Choosing a generator for a private house and cottage

How to choose the right power generator for backup power supply of a private house, cottage or summer cottage? In this article, we will answer the main questions you need to consider when buying a power plant.

How to calculate the required generator power?
Should I choose a 220 or 380 V generator?

Потужність – це один з найбільш важливих факторів при виборі електрогенератора. Потужність електростанцій вказується в кіловатах (активна, кВт) і в кіловольт-амперах (повна, кВА) і саме цей показник найбільш сильно впливає на вартість електростанції. Крім того, майже всі виробники вказують два види потужності: основну і резервну (номінальна і максимальна). При навантаженні, рівній резервної потужності, електростанція здатна пропрацювати недовго, це залежить від нагрівання двигуна, при цьому перевантаження не допускається. Тривалий режим роботи можливий при навантаженні від 30 до 70% від номінальної потужності з можливістю перенавантаження на 1 годину, один раз у 12 годин. При навантаженні менше 30% двигун внутрішнього згоряння не прогрівається, масло потрапляє в картер двигуна, паливо згоряє не повністю, утворюється нагар на форсунках і генератор починає сильно «диміти», вихлопні гази набувають характерний колір і запах.

In order to choose the right power generator, it is necessary to add up the power of all consumers that will be simultaneously started and operated from the power plant (must be indicated on the nameplates or in the passports of equipment and devices). When calculating, it is imperative to take into account the starting currents, because in some cases they can exceed the power consumption by 7-9 times. For example, the starting currents to start a pump or compressor are on average 3-5 times the rated power.

It is also important to understand whether your customers have equipment with 3-phase power supply. This will determine whether you need a single-phase or three-phase generator. If there is no such equipment, then a single-phase generator will suit you. If you choose a three-phase model, you will need to evenly distribute the load across the phases and avoid skewing them – a difference of more than 10-15% between the power consumption in each phase. At the same time, it will not be possible to connect a 1-phase consumer with a power of more than 3.3 kW to a 3-phase generator of 10 kW.

In conclusion, it should be added that the power plant capacity should be 20-30% higher than the total capacity of simultaneously operating consumers, as prolonged operation of the generator at the limit of capacity is extremely undesirable. If a diesel generator is used at a constant load of less than 20-30%, in addition to fuel consumption, this will lead to premature failure of the engine piston group.

Gasoline or diesel generator – which one to choose?

For backup and autonomous power supply of private houses, summer cottages and cottages, gasoline and diesel power plants with a capacity of up to 10 and 50 kW, respectively, are the most popular. Generators running on natural and liquefied gas (including gas/gasoline dual-fuel) are not widespread in Ukraine due to high requirements for gas quality (moisture and impurities), low autonomy, difficulties in designing, decorating, connecting to the gas network, and high cost. Therefore, let’s compare the main advantages and disadvantages of the main competitors – gasoline and diesel generators:

From the table, we can conclude that if you use a low-power generator (up to 5-7 kW) infrequently and for a short time, you should opt for gasoline models, as they will be cheaper. If you need a power plant with a capacity of more than 5 kW, and it will be used relatively often or for a long time without stopping, then you should consider buying a diesel generator. In the long run, it will be cheaper than its gasoline counterpart.

Startup systems

For small power plants, 3 types of start-up are used:

• Manual – used to start small gasoline power generators.
• Electronic – widely used to start both gasoline and diesel generators by pressing a button or turning the ignition key.
• Automatic – start of the generator with the help of the ATS system (automatic transfer switch) when the main power grid is disconnected.

Can I install a backup power plant outside?

Most mini-power plants are not designed for long-term use outdoors, as moisture and dust get on all electrical connections, sockets, and the battery, which can lead to short circuits and fire.

The presence of a cover does not guarantee complete protection of the generator from precipitation. Before buying a power plant, you should determine the place of its use or installation.

Diesel generators for main (autonomous) and backup power supply – what is the difference?

All air-cooled mini-power plants are designed to operate during short-term power outages. If this happens several times a year, then a resource of 1000 hours is an almost infinite service life, of course, with timely maintenance. It is also worth noting that household mini-power plants do not have any protection, except for oil temperature protection, and the quality of the output voltage (frequency, sine wave) leaves much to be desired.

If power outages occur frequently and for a long time, the noise level interferes with rest and neighbors, not all electrical appliances work correctly, and you are tired of periodically checking and charging the battery, then you should certainly pay attention to professional (industrial) diesel generator sets.

General components of the industrial version of the DGU:

• The diesel engine has a volume of about 2 liters, 4 cylinders, a rotation speed of 1500 rpm, liquid (antifreeze) cooling.
• Alternator (alternator) with electronic systems for regulating the output voltage and frequency.
• A control panel that monitors and displays all parameters and characteristics of the generator.
• Automatic coolant heating and battery charging – allows you to reach a stable operating mode in half a minute at temperatures down to -30 °C.
• The all-weather noise protection enclosure allows the diesel generator set to operate in any weather conditions, while the generator operation is practically inaudible at a distance of several meters (65 dBA).
• The electronic motor speed regulator allows for maximum smoothing of voltage fluctuations during significant load changes.

Such a generator has large dimensions and weight compared to household generators: on average, the length is about 2 m, the height and width are about 1 m, and the weight is 800 kg. The tank capacity of 90 liters allows, depending on the load, to work without refueling for 24 hours.

The difference in price between generators for autonomous and backup power supply is quite significant.

Diesel generators for backup and autonomous power supply of private houses from Dalgakiran Compressor Ukraine

Our company is a direct representative of the DALGAKIRAN plant (Turkey) in Ukraine, as well as an exclusive seller of premium diesel generators – TM Cummins. Today we offer diesel generators for backup and autonomous power supply:

• Single-phase DALGAKIRAN LDE7500E, with a rated power of 6 kW.
• Single-phase and three-phase DALGAKIRAN DJ-BD series with BAUDOUIN (France) induction motors with a rated power of 8 kW.
• Single-phase and three-phase DALGAKIRAN DJ-PR series with Perkins (UK) induction motors with a rated power of 7 kW.
• Three-phase CUMMINS diesel engines (Great Britain) with a rated power of 12 kW.

The standard official warranty for diesel power plants over 10 kW is 24 months or 1000 hours.

As the largest supplier of diesel generators in Ukraine, we have the widest network of service centers. Our branches with warehouses of original spare parts and repair shops are located in 11 major cities of Ukraine. And thanks to more than 50 service vehicles equipped with everything necessary, we respond to customer requests as soon as possible, perform periodic maintenance, warranty and post-warranty repairs.