Champion 200914 generator running on natural gas
13The key components are:
- Garretson KN 039-122 regulator
- SE-5 90° fuel adjustment elbow (fits 3/8" I.D. hose)
- Whatever hoses/fittings you need to reach the gas supply
The Champion 200914 is a gasoline/propane generator. I cut off the propane regulator, and clamped the hose onto the SE-5 elbow instead.
I can charge my car at 20A (~2.2 kW) with this setup. Later, I was able to reach 24A (2.7-2.9 kW) by connecting the regulator directly to the carb (shorter black hose) and fine-tuning the choke lever. Choke makes air move through the carb at a higher velocity, and therefore suck more fuel.
The ideal volumetric air:fuel ratio is 23.9:1 for propane and 9.5:1 for natural gas, so an engine cylinder holds 93% as much oxygen when running on NG. Oxygen consumption is roughly proportional to power output, so the theoretical rating is 3150W * 93% ~= 2900W.