Generators serve as a source of energy if the electricity is turned off. Generators are also installed where there is no possibility to conduct electricity. Such devices are called autonomous power grids. As a rule, they are powered by diesel or gasoline. But there are also propane gas generators. These are used, most often, as a backup energy source for the maintenance of small areas. Generators differ from each other in many ways. It depends on them how long the device will last, in what conditions it can work, and what functions to perform. Let us see the difference between generators that differ in fuel type: gas, gasoline, and diesel.
1. Diesel generator sets are considered more economical than gasoline-powered brothers. Such can work, practically, in any condition. Diesel devices are not afraid of frost and heavy dust. Because of their high cost, they are most often used for industrial purposes: production, construction sites, and various types of workshops. Diesel devices are considered safe but noisy.
2. Gasoline generators are cheaper than diesel generators. They are also more compact and make less noise. But such are more vulnerable to low temperatures. In addition, they have limited power. The engine is designed for fewer hours worked.
3. Gas generators use natural gas as fuel – propane or propane-butane mix. Their power can be from 1.5 kW and much higher. The gas generator can be operated from the main gas or a cylinder. If it functions from a cylinder, it will cost two times cheaper than diesel. If the gas generator is powered by main gas, it will be ten times more profitable. Gas generators are connected after obtaining permission from the appropriate authority. They are praised for their quiet operation, as well as the minimal absence of harmful exhaust substances. We prepared a nice list of propane power generators for you if you feel you need some details.
How to choose the right gas generator with surge protection?
Gas generators are increasingly being taken for use in everyday life. It is due to the price and cost-effectiveness of the service. Residents of country houses know how unpleasant it is to be left without electricity suddenly. And if the accommodation is year-round, the lack of electricity can harm the equipment. That’s why people buy gas generators.
When the generator is started, a large inrush current is supplied to the system, damaging electronic devices. To protect them, it is necessary to use voltage stabilizers installed after the generator to electronic devices.
However, connecting the stabilizer after the gas generator is fraught with some problems, the main of which is the sawtooth shape of the voltage output by the generator. They have a wide range of input frequencies and adjust the form of the input voltage, which provides an output signal of an ideal sinusoidal shape when powered by a generator. In the conditions of such an input signal, only the inverter stabilizer will usually work.
Beside conventional generators, now so-called inverter generators are available, which are made safe for electronics by default. Other advantages of this type of generators include increased fuel efficiency and decreased noise level. They also produce less emissions. However, these generators are usually more expensive than conventional portable generators.
How to determine the stabilizer power for the generator?
When choosing a stabilizer for installation after a gas generator, it is necessary to focus on the load connected directly to the stabilizer. The actual power of the device, in this case, is equal to the load power increased by a margin of 20-30%. If there are several consumers, their capacity is summed up, and the stock is determined based on the value obtained by summing.
The presence of high starting currents characterizes all devices with an electric motor in their composition. When determining the stabilizer power for such electrical appliances, it is necessary to use the rated capacity and the maximum starting power (usually exceeds the standard at least three times).
When choosing a stabilizer, be sure to study the technical documentation of the protected equipment and find information about the power consumption in various operating modes. The maximum of the given values determines the power of the stabilizer!
