How to choose the right electric generator

The article will focus on autonomous power generators, i.e., those that have an engine as an autonomous power unit. Such electric generators are the most versatile and popular. In most cases, they are used as backup power sources, but sometimes, where the power supply is too expensive, they are also the main power source. How to choose the right electric generator so that, on the one hand, it fully performs its functions – provides electricity to consumers, but on the other hand, does not overpay for excessive power and functionality. After all, buying an electric generator is quite expensive, even if you need low-power models.

Single-phase or three-phase generator

If there are three-phase power consumers, the choice is clear – a three-phase model. In the case of single-phase consumers, the answer is not so clear. If their total power is small – up to 5-6 kW, then it is more advisable to purchase a single-phase model of the unit. If you need more power, buy a three-phase generator. It will be cheaper than a single-phase one of the same capacity. Just make sure that approximately the same power is drawn from each phase. The difference should not be more than 20%. With a greater phase imbalance, the equipment will quickly fail or simply not function.

Power

This is the main criterion for choosing such units. The principle is simple – the power of the device should not be less than the total power of all electricity consumers connected to the generator and able to operate simultaneously. The only thing left to do is to calculate the total power correctly. To do this, we will first divide all consumers into two groups:

• active, where the operating currents are equal to the starting currents – lamps, incandescent stoves, electric kettles, irons, etc;
• reactive, in which starting currents exceed operating currents, sometimes several times – electric motors and all equipment with them, welding machines.

For active consumers, the power is simply added up. In the case of reactive consumers, you first need to divide their nameplate rated power by cos φ, a power factor that is always less than one. That is, the lower the cos φ, the higher the inrush current. Next, add up all the power ratings of active and reactive devices and multiply by a factor of 1.1. This will be the rated power of the electric generator.

Then you need to add the power of the active devices with the total power (obtained by dividing by cos φ) of the reactive devices. This will be the peak power of the unit. Now all that remains is to choose and buy a model of an electric generator with the required rated power.

Type of electric generator by type of power plant

Power plants of electric generators are of three types:

• gasoline;
• diesel;
• gas.

The gasoline generator is characterized by simplicity of design and operation, and reliability. It is perfect as a source of backup (emergency) power supply. The main disadvantage is the high cost of fuel, so it is inefficient as the main source of electricity. For this type of generator, it is difficult to assemble a system that would function automatically. As a rule, they are used as mobile low-power energy sources with manual start.

A diesel power generator is a more versatile device. Due to the lower cost of fuel and its lower consumption, such units can serve as both a backup and a primary source of electricity. But they have a higher price than gasoline models of similar power and are more difficult to operate. It is easy to implement the 3rd degree of automation of the energy backup system, which implies work without human intervention.

Gas power generatorlike the gasoline generator, is characterized by simplicity of design and operation, plus low fuel cost. It is also perfect as a source of emergency power supply (but still less convenient than its gasoline counterpart). As the main source, it is effective only if there is a gas network in the place of its location.

Dalgakiran Compressor Ukraine offers a wide range of electric generators from well-known manufacturers of various capacities and with different engines. If necessary, our experts will help you choose the model that best suits your tasks and operating conditions. We guarantee:

• optimal prices;
• turnkey solution – not only supply, but also energy audit of the facility, optimal technical solution, full implementation of the backup power supply into the existing power grid.
• excellent service.

“Dalgakiran Compressor Ukraine is a reliable supplier of electric generators.