Electric Generator is commonly used as backup systems in several residential and commercial areas. These types of generators work on the principle of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy with the help of a motor. Separate electrical circuit provides the flow of electrons into the windings of the generator. Conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy is done with the assistance of a turbine steam engine, wind turbine; hand crank compressed air, internal combustion engine or energy of falling water is tapped through a water wheel or turbine.
Today power cuts are frequent. You cannot afford to lose business because of a power cut. Hospitals particularly may face life threatening situations as many life saving medical equipments work on electricity. Hence, in recent years the demand for standby and portable generators has increased manifold.
Size and voltage is an important factor to consider before buying emergency equipments. Electric generator can be divided into four categories, recreational, standby, portable and commercial.
The recreational generators are usually used for RV's that is recreational vehicles particularly used for camping. Camping is mostly done in remote places and apart from the battery backup of the vehicle additional power is required to light up some basic appliances and devices that the modern RV's are equipped with.
Two types of recreational generators are available, 1000 watts and 2000 watts. The 1000 watts equipment will aid in running only about one or two appliances like coffee maker or toaster and 2000 watts should ideally help in running multiple appliances.
Recreational generators cannot be used at home due to limited capacity. Portable generator that comes in medium, large and extra large sizes is a good option. These are for purely emergency backups. They vary from 3000 watts to 10,000 watts in power. A 3000 watts medium sized generator will only supply power to tube lights, fans, furnace fans, refrigerator and some more small appliances but not to air conditioners. Principally for central air conditioning, you would require 9000 to 10,000 watts electric generator.
Standby generators are constantly plugged in with main utility supply line, consist of an automatic on and off switch, which keeps you tension free from keeping a check on fuel or gas levels unlike portable generators. While buying standby generators it is imperative to check the number of circuits and wattage required for various types.
Three kinds of standby devices are available in the market with varying potency like powering whole house, essential circuits and smart circuits. The wattage requirement varies from 8 KVA to 48 KVA and starts from utilizing 8 to 16 circuits to complete circuit board respectively. Standby electric generators are considered to be the best today for residential use.
For commercial employment, large sized generators are used that are usually tailor made as per requirement. Large offices and commercial centers typically use this type of generators. These generators work on three phases and exploit diesel or natural gas. Natural gas is a better source as it produces less exhaust waste and is less noisy. Electric generator that best suits your needs is the one that is compatible with your incoming utility voltage.
No comments:
Post a Comment