subject: Power Generators: Types And Benefits [print this page] Since electricity is conveniently available to us, we often take it for granted. When a power cut or other electrical problems occur we are seriously affected. A power cut hinders our work. Besides providing the basic functions like light, fan and air conditioning, many major functions like the train service, or security systems of many organizations are run on electricity. Without electricity our daily life in motion comes to a halt. When we face an electrical problem generators serve as our savior. Power generators are devices which supply electricity by converting different kinds of energies such as mechanical, heat or chemical energy to electrical energy.
There are many different kinds of electric power generators which are available in the market. Before buying a generator you need to know how much power you need from the generator. The three basic kinds of electric power generators are:
" Backup generators- Backup generators normally work on gasoline, diesel, propane, biodiesel and natural gas. They provide electricity in case of power cuts. They can also be used to light up particular areas of the household where you might be having a wedding or a birthday bash.
"Construction/industrial generators- these are specially designed electric generators that are highly beneficial in construction sites and industrial organizations, and hence are used for large scale power production. They are used for providing power to different air compressors and power tools. Besides, they can also be used for supplying power for home-building or re-modeling homes. They use diesel and gasoline as fuel and they last for many hours before they need to be refueled.
"Green powered generators- in green powered technologies, natural sources are used to produce electricity. For example, the kinetic energy of running water is converted to electricity. In fact, water turbines are one of the most popular green technologies for producing electricity. Similarly, solar energy is also used for producing electricity.
Now let us focus on the advantages of some power generators working on different fuels:
Benefits of solar powered generators:
"Solar energy is free of cost.
" It is a clean and is available in abundance.
Benefits of diesel generators:
"Diesel generators do not make any grumbling noise.
"Diesel generators require low maintenance cost.
"Diesel generators are more reliable and rugged.
"Diesel generators consume lesser fuel per kilowatt of energy produced and hence are more cost-effective.
"Diesel is safe, easy to store and is cheap.
"Diesel generators, while operating, do not produce much heat as compared to other fuel generators. This increases their lifespan.
"Diesel is easily available. Thus, for remote areas, it is most convenient to buy diesel generators.
"They have a high market value. This allows you to easily re-sell your old generator.
Benefits of natural gas generators:
"Natural gas is a very energy-efficient fuel.
"Natural gas is a clean and cheap fuel to use. It neither emits any pungent odor nor does it give rise to any soot or ash.
"Natural gas is safe. It doesn"t cause any harm when inhaled in small quantity.
