What is a generator?

A generator is an electrical device that supplies power to homes, offices, hospitals, events, etc., especially when there is a power outage. 

It can also come in handy in places like farms, mining sites, and other places where there is no access to electricity.

It is essential to know that this device does not create or produce electricity independently. Instead, it converts other forms of energy (mostly chemical energy) into electrical energy.

A generator has many parts that work together to supply power. Below are some of the parts and their functions

Engine: This entity determines the power of a generator; it determines the quantity of electricity that a generator can produce.

Voltage regulator: As this name implies, it regulates the amount of the voltage of electricity given out. Suppose there is any need to convert Alternating Current to direct current; the voltage regulator does this.

Exhaust and cooling systems: When in action, the generator generates so much heat. The cooling system cools the machine and does not allow it to overheat. In contrast, the exhaust system expels any fume or dust that may have been formed during operation.

Lubrication panel: The generator has several parts. They mustn't wear and tear. The lubrication system/panel should be checked regularly to ascertain the level of the lubricants present.

Control Panel: From the name, it is self-revealing that this panel is the generator's brain box. It controls everything about the generator, right from the start to the delivery of power. 

The modern type of this panel can sense if there is restoration or outage of power, automatically switching off or on the generator.

Fuel system: It is from the fuel that the generator produces energy. The system is made up of a fuel pump, a return pipe, a pipe linking the tank to the engine, and a fuel tank.

Alternator: The conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy happens here. The alternator has both mobile and stationary parts that work assiduously to produce an electromagnetic field.

 This electromagnetic field generates an electron that leads to electricity generation.

Types of Generators and How They Work

There are three basic types of generators which are:

1. Portable generator: This is a common type of generator; it is mostly found in homes and small offices. Here are some of the properties of this type of generator:

• It provides electricity through the combustion of fuel
• It can power television, bulbs. Some powerful ones can power irons and fridges

Source of temporary power

2. Standby generator: These generators are used in places where they render essential services like hospitals, banks, government parastatals, elevators, etc.

 This generator automatically comes into power immediately after a power outage. Here are some salient characteristics of this type of generator:

• It is a source of permanent power
• Like the portable generator, it also uses the internal combustion of fuel to produce energy.
• It automatically asses itself weekly to know if it responds to the power outage appropriately.

3. Inverter generator: This kind of generator is usually used to charge laptops, car batteries, and the likes. The inverter has its engine linked to an alternator to give an alternating current (AC). 

This AC is converted into Direct current (DC) by the rectifier, which is then inverted back to AC. 

It is the AC that is made available to charge car batteries and laptops. Here are some salient characteristics of this generator:

• Magnet is an integral part of the generator; it relies on it to do its functions.
• It fully optimizes power; its engine speed automatically conforms to the amount of energy required.
• It is portable, as it can fit into a boat, can or anything.

Having understood the pros and cons of each of these generators, you need to know how they work. 

Portable and standby generators use fuel like gas, propane, and diesel to produce mechanical energy. This energy is captured into a circuit, which gets converted into electrical energy. Immediately electrical energy has been produced; the current is made to pass through the copper wires and in turn, to the electrical appliances.

Recent generators follow the Faraday law of electromagnetic induction. It can be likened to a scenario where a wire is kept close to a magnet. The magnet determines the direction of the flow of current.

For some enormous generators used at the dam, they produce power by converting the energy obtained from the water turbine.

What is the cost of a generator in the Philippines?

The cost of generators in the Philippines varies. Some of the things that can affect a generator's price include the brand, size, power of the engine, the generator type, and other factors.  

The prices of generators range from 4,000 to 180,000 Philippines peso. 

A Toyohamma Gasoline gen TH950 can cost as low as 6,000 Philippines peso. In comparison, a 30kW diesel generator can go for a higher price of 334,000 Philippines peso.

It is expected that a generator with a higher power and capacity will cost more. Your need and budget will determine the one you will opt for.

What to consider before buying a generator

Anyone can buy a generator, but buying the right kind requires a lot of planning and thinking. Below are some of the things to consider before picking a specific generator.

• The Noise level: It is good to assess the level of the noise oozing out from a generator. Check the generator’s muffler to ascertain its quality. If you run a recreation center or you live at an estate, getting a quiet kind of generator is the best.
• Fuel consumption, type, and capacity: A generator is not rated based on its power alone but on its ability to use fuel efficiently. You don’t want to buy a generator that drinks fuel like no man's business! Also, it will be great to get a generator that holds a decent liter of fuel. Lastly, you could decide to go for a generator whose fuel is cheap. It all depends on what you want.
• Budget: This alone can stop you from getting the right generator. You must know that good and quality things cost more. Most good and quality generators cost more, but they are affordable.
• Amount of power needed: You need to know how much power you need in your home, business, or office. If your home is small, you can opt for a small generator; otherwise, you might have to use a big generator.
• Frequency of usage: will you like to on your generator for a few hours per day or longer. Your answer to this will determine the kind of generator you are to buy. You will need a generator with a commercial and a massive engine for the latter part, but for the former, a traditional generator is ok.

