Cheapest backup power for house? Discuss.

[Mr. Mik]

A capacitor would only work if it was DC, I think.

 

[dak664]

Look at the AC voltage regulation section of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_regulator#AC_voltage_stabilizers, particularly the ferroresonant transformers. I would use one to power everything else and let the pump sag. Sola is a common brand. New ones aren't cheap, but there are a lot left over from the days of big iron computers.

 

[TylerDurden]

Look at the AC voltage regulation section of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_regulator#AC_voltage_stabilizers, particularly the ferroresonant transformers. I would use one to power everything else and let the pump sag. Sola is a common brand. New ones aren't cheap, but there are a lot left over from the days of big iron computers.

Don't forget to wear the hernia-truss...

P.S. IIRC, Big caps on the motor input help correct the phase and power factor?

 

[Link]

Is there a simple way of reducing the inrush current to an electric pump motor?

A really big inductor.

Alternately, you could do as others suggested and supplement the generator with a large battery/capacitor.