subject: Types Of Generator With Steps To Calculate The Power Need [print this page] Generator is an electrical machine which produces electricity by converting the mechanical energy to electricity. It requires an internal combustion engine for carrying out its function. This engine is driven by gasoline or oil. Hydro-electric power generator produces electricity from a turbine which is powered by water or steam.
Types of generators
1.Standby generators They are permanently installed outside the home or a commercial premise and operate as the back-up electrical supply. Standby generators are connected to the electrical system to provide power once there is a disruption in the utility power flow. They require professional setup and a permit prior to installation.
These generators are driven by natural gas and are generally automatic. The capacity of the standby generator decides the number of circuits which can get power from the generator. The cost of the standby generator depends on its power capacity. Depending upon the total power need, the selection should be made.
2.Portable generators These generators are much versatile and are used for domestic and recreational demands like camping. 120-volt power outlets are provided with these generators. Higher models provide up to 240-volt power outlets. During the power cut, these generators supply power to your homes electrical system letting you plug appliances into these outlets. Portable generators are available in multiple features and their cost varies upon their power capacity and quality.
3.Inverters These are not necessarily generators but serve the same power needs in power cut. Conversion of the DC power into AC power is their main function. Inverters are available in different models and generally provide support to important home appliances. The more advanced inverters are integrated with lights and battery for the storage of power.
It is recommended that you estimate your power needs before you purchase an inverter. While the basic inverters provide power to low wattage appliances, the advanced ones are good for high power needs. Moreover, understand and calculate the run time of the inverter and its frequency of a recharge.
4.Propane powered generators As suggestive from the name, these generators run on propane. They are mainly used in places where the availability of gasoline is rare. With propane powered generators, propane reserve is kept to ensure the regular supply of power.
5.Inverter generators These generators are quiet and work for those places where loud noise is a concern. They are small in size compared to the other generators and are ideal for supplying power to the sensitive electronic appliances.
How do I calculate the power need?
Before you buy the generator for domestic or commercial use, understand the power need the generator needs to meet. You can measure the power for generator in two ways:
1.Starting watts/startup power This is the amount required by the equipments during their start and when they are running at their highest capacity.
2.Running watts This is the amount of wattage required by the appliances when they are running in a normal speed and under standard load.
Both standby and portable generators supply power based on their capacity. The model you choose plays an important role. For example liquid cooled standby model has a higher power capacity than air-cooled standby generator.
