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Espresso Van Project

Postby bernie on Fri Dec 25, 2009 9:20 pm

Here is a link to some pictures I took yesterday of a 12.5Kw generator set being installed into the van we will be using as a mobile espresso bar. The genset will be driving a LaMarzocco 4gr Linea, Mazzer Supers, Fetco Brewer plus the hot water heater, refrigerator, a/c, lights, etc. It was a tight fit and I only bounced the set off the floor once. The idea is that in catering large crowds we need a lot of machine in a short amount of time and the 4group seems the best fit. I'm planning on putting in a cut-out on one of the brew boilers so we will only use it when we need it. Barry J. suggested a SSR instead of a humongous toggle. Makes good sense. All the equipment has been fitted at least once and pulled out for detailing of the work compartment.

http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/bernie10/for%20alt%20coffee/
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Postby AndyS on Fri Dec 25, 2009 10:20 pm

bernie wrote:Here is a link to some pictures I took yesterday of a 12.5Kw generator set being installed into the van we will be using as a mobile espresso bar.


Whoa, cool! That baby riding shotgun will keep you warm on cool nights!

bernie wrote: I'm planning on putting in a cut-out on one of the brew boilers so we will only use it when we need it. Barry J. suggested a SSR instead of a humongeous toggle.


An SSR will certainly work, although a conventional mechanical power relay controlled by a small toggle would be a tried-and-true alternate solution.
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Postby shadowfax on Fri Dec 25, 2009 11:49 pm

AndyS wrote:Whoa, cool! That baby riding shotgun will keep you warm on cool nights!


And if you shut the windows and doors, probably the last night of your life! :mrgreen:

Bernie, how much noise does it make when it's in operation? Quite a neat toy!
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Postby bernie on Sat Dec 26, 2009 12:51 pm

shadowfax wrote:And if you shut the windows and doors, probably the last night of your life! :mrgreen:

Bernie, how much noise does it make when it's in operation? Quite a neat toy!


This unit is rated at 71dB at 20ft. Obviously that depends on the surfaces surrounding the unit. Metal and glass tend to amplify the noise rather than damp it. We knew from the start that we would be adding sound dampening material to the compartment to help control the noise. Standing in the working compartment the noise isn't so high you can't work, but I wouldn't want to be in there too long. I do plan to buy the noise supression kit if needed after we run the exhaust through the roof and add some dampening material.

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Postby espressme on Sat Dec 26, 2009 1:26 pm

Just for grins,
As far as the exhaust from the generator goes, I have seen folks make a hollow tubing/ conduit flag pole to exhaust the gasses and noise about 15-20 feet in the air. It works well and reduces the noise to a hum. They even are allowed to run a generator in a rec vehicle park with quiet rules.
A very good place for a US flag with an Espresso flag below.
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Postby another_jim on Sat Dec 26, 2009 1:56 pm

There is something oddly fantastic about an American flag exhaust pipe. I'm just not sure whose fantasy; Dick Cheney channeling Andy Warhol?
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Postby bernie on Sat Dec 26, 2009 3:58 pm

espressme wrote:Just for grins,
As far as the exhaust from the generator goes, I have seen folks make a hollow tubing/ conduit flag pole to exhaust the gasses and noise about 15-20 feet in the air. It works well and reduces the noise to a hum. They even are allowed to run a generator in a rec vehicle park with quiet rules.
A very good place for a US flag with an Espresso flag below.
Best of the Season to All!
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Grand idea. Where can I find a flag of the Republic of "Spro?

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Postby Psyd on Sat Dec 26, 2009 5:10 pm

bernie wrote:Grand idea. Where can I find a flag of the Republic of "Spro?

Bernie


You could talk to Andy Newbom at Barefoot. He might let you use his design (not like all the other punters that just took the idea and ran...)

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this image is the property (I believe) of Andy Newbom at Barefoot Coffee Roasters, and was used to promote the Western Barista Guild Jam. Any inconsistencies with this information is completely my own inability to recall details....
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Postby bernie on Sun Dec 27, 2009 10:00 pm

Sorry. I'm trying to figure out how to resize and upload images from BreezeBrowser, which is the program I use to handle images.
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Postby Bluecold on Mon Dec 28, 2009 3:53 pm

Do you plan on insulating the boilers?
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