Generators are invaluable devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, supplying power when traditional sources are unavailable or unreliable. They come in various shapes and sizes, from portable models that can be easily carried around to larger, stationary units that provide ample power for extended periods. Each generator type has its unique advantages and applications, making it crucial to understand your requirements before investing in one.
The use of an electric generator in a home, office or small industry can be a great advantage, especially in cases where the power supply is interrupted. Electric generators come in different models and designs, which can complicate choosing the most suitable one for our needs.
When it comes to generators, finding the right one for your needs can be quite a daunting task. With numerous options available in the market, each boasting a range of features and capabilities, making an informed decision becomes paramount.
Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming camping trip, looking for a backup power source during emergencies, or aiming to provide electricity for a remote construction site, selecting the perfect generator requires careful consideration.
For this reason, in the following guide, Altron Engineering will guide you so that you can choose the most appropriate generator.
What are electric generators?
Electric generators, also called generator sets, light generators or electric current generators, are machines that are responsible for converting the mechanical energy of an engine into electrical energy.
They are basically used as a backup for possible power outages or to generate electricity in places that do not have an electricity supply. There are countless current generators on the market with different characteristics and purposes, as we will see below.
Single-phase or three-phase electric generators?
Depending on the voltage they generate, we can divide electric generators into single-phase and three-phase.
Single-phase generators are the most used at the domestic level. These generate an output voltage of 220V. The offer of single-phase generators is limited to powers of 15 to 20 kVA maximum.
Three-phase generators are the most used for specific equipment that requires three-phase current and so are almost all high-power generators, from 15 or 20 kVA. These generate an output voltage of 380V.
It should be said that whenever we have a three-phase current we can obtain a single-phase current, although it is not advisable to purchase three-phase generators if our needs are single-phase since the performance will be much lower.
Conventional, Inverter or AVR generators?
Depending on the stability of the voltage of the electric current generated by the electric generator, we can divide them into conventional, inverter or AVR generators.
Conventional electric generators are the most common generators, they do not have any regulation system for the output voltage. They are the most economical and the voltage of the current they generate may not be very stable.
AVR electric generators are somewhat more sophisticated current generators, equipped with an automatic voltage regulation system that guarantees a more stable voltage than conventional ones.
Inverter electric generators are more advanced generators, which are designed to offer a high-quality current. They offer a very stable output voltage (similar to or even better than that supplied by the mains).
Diesel or Gasoline electric generator?
The most widely used electric generators on the market are basically fueled by gasoline or diesel. These gasoline-powered equipment are ideal for situations in which there will be little use and for non-prolonged periods, for example, for emergency situations. This is due to the fact that many of the gasoline-generating sets work with their engine at 3000 rpm.
This high speed of revolutions implies that its operation must be paused after use cycles indicated by its manufacturer, varying between 4 and 8 hours and also having an influence on the load applied to it. Regarding their advantages, they are cheaper, their repairs are less expensive, they are lighter and emit less noise in most cases.
Diesel current generators, for their part, are the most suitable for intensive and continuous use, especially diesel generator sets designed to operate at 1500 rpm. These generators are usually the most robust, and durable in these regimes. Usually, the generators of great powers are fed with diesel. Regarding its advantages, they have a longer useful life, consume less fuel and therefore have greater autonomy. They are ideal for continuous use.
Power of our electric generator
According to our needs, we must choose a generator that satisfies our electrical consumption, depending on the sufficient power for each case. For this, the appropriate power must be calculated. If we buy a smaller generator than we need, we could damage the generator or the equipment we are powering.
On the contrary, if we buy a generator that is much larger than necessary, we will have to assume a higher cost at the time of purchase, carry out maintenance and its fuel consumption will also be higher.
Noise level of an electric generator (dB)
The noise level produced by a generator is also quite an important variable to take into account. This depends on the engine, the chassis and the level of soundproofing. We must make sure to acquire a generator that suits our needs and provides us with the necessary acoustic comfort for our case.
Conclusion
So, take the time to research, compare options, and consider your specific requirements. Choosing the right generator is an investment that pays off in the long run, ensuring you have power whenever and wherever you need it. With the information gained from this guide, you are now equipped to make an informed decision and find the perfect generator to meet your needs.
Photo Credit: Generator Source