The test generator was loaded by a 3000 watt load and operated without and with the GenTent
installed to determine what effect the GenTent might have on the generator cooling.
Thermocouples were located at alternator and engine air inlet and outlet ports. The
thermocouples were connected to an Omega HH309 Data Logger Thermometer to record
temperatures while the generator was operating. In addition, a Flir i7 thermal imaging camera was
utilized to capture thermal images.
Thermocouples were located at the following ports:
T1. Engine cooling air port
T2. Alternator cooling air port at engine end
T3. Cooling air port on alternator at cover end
T4. Alternator cooling air underneath cover
The images below illustrate the location of each of the thermocouples.
Thermocouple location T1 (left) and T2 (right)Thermocouple location T3 (left) and T4 (right)
The generator was operated while supplying power to a 3000 watt load
both with and without the GenTent installed, for a period of at least
thirty minutes, while temperatures were recorded and thermal images
were obtained.
Dual heaters in operation
The 3000 watt load consisted of two oil-filled space heaters, shown in
the thermal image above. Each heater was connected to a
different generator receptacle to insure a balanced load for the
generator, then set to its highest heat setting. Power consumed by the
heaters was confirmed with a Watts Up? Pro power analyzer.
Heater 1 (left) and Heater 2 (right) wattage pull during operational test
Engine cooling air was slightly higher, but did vary ±3-4°F operating in either configuration.
Temperatures without GenTent (left) and with GenTent (right) during operational test
Likewise, little difference was seen in the thermal images:
Thermal Image without GenTent(left) and with GenTent(right) during operational test
As illustrated above, the GenTent was found to have no appreciable effect on the operating
temperatures of the generator.
