should eco-throttle always be on?

Posted by ted on July 16, 2009, 9:37 am

I just read notes on the honda inverted eco-throttle at
http://world.honda.com/news/1998/p980629b.html

..."...Eco-throttle (load-dependant speed-control-type electronic governor)
This load-dependent speed-control-type electronic governor automatically
controls
engine speed to best fit load. This allows for effective engine control when
supplying
power to equipment requiring large amounts of electric power upon start-up..."...

all series from the 2000i to em5000i and eu6500is have this feature.

question is, should it always be in the "on" switch position and is there any
advantage/disadvantage if it is "on" and large starting loads are cycling?

Posted by vaughn on July 16, 2009, 10:04 am

  Turning the eco-throttle off will help the generator handle larger
starting loads.  Unfortunately, turning it off also throws away most of the
advantages of the inverter technology, because the engine will be running at
max RPM continuously.

Just as hybrid vehicle technology delivers its greatest advantages in city
stop-and-go traffic, generator inverter technology delivers its greatest
advantages with modest loads.  If you are planning on continuously running
heavy loads, buy a conventional generator.

Vaughn

Posted by ted on July 16, 2009, 10:48 am

vaughn wrote:

I tested a couple conventional generators and they did not maintain 120/240
volts but
the honda inverter did

Posted by Pete C. on July 16, 2009, 12:51 pm

ted wrote:

volts but

Define "maintain 120/240 volts". I suspect that you are expecting an
excessively tight tolerance from a small genset, probably tighter than
the tolerances allowed for utilities.

Posted by ted on July 16, 2009, 2:15 pm

Pete C. wrote:

115v on both legs, using conventional generator, 123v on both legs, using
honda inverter