Different Types of Generators: Application and Energy Sources
Winter is on its way!
When you are not connected to the grid, generators serve as a source of power by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. When you are camping, they are the ideal way to keep your lights and electricity running during a power outage. Depending on the energy source and use, there are various types of generators. The majority of them have been discussed below, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
Generators by Application
Standby Generator
Standby generators, also called “backup” and “whole-house” generators, are the most popular. They are considered emergency power system that uses gas or diesel as their fuel source. Their large external tank allows them to work for up to 48 hours. These generators have automatic transfer switches that turn on the power during a power outage.
They are perfect for residential apartments, lodging facilities, dining establishments, hospitals, and other commercial buildings connected to the grid. However, they must be maintained regularly and can be very expensive.
| PROS | CONS |
| It can power an entire home. Turns on automatically in an emergency. It can be connected to your home circuit board. Connects to your existing fuel line. Built to last a long time. | Expensive. Occupies a lot of room and needs yearly maintenance. It can be quite noisy. |
Hyundai HY8000RVi Motor home RV Petrol Inverter Generator
Hyundai DHY14000RVi 14kW Vehicle RV Diesel Generator
Portable Generator
Portable generators are easy to move and carry and can power various smaller appliances and tools. They generate electricity using a combustion engine and fossil-fuel sources like gas or diesel, and natural fuel sources like solar power.
These generators are appropriate for residential use and smaller commercial establishments like retail stores and shops, in addition to their use with more compact tools and appliances at your construction site. However, they require protection from various weather conditions, and you cannot install them inside a house or a garage.
| PROS | CONS |
| It can power many smaller power tools and appliances. Simple to carry and move. Convenient to store. Cheaper than all other generator types. | Noisy and less powerful than a standby generator. Not capable of powering all tools or appliances. It will not immediately turn on in an emergency. It must be used outside, at least 20 feet away from your house. |
Hyundai P1000i 54cc Portable Petrol Inverter Suitcase Generator 1000W
Hyundai HY3200SEi 4-Stroke Petrol Portable Inverter Generator 3200W 230V
Inverter Generator
Inverter generators generate alternating current (AC) by utilizing a rectifier, which converts alternating current into direct current (DC) and then inverts it back to alternating current (AC) to provide a constant current to appliances.
They can be very handy for appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, cars, boats, and recreational vehicles that require specific voltage and frequency. Inverter generators are perfectly suited for such applications because they are lightweight and compact.
| PROS | CONS |
| Portable. Easy to maintain. Very quiet. The best generator for electronics. Produces fewer emissions. | More expensive than portable generators. Reduced power outlet. |
SIP 25118 ISG1000 Digital Inverter Generator 1000W 230V
Sealey G2000I 4-Stroke Inverter Generator 2000W 230V
Induction Generator
There are two types of induction generators: externally excited generators and self-excited generators.
Externally excited generators are used for regenerative braking in hoists, cranes, elevators, and electric locomotives.
Self-excited generators are used in windmills, where the wind is converted into electricity as a non-traditional source of energy.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to maintain. Cheaper It has a small size per kW output power, which means it has a high energy density. It does not require synchronization to the supply line. | Requires reactive volt-amperes from the supply line for excitation. |
Generators by Energy Source
When buying a generator, it’s important to think about both its intended use and the energy source it draws from.
Fossil-Fuel Energy Source Generators
The main fossil fuels powering generators are gasoline and diesel.
Gasoline Generator
Gasoline generators are perhaps the most popular type of generator. This is mainly due to the ease of access to gasoline and the fact that they are much cheaper than other types of generators.
They are usually quite compact and portable, but the fuel is very flammable. They are suitable for various uses, including domestic and professional ones. However, you must keep in mind that they are loud and produce unsettling noises that may eventually annoy you if you intend to use them in your home or place of business.
Gasoline generators tend to have relatively high emissions, a shorter lifespan than some other types, and trouble starting in colder weather.
