Battery Charging using Variable speed generator 2

[Dawsonh4]

Hi All,

I am working to replace an on-site diesel generator that currently charges a bank (9) of 12V car batteries. The batteries mostly power measurement devices on location. I am hoping to replace the diesel generator with an expander/generator combination that uses on-site natural gas as the prime mover. The gas is being produced at 1,200 psi and is cut down to 100 psi to enter into a pipeline. The pressure drop is what spins the expander/generator. The generator connected to the expander is a AC 240V, 2,300 watt.

A big wrinkle in this process is that the prime mover has a variable pressure inlet. Most cases (~90% of the time) it is regulated down to 500 psi and allows the generator to spin at ~55Hz. However, depending on upstream processes the inlet pressure can drop to ~200 psi which causes the generator to spin at 20Hz.

I have two questions:

1) How would I go about using the generator to charge the 12V car battery bank?

2.) Would it be better to charge something else (lithium ion)

I know very little about electronics so I apologize if I am missing any major detail. Always happy to clarify more. Appreciate any help.

 

[waross]

I give up.

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Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!