Have you ever considered having a generator at your home or for your office? If yes then you may have had some experience of how it works, what it does and which type of understanding is needed to get a new generator that fulfills all your needs.
Frankly speaking- no one gets the perfectly suited well-maintained generator at their first attempt. It is because it is not as easy as eating a piece of cake to invest in a few hundred or sometimes a thousand bucks for buying a generator new.
Putting in some effort to find a suitable, reliable and a power generator with lasting performance is always a must.
Finding a power generator that suits your power need on-demand depends on the specs and performance aspects, its fuel options, and overall maintenance needs.
To help our readers know more about power generators, their kinds, their power values, and maintenance needs, we have tried our best to compile a comprehensive guide to make sure they will know every bit of details regarding the various kinds of generators available on the market.
So don’t wait and lest start exploring right here…
Table of Contents
Different types of generators, what they do, how do they work and their power capacities
While exploring your options among the different kinds of power generators, you will be able to find that there are categories based on the different types of fuels used in them and also the power capacity the generator offers to support the power needs of the user.
We’ll be discussing the different kinds of generators in a brief yet comprehensive way so that you have a better understanding of which type and capacity are good for your use.
So guys here is the most technical part of this guide article that you will need to absorb before you try and get a perfect generator for your use:#
Different kinds of generators to compare:
Most commonly you can either categorize based on fuel consumption to urn a generator or you can choose based on the wattage and power they provide. First, we are going to discuss the types based on the fuel they consume:
The basic types based on the fuel used in them are :#
- Diesel Generators
- Hydrogen Generators
- Whole House Generator
- Solar Generator
- Propane Generators
- Gasoline Generators
- Inverter Generator
Diesel Generators
The diesel generators are known to be reliable with far less maintenance required than any other type of portable generators. The smooth operation with a continuous supply of electricity ensures the protection of your power-sensitive electronics and other appliances as well. They generally tend to last long with infrequent maintenance required.
The portable units come with comfortable handles and rear wheels as a wheel to make them push around with ease. They are capable of producing electricity over 10,000 watts. The diesel fuel is readily available and the storage tanks once filled can give long hours of nonstop operation. On average, a diesel generator has a lifetime in the range of 15000 to 30000 operating hours.
Pros:
- Quick to start
- Easy fuel availability
- Easy on maintenance and last long
Cons:
- They can be a little noisy
- Fuel cost makes operating expense a lot
The Diesel generators are preferred as emergency, standby, standalone and peak shaving equipment due to their reliability and quick response features. The portable units are easy to carry to campsites and RVs and can ensure powerful support for electricity needs. The high operating cost and generate electricity on demand, which makes them somehow affordable to use.#
Hydrogen Generators
Hydrogen generators are an effective and safe mechanism for producing electricity. They offer low pressure as compared to the propane generators, which makes the former safer for use. The energy produced through hydrogen is clean and much cheaper than any of the fossil fuel types. This is all possible with the ideal synergy between the chemical and physical processes. The fuel tank is powered with hydrogen and can produce affordable electricity for limited use.
The users through hydrogen generators are capable of getting electricity at the rate of 5 – 12 cents/ kilowatt. This makes them at least 50% cheaper than the other electric generators using different sources for producing electricity. It doesn’t offer any harmful emissions and it is odor-free as well. People usually prefer it for its exceptionally low noise levels as well.
Pros:
- Cheaper energy source than any of the fossil-fueled generators
- A clean source of energy
- Easy and cost-effective maintenance.
Cons:
- Not much portable as needs fixed mounting
- Highly inflammable nature raises safety concerns
The hydrogen generators can be used everywhere. They are typically preferred for powering houses, offices and also to power different modes of transportations, including cars, buses, ships, and trains, etc.#
Whole House Generator
The whole house generator is a standby generator for home use in case of backup electrical power. Such generator systems are also alternately known as partial-house generators. They can come in a range of different sizes and weights, which all depends on your requirements. They usually employ liquid propane (LP), natural gas or sometimes diesel as well as a source of fuel.
However, there could be many other options as well and you need to select the choice wisely as per your limitations. Your house size and the connected appliances could give you a good indication of the size of the whole house generator you need. The installations are usually fixed and don’t allow portability.
Pros:
- Auto-backup for electricity in emergency needs
- Can get generators offering 17,000 watts or above
- Versatile
Cons:
- Fixed installation
- Noise issues
The whole house generators are ideally installed at home to switch on automatically when there is a power outage. The power outage issues are usually seen in case of storms and other extreme weather conditions. These large units are installed permanently and could work on any possible source of fuel. They are suitable for emergency needs and have got the power to run all sorts of electronics at home.#
A solar generator just as the name implies uses the sun as the alternative power source for producing electricity. A solar generator requires a battery charger, solar panels, solar batteries, and an invertor to operate.
