Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Sometimes we don't collect enough solar energy to recharge the battery bank. This is when we need a generator to help. Military generators are built very well. They are designed for harsh environments and continuous run times at full load. In this video, we will be testing an Army MEP-813A model. It's a diesel, four cylinder, 1800 RPM, liquid-cooled, 10kW model. The only problem is that it's 400 hertz! Our homes use 60 Hertz sine wave from the grid. So, how can we utilize a 400 hertz model?
I'm testing an idea in this video. I'm going to convert the 400 hertz, 3-phase, power from the generator into high-Voltage DC, around 280 Volts DC +/-. This will then be fed into a Solar MPPT charge controller to recharge the Lithium battery bank. I'm using a full bridge rectifier and filter capacitor for this.
Two questions: 1. Does it work? and 2. How fuel efficient is this? So, as part of the test we will do a fuel economy test. This is done by consuming a fixed one gallon of diesel fuel at the generator. Then, I'm measuring the power going into the battery bank using a Victron Smart Shunt. There are losses in the wiring, rectifier, and charge controllers. All the losses are included since I'm measuring with the shunt just before the battery.
If you have a normal (60 Hertz 240V) generator, then I recommend using the EG4 Chargeverter. Link below.
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If you would like to purchase a used military generator from Chris, contact him here: mepgenerators@pm.me
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Signature Solar affiliate links:
Discount code: DAVIDPOZ50
MPPT Charge Controllers: signaturesolar.com/eg4-solar-charge-controller-mppt-500voc-100a-mppt100-48hv/?ref=4_rHcgZ9x-TiF-
Chargeverter: signaturesolar.com/eg4-chargeverter-gc-48v-100a-battery-charger-5120w-output-240-120v-input/?ref=4_rHcgZ9x-TiF-
EG4 LL-S Batteries and Rack kit (new version) 30.72kWh: signaturesolar.com/eg4-ll-s-lithium-batteries-kit-30-72kwh-6-server-rack-batteries-with-pre-assembled-enclosed-rack-with-door-wheels-busbar-covers/?ref=4_rHcgZ9x-TiF-
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Amazon Affiliate Links:
Victron Smart Shunt: amzn.to/3GDLImQ
Full Bridge Rectifier: amzn.to/4cXbFd0
Busbars used on the 3-phase side: amzn.to/4k7Tns5
Busbars used on the battery side: amzn.to/3GC4vPc
Ring terminals: amzn.to/44gIO14
Hydraulic Crimp Tool: amzn.to/3Ywi1Ky
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
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Links to non-affiliated products:
Capacitor: mouser.com/ProductDetail/KEMET/ALS70A102KF630?qs=W%2FMpXkg%252BdQ45fQ6%252B%2FYh%252BoQ%3D%3D
Capacitor bracket: mouser.com/ProductDetail/Cornell-Dubilier-CDE/VR8?qs=0r35cIPu56Eq4pukNQTnTQ%3D%3D
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Disclaimer:
My videos are in no way intended to be instructional "how-to" lessons. I am simply documenting my project for informational purposes. Property damage, personal injury, or death may result, even when following manufacturer's instructions. I cannot be held liable for such damage or injury. It is YOUR OBLIGATION to ensure that you are complying with any local and federal laws as well as code and permit requirements.
David Poz, LLC
Sometimes we don't collect enough solar energy to recharge the battery bank. This is when we need a generator to help. Military generators are built very well. They are designed for harsh environments and continuous run times at full load. In this video, we will be testing an Army MEP-813A model. It's a diesel, four cylinder, 1800 RPM, liquid-cooled, 10kW model. The only problem is that it's 400 hertz! Our homes use 60 Hertz sine wave from the grid. So, how can we utilize a 400 hertz model?
I'm testing an idea in this video. I'm going to convert the 400 hertz, 3-phase, power from the generator into high-Voltage DC, around 280 Volts DC +/-. This will then be fed into a Solar MPPT charge controller to recharge the Lithium battery bank. I'm using a full bridge rectifier and filter capacitor for this.
Two questions: 1. Does it work? and 2. How fuel efficient is this? So, as part of the test we will do a fuel economy test. This is done by consuming a fixed one gallon of diesel fuel at the generator. Then, I'm measuring the power going into the battery bank using a Victron Smart Shunt. There are losses in the wiring, rectifier, and charge controllers. All the losses are included since I'm measuring with the shunt just before the battery.
If you have a normal (60 Hertz 240V) generator, then I recommend using the EG4 Chargeverter. Link below.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to purchase a used military generator from Chris, contact him here: mepgenerators@pm.me
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature Solar affiliate links:
Discount code: DAVIDPOZ50
MPPT Charge Controllers: signaturesolar.com/eg4-solar-charge-controller-mppt-500voc-100a-mppt100-48hv/?ref=4_rHcgZ9x-TiF-
Chargeverter: signaturesolar.com/eg4-chargeverter-gc-48v-100a-battery-charger-5120w-output-240-120v-input/?ref=4_rHcgZ9x-TiF-
EG4 LL-S Batteries and Rack kit (new version) 30.72kWh: signaturesolar.com/eg4-ll-s-lithium-batteries-kit-30-72kwh-6-server-rack-batteries-with-pre-assembled-enclosed-rack-with-door-wheels-busbar-covers/?ref=4_rHcgZ9x-TiF-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon Affiliate Links:
Victron Smart Shunt: amzn.to/3GDLImQ
Full Bridge Rectifier: amzn.to/4cXbFd0
Busbars used on the 3-phase side: amzn.to/4k7Tns5
Busbars used on the battery side: amzn.to/3GC4vPc
Ring terminals: amzn.to/44gIO14
Hydraulic Crimp Tool: amzn.to/3Ywi1Ky
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Links to non-affiliated products:
Capacitor: mouser.com/ProductDetail/KEMET/ALS70A102KF630?qs=W%2FMpXkg%252BdQ45fQ6%252B%2FYh%252BoQ%3D%3D
Capacitor bracket: mouser.com/ProductDetail/Cornell-Dubilier-CDE/VR8?qs=0r35cIPu56Eq4pukNQTnTQ%3D%3D
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer:
My videos are in no way intended to be instructional "how-to" lessons. I am simply documenting my project for informational purposes. Property damage, personal injury, or death may result, even when following manufacturer's instructions. I cannot be held liable for such damage or injury. It is YOUR OBLIGATION to ensure that you are complying with any local and federal laws as well as code and permit requirements.
David Poz, LLC
