Buried generator?

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mdshunk

mdshunk

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Anyone have any cost effective ideas for installing a generator underground in a resi setting? A certain subdivision has covenants against permanent above ground generators, and the customer will not tolerate an indoor generator as his neighbors have. He wants it underground, which will necessitate a rather large fresh air/cooling intake duct gooseneck above ground, and an exhaust pipe. Anybody ever done one of these? Got any cost savings ideas to share? I'm at 48K right now with using a 15kw indoor generator and a precast vault.
 
I'm with dennis, seems like too many downsides to the underground generator
- sump
- flood/water cutout controls
- fuel leak cutout/controls
not to mention - suppose there was a fuel leak, the sump is going to be venting or pumping fuel out (epa violations ?) , and if the fuel were to somehow get up to battery height you have a bad situation,

I just can't see this as a viable installation in a pit (maybe for a complete underground complex) - the costs are going to get way high and the dangers of the installation (because it isn't going to be properly supervised or maintained) just seem crazy

let us know what you come up with ? this sounds like a real challenge
 
I have seen them put in vaults that looked more like tornado shelters. They had a stairwell on one end and a mechanical well on the other for cooling air and exhaust. They also had air exchange fans and sump pumps. They were landscaped around and hard to see.
 
mdshunk said:
Anyone have any cost effective ideas for installing a generator underground in a resi setting? A certain subdivision has covenants against permanent above ground generators, and the customer will not tolerate an indoor generator as his neighbors have. He wants it underground, which will necessitate a rather large fresh air/cooling intake duct gooseneck above ground, and an exhaust pipe. Anybody ever done one of these? Got any cost savings ideas to share? I'm at 48K right now with using a 15kw indoor generator and a precast vault.
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Have you consulted the building department in regards to the underground portion of your installation?

I myself have not seen a generator installed underground. If by chance this job goes through, I would love to see some pictures.
 
Marc S.,

That something my custmoers asked me the same thing and really i am not too crazy with this idea but i know it is do able but my conderastion is flood and lack of mantanice which i know pretty good precentage of homeowner don't bother check often especally if it is underground.

but masterinbama.,, have pretty much hit the nail with that one.

but my main conderation is the type of fuel that will raise a question.

Merci,Marc
 
got wheels?

got wheels?

Here in California, the EPA has its hands all over gensets, and it is very hard and expensive to get an EPA permit for a permanantly installed genset. I have a customer that does medical lab work, and needed a genset for critical freezers and test equipment. There was no problem getting a permit for a temp generator, so the customer bought a trailer mounted generator and we installed a cam lok setup, and the generator occupies a parking space next to the building. they only have to prove that the generator is not onsite for at least two months a year. They have another facility 12 miles away, so it goes on a road trip twice a year.
I guess what I'm getting at is buy a set of wheels and weld on a hitch

Brett
 
Tell the customer to consider solar-The rebates are high with all the benefits plus some of a generator. Evderybody loves a "green" installation
 
frogneck77 said:
Tell the customer to consider solar-The rebates are high with all the benefits plus some of a generator. Evderybody loves a "green" installation
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HUH? There is never any guarantee that solar will give you any amount of power at any particular time, short of a VERY expensive battery backup system.
 
I have been involved with several and all were a PIA..There are generator manufactures and after market manufactures that make totally quite engine generator sets might be the better solution for in house.

In ground units are likely to flood, pain to service, large hole for adequate cooling.

Upscale neighborhood seems they would have made allowances for generators.
 
Is this a noise or visability issue? How about a small, precast cesspool ring buried to ground level, forming a circular pit. Install genset inside the pit. Roof over like a gigantic wishing well, or freestanding cabana. Surround the pit with a railing.
 
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