The solar panel employed offers direct conversion of energy and is saved in the batteries and subsequently utilized. Generally, the solar generators are known for producing power on an average of 2000 watts. Therefore, such generators are not suitable for powering large-scale systems. It requires regular maintenance and the battery, which is the backbone of this system is expected to last for 5 or more years.
Pros:
- Clean and natural source of energy
- Cost-effective
- The quiet operation usually as compared to other products
- No fuel-burning smell issue
Cons:
- Lesser portable and difficult to move around due to the size and associated components
- Not for large-scale needs in producing electricity
Solar generators are good for limited use and not too far from your house. You can use it for the electricity needs in your backyard for BBQ and other similar needs. It is reliable for powering TV, refrigerators, mobile phones, and other power sensitive electronics. However, if you shop well to buy a compact size generator and panel then it could be easily carried to remote areas for campsites as well.#
Portable Generators
The portable generators as an electricity backup are far more than handy in electricity production. They are good with their compact size and other portability features to carry them easily to remote areas. Many of the advanced models offer electric start facility such as a push-button operation as compared to the conventional pull-string operation.
They offer alternative fuel options as well. The majority of the portable generators operate on gasoline, but many models run on propane, natural gas or diesel fuel, etc. Some of the models also come with conversion kits to make it work on another fuel source. They are portable and yet too powerful to suffice your limited outdoor needs away or around your home.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Alternative fuel option
- Several safety features including low-oil auto-shutoff
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- Foul-smelling fumes
The portable generators just as the name implies are most suitable for remote needs. It is an ideal option for campsites and RVs and even for tailgates. They are easier to carry and can be decently fuel-efficient depending on what source it is employing for operation. This could be wisely chosen as compared to your needs.#
Propane Generators
Propane generators are alternately known as the Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) generators. They employ propane gas in a dedicated tank to produce electricity, while not getting degraded in storage mode. This is a feature unlike to that of the diesel generator. The maximum power and continuous power rating vary depending on the model and brand.
However, you can expect such generators to offer excellent powerful performance. The modern models come with microprocessor controls to give users full command over the operations. You can find a propane generator with massive fuel tank capacity and last for long hours of continuous operation. They require rigorous maintenance in order t make them last for long.
Pros:
- Cleaner source of power
- Runs well in colder weather conditions
- Spill-free usage with safety valves as compared to diesel and gasoline fuels
Cons:
- The shorter life expectancy of propane engines
- Fast fuel burn
The propane gas generators make a good choice for the camping, RVs and tailgating needs. They are ideally suited for longer needs. The generators running on propane are fuel-efficient and some of the high-end models could offer a running time of 500 hours. Such generators are frequently found along with the fuel, so that makes it applicable for diverse usage in different types of scenarios.#
Gasoline Generators
Gasoline generators employ a spark-ignition engine powered by gasoline for producing electricity. They make a sharp comparison with the diesel generators that uses the technique of compression ignition along with diesel as fuel. The gasoline generators are far more reliable, durable and versatile. A 10,000 watts generator offers plenty of power for domestic needs. The top models come with a sufficient size fuel tank and can offer long hours of nonstop operation. They are generally good with low oil consumption.
Pros:
- Easy maintenance
- Environment friendly
- Common fuel source
Cons:
- Extremely explosive for a fire hazard
- More operational cost
The gasoline generators are useful for situations where the electricity backup is required for a shorter period. It is because the operational cost of the fuel is high and it intakes much more fuel to run. You may expect a gasoline generator of 5000 watts to run for 24 hours using 18 gallons of fuel. This is a lot if you are planning to use it for a longer time. Therefore, you can carry it to remote areas within reasonable access along with the required fuel to run. An inverter generator for a longer duration is the best cost-effective solution.#
Inverter Generator
An inverter generator is the most popular portable generator of the current era. Such equipment produces AC power first, which is then converted into DC power. The DC power once again is converted into AC power. This gives one of the most resourceful and fuel-efficient operations while producing lesser noise.
A built-in microprocessor is engineered within the system to get this needed functionality done. Many such generators come with portable mode, which allows you to connect an identical generator to produce double power.
The inverter technology is also good at providing clean power potential. This is useful for power sensitive electronics. Control panel on the unit allows you to monitor frequency, voltage output and operation hours. Some models also allow switching to the power-boost mode from auto power-saving mode.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Low noise levels
- More fuel-efficient as compared to regular generators
Cons:
- Lower power output
- Associated cost
The inverter generators world over are marketed for the campers, fishermen, and hunters staying in the wilderness. They help in carrying the comfort of home to such remote places. They are quieter and far less cumbersome as compared to other such generators. It is a great means to serve for your electricity needs and also to charge your cell phone.#
Generators as per wattage capacity and their applications
If you are blessed with a good big house then you are quite generous with its decoration and stuffing it with other necessities. When it comes to generator then size does matter, which needs to be compatible with your house.