         Sit and think about this before buying that generator.

Precautions and Maintenance Tips for a Generator

Just as it is essential for a human being to eat and exercise at the right time, the same way, it is for a generator to be appropriately maintained. These are some things you should do to sustain your generator:

• Build an enclosure for your generator
• Never use your generator on an empty tank
• Do not let the lubricants go low; refill it always. Replace the oil filter every 60 hours of operations
• Know your power rating. Using a low powered generator for heavy-duty appliances can reduce the life span of the generator.
• Use a quality power cord. The power cord should be able to shoulder the power load. 
• Use your generator often. Never leave your generator for a month without working; manufacturers recommend that a generator should be left to run for at least 30 minutes once every 3 months.

 Precautions need to be taken when using a generator. Some of which are:

• Never use a generator indoors. It is best to use it in a well-ventilated area.
• To avoid electrocution, never use your generator in wet conditions.
• Ensure the generator is cool; also, switched it off before refueling. 
• To avoid back feed, do not attempt to plug your generator directly into the wall socket. Instead, quality or heavy-duty cords should be used to connect electrical appliances to the generator's outlet.
• Invest in a transfer switch. You can install one.

How is a Standby Generator Different from a Prime Generator?

A prime generator provides a primary source of power to electrical appliances. Generators designed for prime use are expected to work for longer hours (even 24/7). 

The load must vary between 50-100% of the prime rating. This kind of generator does not serve as a substitute for the main power supply; but, it is the power supplier. 

This type is used commonly at concerts, outdoor festivals, etc.

On the other hand, a standby generator serves as a back up to the main power supply. When used with an automatic transfer switch, the power automatically comes on or off if there is a power outage or supply. 

This type of generator is suitable for places like hospitals. Unlike the prime generator, it only works for a limited time (maybe an hour).

Due to a prime generator's enormous activity, the warranty is lower than that of a standby generator.

What are the Effects of Overloading or Underloading a Generator?

As a generator gets old, it gets easily overloaded. Once you notice that your generator is overheating, it could be a result of overloading. 

Some generators run on gasoline; any overheating close to the fuel tank can result in an explosion.

Also, the device power output might be considerably reduced. Running many appliances on a generator may reduce the power output or efficiency by half. 

Building up of soot is another indication that your generator is overloaded.

Using a generator with a low or no load for a long time can result in incomplete combustion of fuel, resulting in the gathering of harmful hydrocarbons.

 It also increases fuel consumption beyond normal. For diesel generators, their efficiency reduces with a decrease in load.

Which is better: Aluminum or Steel Enclosed Generators?

It is dependent on your area and budget. Suppose you stay in places like Florida where the humidity is high. In that case, an aluminum enclosed generator should be preferred. High humidity makes the corrosion of metals faster.

Steel enclosed generators are cheaper, but they can’t withstand corrosion. You may have to change the enclosure one or two times.

What is the Power factor? Differences between kW and kVA, and how does it Affect a Generator?

Power factor (pf) measures the amount of power(kW) used in the circuit to the amount of power(kVA) received by the circuit. Pf is expressed as a percentage.

A generator with a pf of 95%, implies that it consumed 95 out of the 100 supplied power; this means that the generator is efficient.

If your generator demands more power than the one supplied, then there is a problem.

Pf of most 3-phase generators is 80% or 0.8. Generators used in the US have their power rating labeled as kW, while generators in other countries are labeled as kVA.

Generators with improved pf efficiently transmit energy to the connected load. 

But generators with a lower or small pf do not transmit energy to the connected load efficiently. This leads to an increase in power and power loss.

Is the Conversion of 60Hz Generator to 50Hz Possible?

Yes, it is. Generally, 60Hz generators work at 1800 rpm while one of 50Hz works at 1500rpm. To convert to 50Hz, it needs to run at 1500rpm. 

To do this, you will have to replace or modify some parts of the generator. It is best to call a generator technician to help you do this.

What are the functions of a circuit breaker and an automatic transfer switch (ATS)?

 A circuit breaker is mostly found on the generator's outlet. This protective device helps to shield the generator's circuit from the harmful effect of an overload, under-voltage, etc. 

In the case of overload, the circuit breaker shuts the outlets, stopping the flow of power to home appliances. Ensure your circuit breaker is working well.

The ATS is a device that moves power from the primary source to a substitute power source like a generator. 

This sensor automatically signals the generator to start working once it notices a power outage. It also switches off the generator once power has been restored to the main source.

How to Use an Appliance with a Generator

Before connecting electrical appliances like iron, refrigerators, and the likes, you must know the generator's power rating. 

Only connect appliances that draw powerless than the generator's power rating. You can always check the power rating of the device by merely checking its label. 

To effectively use a 700- watt refrigerator, you will need a generator with a power of 5000-watt.

Buying the right generator and getting the best out of it depends on your knowledge and how you use it. I hope you make the best choice.