Often there are situations when the electricity is turned off for a while or there are places where electricity is simply not available. In such cases, electric generators are needed - devices that generate electricity.
They are indispensable for many home owners, busines, travelers, builders and even musicians. You need to choose an electric generator responsibly, because it is important that it works without breakdowns for several years.
What type of generator start is better?
Manual/Pull-Start start type is simple and budget. They are equipped with almost all generators. To start the engine, you need to pull the cable, wait for the necessary resistance, pull sharply and slowly release. Generators under 5 kW require little effort to start, however, generators that have a capacity of over 5 kW will require more effort.
Electric start is used in powerful and large generators. It resembles the classic version of starting a car engine by turning the key. Some models use a button instead of a key. Such a system is simple, practical and convenient, and most importantly, it works effectively under any conditions. However, generators with this type of start are more expensive, and the generator itself will need to be regularly maintained.
Automatic start type - a separate remote unit built into the power plant. This type is considered the most difficult. The generator can be started even without human intervention. The automation unit is connected to the city network and to the generator itself. So the automation unit monitors the performance of the network and in the event of a resumption of power supply gives a command to the generator to turn off. Generators with this type of start are much more expensive than the rest, and a specialist must install and maintain them.
What kind of power is there?
When choosing a generator, you need to look at the power. The power can be over 30 kW, medium up to 30 kW and small up to 7 kW.
Generators of low and medium power are used in an apartment, house or cottage, since a refrigerator needs 200 W to operate, a TV 250 W, a vacuum cleaner 1100 W. When calculating, it is necessary to take into account how much all the devices that need to be connected to the generator will consume.
Some devices, such as a refrigerator or a concrete mixer, consume more energy at start-up, so you need to lay this reserve. It is also desirable that the generator does not work at 100 percent of its capacity, but at 80. So it will last longer, and it will consume less fuel.
Which is better: single-phase or three-phase?
Single-phase generators are designed to power devices and equipment with one phase - voltage 220 V and frequency 50 Hz. These are light bulbs, electric kettles, televisions, refrigerators and other standard household appliances.
The three-phase generator is designed specifically for equipment that needs a voltage of 380 V to operate.
The principle of operation is as follows: each of the phases accounts for one third of its power. The cost of such generators is higher than single-phase ones. They are used for industrial equipment, as well as powering electrical appliances in huge offices, large country houses. The power of a three-phase generator is evenly distributed between the phases. So, with a total generator power of 9 kW, each phase will have a power of 3 kW, so a single-phase power consumer with a power of 4 kW cannot be charged.
Important: The load on the phases should be the same. The most important thing is that the generator is started when the load is disconnected.
What type of cooling is there?
The air type of cooling is budgetary, quite simple, so it is mounted at a generator with a power of up to 6 kW. The principle of operation is as follows: fresh air that passes between the heated parts of the device cools them. Therefore, it is worth mounting such devices in the open air or organizing ventilation.
Air-cooled generators are quite noisy and can be operated continuously for up to 7 hours.
Liquid type cooling can work for a very long time - about 20-30 thousand hours. Therefore, generators of this type of cooling can be used as the main source of electricity. A liquid-cooled device is more reliable and durable, and is also able to work smoothly in any conditions. However, you will have to change nozzles and filters, as well as descale parts.
How to reduce the noise level of an electric generator?
Many generators are noisy. If you have a large warehouse/premises, you can install the device in a separate soundproof room. If this is not possible, it is better to use special casings that suppress sound. Thanks to effective noise reduction, it can also be used outdoors, while taking into account the conditions of optimal temperature conditions.
Silencers can also be used to reduce noise levels. They are fairly easy to install and are inexpensive. The length of the entire exhaust system, including the muffler, must not exceed 3 meters, so as not to create a high back pressure of the exhaust gases. It is also necessary to provide for additional thermal insulation of the device, to limit the contact of combustible materials with it.
How to protect the generator from overloads?
It is also necessary to protect the generator from overloads, otherwise it may fail. In every modern generator there is a shutdown function when the limits of the power source are exceeded. A fuse or automatic fuse acts as a protection element - a more reliable and modern option.
To enhance the effect, a combination of different components is often used, since they have different response times.
Where to put the generator?
If this is a standby or emergency generator, it can be run outside. Noise can disturb neighbors, but its operation time is usually short.
It is important to install a canopy over the generator. If the generator is needed constantly, it is necessary to provide for it a special room in the house or in a separate unit. To protect the device from rain, snow or theft, it can be placed in a block container or a special casing.
The room in which the generator will be installed must be fireproof, sound-absorbing, so as not to disturb others, and it must also have ventilation or at least a window, as well as the removal of fuel combustion products.
Since many power generators weigh a lot, wheels are needed. They will help you quickly and easily transport the device from place to place. Wheels are especially in demand when a power plant is bought for installation and operation in various places.