Just a heads up, I'm out of electricity options in my rental. My landlord won't let me upgrade the panel, so I'm thinking of mining with a generator instead. I need about 3800W. Moving isn’t happening for a year or two. Can I use a gas generator in my basement without any ventilation? Has anyone even rented storage for this in Michigan?
Mining Power Solutions: Using Generators
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How do you even keep the temp down without a vent? Maybe set up a space similar to a warehouse?
block_bossMember
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#3Mar 15, 2023, 04:02 PM
Most household generators are designed for short-term use. Like a few hours a day max. You'll need to service them constantly. Also, do you need a permit for that gas generator?
Generators are super noisy. And let’s be real, the power they produce is pricey, probably not worth mining. Plus, the internal combustion engine needs oxygen. No vent? Doesn’t sound safe.
Right? Even a natural gas generator is gonna cost you at least 11¢/kWh. Better off finding a small warehouse to rent. Look for one with at least 400A three-phase power. You’d get a better electric rate too. Just check the rates first.
Wait, you only need an extra 3800W? That’s not too bad. You could swap the fuse in your panel without telling the landlord. I know it’s a bit dodgy but it's not like you're hurting anyone. And if it blows, it’ll just trip.
Why not just lower your equipment's power settings? You could save 20% power without losing much hashrate. Seems like a win-win.
My main breaker is 50A, but I’m already around 3000W with the breaker tripping constantly. No idea what's causing those spikes.
Dude, you’ll just end up dead from the fumes. Plus, your basement is gonna get hot like crazy. 3800W equals about 19000 BTUs. What are you mining with anyway? If it’s GPU rigs for ETH, this thread should be in alt coins.
Honestly, it's gonna produce even more heat than that. Most gas generators are only 25-30% efficient. So expect over 11 kW heat output. Lowering power on your machines seems like the easiest fix.
Yeah, that might work. Or just upgrade the breaker to handle more.
d14mond_altNewbie
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#12Mar 21, 2023, 08:12 AM
Using a generator for mining is not a good idea. You can't really run it 24/7. You'd need multiple generators if you want to keep it going. Plus, the noise is a real problem. Just find a better spot where you can get real power.
block_bossMember
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#13Mar 21, 2023, 08:57 AM
Noise can be managed, but generators need constant oil changes and check-ups. If you have gas tanks, oil barrels, filters and someone to maintain it, maybe it could work.
d14mond_altNewbie
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#14Mar 21, 2023, 01:45 PM
If it were me, I’d just rent a place where I can set up my rigs properly. Cutting power usage in half could lighten the load, but then you have two places with two internet connections and security issues. Better to find one solid spot.
block_bossMember
Posts: 35 · Reputation: 248
#15Mar 21, 2023, 07:43 PM
Every house has a limit on power consumption. Renting somewhere else could get pricey if you don’t have enough gear to use up the available power. I’m looking at garages too, they usually have low limits and cheaper rates.
I saw this generator that looks interesting but it’s not available yet. Could be useful for mining, I guess.
Here we go, another ‘free energy’ scam. Seriously?
Yeah, that’s gonna flop hard. If it worked, we’d see them everywhere.
Mining is complicated. Lots of moving parts in the process. Make sure to check the mining info before diving in. Using a generator could cost a lot just for fuel.
Check this link, it might be useful for miners.