Power Tech Generators PTS-15, Operator'S Manual

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GENERATOR COMPARTMENT SIZE
In planning the size of the generator compartment or bay allow for the minimum clearance
necessary to adequately cool the generator set. The thickness of insulation and sound deadening material
used to line the compartment must be taken into consideration when planning this clearance. To
maintain minimum clearance it may be necessary to enlarge the compartment. The generator set must be
securely fastened to avoid unwanted movement from vibration and road shock. If the unit is equipped
with a mounting tray the tray is usually supported on the ends by angle iron and has a full door for
service access. Be sure to use all mounting holes in the tray to secure the tray to the vehicle support
structure. Units not equipped with mounting tray are secured by attaching Genset mounts (two in front,
two in rear) directly to the vehicle frame. Skid mounted units can either be affixed to a tray for tray
mounting or attached directly to the vehicle frame. The generator is easily removed from the coach if a
carriage with rollers is incorporated into the support structure. When designing the compartment allow
sufficient access for routine maintenance and for removal when major service is required. Also keep in
mind that the compartment door must have air intake opening having a free area equal to or greater than
that specified under the “Air Requirements” section of this manual. Make sure that the compartment is
vapor tight and completely sealed off from the inside of the vehicle to prevent exhaust or other items
from entering the vehicle. Avoid road splash and the possibility of igniting combustible materials
beneath the coach by enclosing all unnecessary free space beneath the generator compartment.
Line the compartment with a good sound deadening material. The material selected must be
fireproof or highly fire resistant. An available type of 3-layer foam material is very efficient for
absorbing sound. This type of material is easily cut to size with scissors and can be quickly installed
using special fire resistant adhesive which bonds the material to almost any clean dry surface. Other
materials such as fiberglass insulation with heat barrier have also been used successfully in mobile
installations.
NOTE: Since a Genset is flexibly mounted the minimum clearance of one inch (2 inches at the radiator
end) will assure that the sides of the compartment and the set will not rub while the set is in operation or
while the vehicle is in transit.
COMPARTMENT FRAMING
The generator must be bolted to a metal frame, which is either bolted or welded to the frame of
the vehicle. This frame must be designed to withstand a minimum force of 5Gs in any direction. The
frame must support the entire base plate around the outer perimeter and center section. Additional
framing may be required if excessive vibration occurs.
AIR REQUIREMENTS
Each engine is equipped with a high water temperature shutdown switch, which will
automatically shut down the set if the operating temperature climbs too high. To prevent the generator
set from shutting down make sure the compartment openings are large enough to allow adequate
circulation of cooling air. The minimum free air opening in the compartment door is 400 sq. in. or 2580
sq. cm. Remember that louvers, screens and protective grills will restrict airflow. A relatively open mesh
screen will restrict airflow as much as 45%. The intake opening must be increased to compensate for
such restrictions.
NOTE: Ambient temperature is defined as the generators normal operating temperature within its
mounting area. In an RV application this area is referred to as a compartment or bay.
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