Hi all,
I have an electric start generator and I plan to control it by using Arduino, relays, and stuffs. The idea is to auto start/auto stop the generator to recharge my battery bank (48V) located 3 feet away from the generator when it falls to a certain voltage level (which indicates its capacity).
The generator will recharge the battery bank by using the power outlet on itself. To auto start it, I understand after reading the manual generator that I need to control the choke, the fuel valve, the keystart switch, and put another switch between the generator and the charge controller for the battery bank because the generator can't start/stop when there's an electrical load.
Here's the logic flow that I can think of right now:
Arduino senses low battery voltage -> control choke -> control fuel valve position -> start the generator -> close the switch between the generator and the charge controller for the battery bank -> arduino senses optimum battery voltage -> open the switch between the generator and the charge controller for the battery bank -> control the fuel valve -> control choke -> Arduino continues to monitor battery voltage
Generator: DuroStar DS4400E | link
Having learned a bit about circuit I am new to this and essentially I need to know what parts do I need besides basic components like Arduino board and voltage sensor, how do I choose the right relays, etc, and where's the best place to get them, to make this plan fool proof.
I would really appreciate it if any of you guys can shed some light on this.
I'm excited to get started. Many thanks.
I have an electric start generator and I plan to control it by using Arduino, relays, and stuffs. The idea is to auto start/auto stop the generator to recharge my battery bank (48V) located 3 feet away from the generator when it falls to a certain voltage level (which indicates its capacity).
The generator will recharge the battery bank by using the power outlet on itself. To auto start it, I understand after reading the manual generator that I need to control the choke, the fuel valve, the keystart switch, and put another switch between the generator and the charge controller for the battery bank because the generator can't start/stop when there's an electrical load.
Here's the logic flow that I can think of right now:
Arduino senses low battery voltage -> control choke -> control fuel valve position -> start the generator -> close the switch between the generator and the charge controller for the battery bank -> arduino senses optimum battery voltage -> open the switch between the generator and the charge controller for the battery bank -> control the fuel valve -> control choke -> Arduino continues to monitor battery voltage
Generator: DuroStar DS4400E | link
Having learned a bit about circuit I am new to this and essentially I need to know what parts do I need besides basic components like Arduino board and voltage sensor, how do I choose the right relays, etc, and where's the best place to get them, to make this plan fool proof.
I would really appreciate it if any of you guys can shed some light on this.
I'm excited to get started. Many thanks.