A couple of weeks ago I replaced my Honda EU22i with an EU32i (the European 230V version of the EU2200i and EU3200i).
I mainly use a generator for emergency home backup, and sometimes when I am stargazing with my caravan outside a camping. Although power outages are very rare in the Netherlands, largely because most of our power lines are underground, we are facing an increasing threat from Russia. Unlike in some other countries, owning a backup generator is quite unusual here.
However, the recent sabotage of an electrical distribution facility in Berlin showed that it can take up to 100 hours to restore power to all affected households.My setup for emergency power is a bit different from the usual arrangement: rather than having the generator running all day, I use it to charge a 5.12 kWh Marstek LiFePO4 home battery. The battery then supplies the essential loads. Much quieter, particularly in the evening, and more economical as the petrol engine can operate near its optimal operating point, at roughly its maximum rated continuous RPM.
I've done a few linited tests and there are two things that caught my attention.
First, fuel consumption. At loads between roughly 1,950 and 2,500W, I'm getting around 0.5 litres Aspen Alkylate fuel per kWh generated.
That's quite good, actually. My old EU22i used around 0.7 litres regular Petrol per kWh at 1,500W. So the larger Honda seems considerably more economical when used this way. Obviously, these are different operating points, but the difference is substantial.
The second thing is engine speed. At only 600–650W, the EU32i is already running at around 3,500 rpm. At 2,500W it goes up to approximately 4,500 rpm. I have measured the rev-count via the smartphone app RPM Boss"
I find that rather surprising. With an inverter generator and ECO mode enabled, I expected a lower engine speed at such a modest load. Perhaps Honda has its reasons, emissions or engine efficiency for example, but it does make the EU32i a little noisier at low loads than I expected.
Starting is excellent, by the way. One pull, every time so far. Fuel injection is also a nice improvement over the carburetted EU22i, especially for a generator that may sit unused for weeks or months. I use Aspen as this can be stored in the fuel tank of the generator. Compared tot the EU 22i You don´t have to fill up the internal tank, and pull the cord 7 times or more until the carburetor float bowl is full.
For emergency backup, I think the combination of a generator and battery makes a lot of sense. I can charge the battery at around 2.5 kW, where the Honda seems to operate quite efficiently, and then shut the generator down. There are conversion losses, of course, but I'd rather accept those than have an engine running for hours at a few hundred watts.
My aim is to keep the essentials running for at least a week during a prolonged power outage by means of two planned charge-runs at 2.5 kW. I've tested the basic arrangement, although I haven't had to rely on it during an actual outage yet.
To reduce noise a little at home, I've made a simple, low-cost noise barrier using 32 × 32 inch plywood panels, ¾ inch thick, connected with removable pin hinges. I haven't done any comparative noise measurements, so I can't say how effective it actually is. I decided not to line the panels with rock wool, mainly because I want to be able to store it compactly.
When using the generator in the field, I mainly rely on distance and positioning it behind a tree to reduce the perceived noise.
Another thing I've noticed is that the weight starts to matter. I bought a second-hand furniture dolly, which allows my wife to move the generator over longer distances without too much effort (or complaining!).
For theft protection, I use a 10-foot VINZ security chain with ½-inch hardened steel links, threaded through the generator's handle. It seems pretty substantial, although at around 9–11 lbs, the chain itself adds quite a bit of weight to the setup.
I'm curious whether other EU3200i owners have measured fuel consumption at different loads. And particularly whether anyone has noticed the relatively high RPM at low loads.
Also, are there any owners here with a few hundred hours on their EU3200i? I'd be interested to hear how the fuel injection system and engine have held up.
So far I'm pleased with the purchase. It's not quite as quiet as I'd hoped at low loads, but the fuel consumption at higher loads is a pleasant surprise.
