Generac Power Systems 0661-5 - Manual (Page 21)

COOLING AND VENTILATING AIR
It is absolutely essential that an adequate flow of air
for cooling, ventilating and engine combustion be sup­
plied to the generator set. Without sufficient air flow,
the engine-generator quickly overheats. Such over­
heating can cause serious operating difficulties and
may also cause fire and personal injury. The installer
must make sure that sufficient air is available to the
generator for cooling, ventilating and combustion. The
installer must also provide for a path for exhausting
the cooling air to the exterior of a compartment, if so
equipped.
DANGER: Never use discharged cooling air for
heating or permit such air to enter the vehicle inte­
rior. This air contains deadly carbon monoxide
gas and other poisonous, flammable or explosive
gases.
GENERATOR AIR FLOW
Engine operation drives cooling fans for the 2-stage
cooling air system. A pressure fan draws cooling air
into the top of generator and into the side of the con­
trol panel (Figure 20). This air flow cools the engine-
generator and electronic components. The second
part of cooling system, a suction fan, draws air that is
heated from a hot engine into a collector pan at the
base of the unit. This heated air (although cooler than
exhaust muffler) is directed across the muffler to cool
it. The heated air flow is then deflected out the bottom
toward the ground.
Figure 20 — Air Flow Through Engine-Generator
COOLING AIR INLET OPENINGS
Ideally, you should provide three air inlet openings,
whether the generator is housed in a conventional
compartment or not. Two of the openings should be
10 square inches and located as shown in Figure 21.
The third opening should provide for a minimum of 40
square inches unrestricted and be located lower on
the compartment door.
NOTE: Screening, louvers, or expanded metal that
cover air openings restrict air flow that you must com­
pensate for by making the actual air opening propor­
tionately larger. See “Compensating for Restrictions.”
Figure 21 — Air Inlet in Compartment Door
10 SQUARE INCHES
(OPTIONAL OPENINGS)
40 SQUARE INCHES UNRESTRICTED
(MINIMUM OPENING)
For conventional compartment mounted units, the air
inlet is generally provided in the compartment door.
IMPORTANT: IF YOU PLAN TO INSTALL THE GEN­
ERATOR IN A COMPARTMENT, BE SURE TO
LEAVE AT LEAST ONE (V) INCH OF CLEARANCE
BETWEEN THE GENERATOR AND COMPART­
MENT WALLS AND CEILING. INCLUDE 26 GAUGE
GALVANIZED STEEL LINING AND SOUND INSULA­
TION WHEN YOU MEASURE FOR THIS 1 INCH
CLEARANCE.
When the unit is installed on a suspended mounting
system, one of several different methods of supplying
air flow may be used as follows:
• Provide a door in the vehicle skirt having an air inlet
opening (Figure 22).
Figure 22 — Suspended Mount; Inlet Door
19 —