By this, we mean that the generator should be big or powerful enough to meet your household needs. Every electrical equipment, gadget or device comes with a wattage tag. Watt is the amount of electricity that a particular electrical appliance would need to consume to power it. #
Understanding wattage:
Let us keep it simple and explain watts with the help of an example. A standard room air-conditioner, for example, is rated at 1500 watts, so to power it, you will need a generator of 1500 watts at least. But, that is not all you want.
You will need to power a few other things, such as lights, fans, refrigerators, laptops or mobile phones as well, which have their individual wattage needs. Therefore, a larger generator is needed to suffice these needs. #
Generators as per their wattage capacity and applications:
Best 1,000 and 2,000 watts generators
This is a basic generator range in terms of wattage. This is good for limited electricity backup needs at your home. You can find such a generator to support you in powering a refrigerator, home security system, laptop, 5 to 10 light bulbs, fan, and a smartphone charger.
With all this equipment, it will be hard to support an A/C in this capacity, especially when a basic refrigerator on its own consumes 700 watts. You can find portable generators running on natural gas or diesel in this range. The portable generators in this range are also good for outdoor camping sites, tailgating, and RVs, etc. #
Best 3,000 to 5,000 watts generators
This is a level ahead and could give you much variety in terms of hooking up a lot more electrical equipment with the generator. 1 or sometimes 2 A/Cs can work with such a unit along with several other low wattage items including lights bulbs, fans, laptops, and even a refrigerator. Portable and inverters generators make a smart choice here. This is also a range that people consider for camping sites and RVs etc. #
6,000 – 10,000 watts generators
If you experience frequent power outages in your home and have to support multiple electrical types of equipment then this is the right range of generator for you. You will feel the lavishness in supporting a range of multiple appliances.
For frequent power outages, you should also vary about providing consistent power especially to power sensitive electronics, such as laptops, smartphones or TVs. N such a situation, an inverter generator in the range would make a great choice.#
11,000 – 50,000 watts generators Multiple appliances can run on them
This is a diverse range and several electrical types of equipment could work over it simultaneously. There are some big houses with multiple AC units, water pumps, water purifiers, geysers, and other basic electrical appliances.
The mentioned appliances require excessive wattage capacity in powering them. In the case of a standard washing machine, which has a wattage rating of 750 watts, but it requires 250 watts only to start. This requires you to have a generator with higher wattage capacity. Such generators can be noisy but that is what you require for your needs. Large inverters or home standby generators can give the best deal for the users in this category.#
Generators offered with 51,000 – 100,000 watts power -Suitable for offices building units
The subject range is not necessarily meant for home use. Offices, restaurants and other commercial places prefer such high capacity generators. These range equipment are especially considered to power central A/C units and other high power appliances.
Moreover, multiple low power appliances in bulk such as light bulbs, fans, and laptops can be easily accommodated, which mimics an office environment. You may find natural gas or diesel generators satisfying such diverse wattage needs.#
Above 100,000 watts generators- Good for offices and larger building units to serve
Generators can go well above 100,000 watts up to 300,000 watts and even beyond. You need to strategically choose as per your requirements and how frequently you will be needing the electricity backup. Such huge generators are used in extremely large size offices, commercial buildings, malls, posh hotels or in industries.
Such generators can power multiple AC units, including an extensive central A/C system as well apart from multiple other appliances in huge numbers. They could be very noisy and needs strategic installment in the vicinity. Moreover, the natural gas generators are ideal for the situation as they are not only found to be economical but environment friendly as well.#
Maintenance needs of Power generators
Regardless of the fuel type and usage, every kind of generator needs maintenance time. Though the frequency of maintenance process depends on the kind of usage and fuel that is used. To get the best performance of any kind of power generator you have, you must be following some maintenance steps to assure the generator runs without any interruption and offer the fullest potential when needed.
- A general inspection is needed for larger generators regularly and for smaller units, it is a must to keep an eye on noises and fuel consumption so that any fault may be caught before it gets worse.
- Always look for cleaning and servicing options as well as lubrication service for keeping the engine in its perfect working condition. Keep an eye on the dipstick to know if the engine oil is enough to allow smoother running of the machine.
- Make sure you have enough coolant to avoid heating up of larger generators that have to run for hours for power support.
- Check batteries and keep checking the performance and make sure you maintain and clean terminals as frequently as needed.
- Keep filters clean for avoiding any blockage or function disruptions.
- Keep the fuel tanks full and ready for assured power backup when needed.
Conclusively, you can see that there are multiple ranges of generators based on their wattage power. To make an economical deal, we first need to estimate our needs and then pick one that meets our requirements. For basic domestic needs, you can make easy calculations by considering the wattage power of individual electrical appliances.
Portable, invertor or home standby generators are best for such domestic or limited size office or commercial use. Further, for offices, commercial or industrial use, the large size generators in different upper wattage ranges make the only choice. Natural gas generators for large scale use are best for their environment friendly and economical operation.#
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