to handle the power. The load may bog the generator down to much and trip the generator or possibly damage the load.

Ken

Well said.