Honda EU2200i first use

[Back2PA]

Fired up the new generator today, a slightly upgraded version (2200 watt surge vs 2000) to the many that are out there. Let it idle for about 15 minutes, then plugged in RV: carried the converter, lot's of lights, fridge and hot water on electric (although don't know if either was actually cycled on during the test) and a freezer all while at low idle. There are many reports of people using the MicroAir unit to run up to a 15K BTU AC on a 2000W generator, and it had been my intention to put one on the rear (ducted) AC for the very infrequent time I might want AC in a dry camp situation. However I recently read several reports that people were successfully running a 13.5K BTU AC without the MicroAir, so I gave it a try. Turned off the converter breaker, and fired up the AC, started and ran no problem, no overload alarm and voltage holding at 122. For giggles I flipped on the converter, and as expected the generator surged and kicked off.

So, I'm thrilled with this little genny. Will easily run anything I need (with some manual load shedding) and even  the AC or dryer if I'm so inclined. Two thumbs up  ) )

 

[jackiemac]

We couldn't get AC to work with generators at elevation until we installed the Micro Air then it worked fine. Glad you don't need to spend any extra cash!

 

[Larry N.]

What's your elevation, Scott? I suspect you'll find a different behavior when up a few thousand feet, kinda like what Jackie referenced, especially on a hot day (higher density altitude, that is, lower air density).

 

[Back2PA]

We couldn't get AC to work with generators at elevation until we installed the Micro Air then it worked fine. Glad you don't need to spend any extra cash!

Yes that's true, I read that the performance decrement is 3.5%/thousand feet above 500 MSL. I'm currently only at 150 feet so probably enjoying a 1% boost. I'll have to try it this summer where I'll be at 1,200 feet and see if it still works

Edit - was typing the answer as you posted Larry

 

[Larry N.]

1200 ft. is probably OK, Scott but 5,000 feet, or perhaps a bit lower, will get marginal, I suspect.

performance decrement is 3.5%/thousand feet

Chances are that's density altitude, so even at a given altitude it'll be worse on a hot day. This is true for all normally aspirated (not turbo charged) internal combustion engines. Note that standard altitude (the usual performance rating) at sea level is at 59? F (15? C), while at 5,000 ft. it's 41? F. Note that at 59? F at 1200 ft. and barometer at 29.92" Hg and 0% humidity, the density altitude (what the engine thinks it's at) is 1482 ft. At 95? F the D.A. is 3735 feet. Change the humidity to 55% at 95? and D.A. becomes 4138 ft.

Change to 5,000 ft. at 59? F and 0% and 29.92 for altimeter setting (barometer corrected for altitude) and D.A. is 6289, while at 95? and 0% D.A. is 8782 ft.

Hopefully this will give you a hint where you might encounter problems running the A/C on that unit.

 

[IBTripping]

Congrats on your getting a top quality and very quiet generator. You'll be one cool dude on those hot summer days.

I was considering a similar size generator and micro air or an a/c capacitor upgrade. But, finally decided to bite the cost bullet and got a 3100 inverter generator. But, boy is it heavy compared to your lightweight Honda. Lifting it, I discovered that I'm not as young as I once was. What a surprise! 

 

[Back2PA]

Chances are that's density altitude, so even at a given altitude it'll be worse on a hot day.
Hopefully this will give you a hint where you might encounter problems running the A/C on that unit.

Thanks Larry. Re density altitude,  ) (retired pilot  )

 

[Back2PA]

I was considering a similar size generator and micro air or an a/c capacitor upgrade. But, finally decided to bite the cost bullet and got a 3100 inverter generator. But, boy is it heavy compared to your lightweight Honda. Lifting it, I discovered that I'm not as young as I once was. What a surprise! 

I went back on forth on what to get, and also what brand. Seriously considered the competitors to the Honda and decided I wanted something that wouldn't represent a compromise, especially since I might occasionally need everything it had.
Thought about a bigger one, and pretty quickly dismissed that idea for the weight issue, No way I'm huffing 100# in an out of a compartment, especially when 90% of the time I'll be charging batteries.

 

[jackiemac]

At least you're a "cool dude" at last.....  ;D

 

[Back2PA]

At least you're a "cool dude" at last.....  ;D

It's been a long wait....  :-\