Portable Generator Exhaust Hose
Can I run my Portable Generator Exhaust in a bucket of water to quiet it down?
I have a small, noisy, portable generator that I would like to be quieter. Could I use a hose going into a bucket of water to quiet it down or will that harm the engine?
Much of the noise from small engines comes through the engine housing. Reducing exhaust noise will help but it isn’t the only source. I’m not sure how you plan to do this in a practical manner. The heated exhaust gases will gradually boil off the water and the exhaust pipes will corrode badly. Use large diameter pipe to prevent excessive back pressure. If you prevent water from entering the muffler and back to the engine I can’t see any harm being done, but don’t really see much potential benefit to what you suggest either. If you put this together and it works well please let me know. Take pictures and I’ll add the information to my generator page listed below.
There are other techniques to reduce the effects of exhaust noise.
Choose an operating location as far away as possible. Note that a larger gauge wire is needed to reduce voltage drop as line length increases. Reducing line loss is required to minimize power loss and to ensure maximum power is available to the house. Lights will flicker less when heavy loads are attached.
Change the exhaust system. Noise from the Portable Generator Systems comes primarily from two sources, the engine block and the exhaust system. With an air cooled engine there is little you can do about block noise. Some engines can have a larger muffler attached or make other changes to the exhaust system. Merely mounting exhaust pipe vertically will noticeably reduce noise.
Build a noise shielding enclosure. This could be as simple as a piece of plywood to reflect sound away from the house to a separate shed to hold the generator. Design your enclosure with safety in mind. Provide adequate air circulation and ventilation to prevent heat buildup and to remove carbon monoxide.
If the noise bothers your neighbors, invite them over for coffee or offer to run line to their home to power the freezer or a few lights. Talk to them before starting the engine, ask they let you know if the noise is bothersome before they phone the police or harbor any resentment. A little diplomacy can go a long way.
Last resort, shut off the engine or buy a quiet generator.
Alpha Disaster Contingincies has an article called Quieten That Generator.
http://www.alpharubicon.com/altenergy/gensetquiet.htm
I have a picture of a larger muffler mounted to a Tecumseh engine on my generator web page.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html
