Portable generator as "Range Extender"

[bosshog]

I am new to this but isnt the common laundry plug that comes with the mobile connector 240 volts ?

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[cybercricket]

I am new to this but isnt the common laundry plug that comes with the mobile connector 240 volts ?

Yes, that's Nema 14-30, and it will push up to 24A. It doesn't do you any good though since a small generator won't have a 240V output. To use that plug to its full potential you need something like 5800W of continuous output from your generator, or to use it partially need some 240V output and reduce the amperage draw in the app.

 

[mongo]

Yes, but the actual amperage drawn by the connector depends on the adapter cable you're using. Official adapter cables for 120V don't support anything above 16A - so like Nema 5-20 is the beefiest Tesla offers, and it will push 16A max. To charge faster from a 120V source you need to buy an aftermarket adapter cable like the one I mentioned above, and it will only push 24A. I haven't seen anything beefier for use with 120V. Generators under 4000W typically don't provide 240V output.

https://shop.tesla.com/product/gen-2-nema-adapters

Minor point, but the charge connector reads the adapter to see what the max current is, then sends that information to the vehicle. The charger is built into the vehicle and controls the actual current draw.
(There is no pushing)

 

[cybercricket]

Minor point, but the charge connector reads the adapter to see what the max current is, then sends that information to the vehicle. The charger is built into the vehicle and controls the actual current draw.
(There is no pushing)

I was deliberately using those words to make the explanation a bit simpler. You're correct though.

 

[cybercricket]

Minor point, but the charge connector reads the adapter to see what the max current is, then sends that information to the vehicle. The charger is built into the vehicle and controls the actual current draw.
(There is no pushing)

I was actually thinking about this the other day - if the negotiation takes place on the basis of the max current only and not the voltage, then perhaps it would be possible to use the L14-30 adapter cable with L5-30 outlet via a simple adapter. That's something worth testing, as a dedicated L5-30 is more pricey and there is also second similar connector to consider (TT-30P)

 

[mongo]

I was actually thinking about this the other day - if the negotiation takes place on the basis of the max current only and not the voltage, then perhaps it would be possible to use the L14-30 adapter cable with L5-30 outlet via a simple adapter. That's something worth testing, as a dedicated L5-30 is more pricey and there is also second similar connector to consider (TT-30P)

I've wondered that myself. There is a current reduction for voltage drop while charging, but maybe not a N/L2 flag?

 

[cybercricket]

I've wondered that myself. There is a current reduction for voltage drop while charging, but maybe not a N/L2 flag?

Yeah, so I will try to test this in the coming days, will report back then. Easiest way is basically to make a custom L14-30 to L14-30 (or similar with L14-50) where one of the hots on output is actually wired to the Neutral on input, and second hot is just discarded. And then the question will be if the Mobile Adapter will be happy with such arrangement and will in fact advertise 24A@120V to the vehicle.

 

[mongo]

Yeah, so I will try to test this in the coming days, will report back then. Easiest way is basically to make a custom L14-30 to L14-30 (or similar with L14-50) where one of the hots on output is actually wired to the Neutral on input, and second hot is just discarded. And then the question will be if the Mobile Adapter will be happy with such arrangement and will in fact advertise 24A@120V to the vehicle.

Fun!
As far as I know, J1772 doesn't have a voltage indication, only current via PWM duty cycle.

 

[Crissa]

It doesn't do you any good though since a small generator won't have a 240V output.

Mine does. Just make sure what you buy does what you want. Most of the rest of the world defaults to 240v so there's lots of options.

-Crissa

 

[cybercricket]

Mine does. Just make sure what you buy does what you want. Most of the rest of the world defaults to 240v so there's lots of options.

-Crissa

Not sure how to comment on this without going into a lengthy post, but basically you're incorrect on multiple levels

 

[Crissa]

Not sure how to comment on this without going into a lengthy post, but basically you're incorrect on multiple levels

I'm gonna say your multiple levels can shove it.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:World_Map_of_Mains_Voltages_and_Frequencies,_Detailed.svg

And my generator does provide 240v. Dunno why you'd buy one that didn't if that was your application.

It also revs up and down based upon load. Nor is it very expensive. Tho I'd say definitely needs two people to lift it into a truck or a ramp.

-Crissa

 

[cybercricket]

I'm gonna say your multiple levels can shove it.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:World_Map_of_Mains_Voltages_and_Frequencies,_Detailed.svg

And my generator does provide 240v. Dunno why you'd buy one that didn't if that was your application.

It also revs up and down based upon load. Nor is it very expensive. Tho I'd say definitely needs two people to lift it into a truck or a ramp.

-Crissa

Yeah, you're doubling down but proving my point with this even more. Not going to debate you though

 

[Crissa]

Yeah, you're doubling down but proving my point with this even more. Not going to debate you though

...That I could buy a generator that does 240v and most of the world uses 240v?

If you had a point, you didn't bother to do anything but be spam.

-Crissa

 

[cybercricket]

I don't advise anyone to do anything like this below, just sharing what I've done and what the result was. I've made this hasty adapter with one hot, neutral and ground coming out of 14-50 and connecting to hot, hot and ground on 14-30.

I've then used the 14-30 adapter that came with the Mobile Connector and it was seemingly happy with this arrangement

 

[cybercricket]

Here is a quick update since it's camping season Made an adapter (can also buy it on Amazon for ~$30) for 5-30 to 14-50 for use with dual Honda EU2200 setup. Works as expected, pics below...

This is the pre-made cable: https://www.amazon.com/Parkworld-Adapter-L5-30P-14-50R-Charging/dp/B07K65FQ3K/

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