Gas prices are significantly higher than those of diesel, propane, and natural gas, and gasoline has a shelf life of less than a year.
| PROS | CONS |
| They typically are the most affordable generators. Gasoline is widely accessible. Easy to find on the market. Less noisy than diesel generators. | High emissions. Gas costs more than other fuels. Extremely flammable. It can only be used outdoors. |
Diesel Generator
Diesel is the least flammable fuel available and is nearly as accessible as gasoline. As long as they are properly maintained, these engines have a long life and operate more effectively while lasting longer under heavy, demanding use. This kind of generator is inexpensive to run and starts up fairly easily in cold climates.
Diesel fuel can only be stored for up to 24 months, and it can be expensive to store large amounts of it.
Due to the significant amount of emissions produced by diesel engines, some regions have set daily operating hours restrictions on these engines. Additionally, it is advised against using them in damp conditions because the engine will be harmed if moisture enters the fuel.
Popular alternatives to traditional diesel generators are biodiesel and emulsified diesel generators.
Diesel fuel is combined with another biological source, like vegetable oil or animal fat, to create biodiesel fuel. The advantages and disadvantages of biodiesel are comparable to those of regular diesel fuel, but it offers more environmental advantages.
Diesel fuel and water are blended with a mixing agent to create emulsified diesel. Emulsified diesel has the same advantages and disadvantages as using biodiesel and diesel fuels. Like biodiesel, emulsified diesel uses less fossil fuel and emits fewer emissions than regular diesel.
| PROS | CONS |
| Runs more efficiently than gasoline. Less expensive to run than gasoline. Has a longer lifespan | Produces toxic and harmful emissions. It can only be used outdoors. More expensive than gasoline-powered generators. Noisy. |
Natural Energy Source Generators
Natural energy sources that can power a generator include solar power, natural gas and hydrogen.
Natural Gas Generator
Natural gas-powered generators emit fewer emissions than those powered by diesel and gasoline. As natural gas is delivered through gas pipelines, natural gas generators are typically the most affordable and don’t need any storage.
A natural gas generator can be pricey to install initially and to maintain. However, they can last a very long time with routine maintenance. The generator depends on natural gas, so if the supply is interrupted during an emergency, it won’t operate.
| PROS | CONS |
| Fewer emissions. Cleaner fuel. Connectable to current pipeline. | High maintenance cost. Higher installation cost. It cannot be used indoors. |
Solar Generator
Solar energy, which is clean and renewable, powers solar generators. Due to the absence of emissions, it is the only generator that can be used safely indoors. Although they are more expensive to buy, solar generators frequently require little maintenance.
Compared to other generator types, solar generators produce less power. The solar generator isn’t always reliable because it depends on the sun for power, making it useless in emergencies or at night. Additional solar panels can be installed to boost the power output if more power is required. Some solar generators also incorporate battery power to boost output and dependability.
| PROS | CONS |
| No emissions. It can be used indoors. Low maintenance cost. | Not be reliable in an emergency. Lower power output. Expensive. |
Hydrogen Generator
Compared to other fuels, hydrogen is the most abundant, non-toxic, affordable, clean, and produces the most energy per pound.
Hydrogen generators are portable and useful for many environments, including laboratories, despite not being as widely available as other generators.
| PROS | CONS |
| Affordable. Most abundant. Produces clean and non-toxic energy. | Not so widely available. |
Toolden’s Best-Selling Generators
Hyundai DHY8000SELR-T 6kW/7.5kVA Multi-phase Silenced Long Run Standby Diesel Generator
The DHY8000SELR-T is a compact yet powerful long-run standby generator from Hyundai that offers either switchable 230v single-phase or 400v 3-phase voltages.
The DHY8000SELR-T is ideal for workshops, garages and home use. The large 30L fuel tank increases running time to a maximum of 30 hours; powered by a 4-stroke, air-cooled 456cc single-cylinder Hyundai diesel engine, the DHY8000SELR-T has a maximum output of 6kW / 7.5kVA. The control panel features a 1 x 32A 230v single-phase socket and 1 x 16A 400v three-phase socket plus a 12v DC battery charging outlet.
Hyundai HY10000LEk-2 16hp 459cc Petrol 4-Stroke Electric Start Site Generator 10kW 115V/230V
The Hyundai HY10000LEK-2 is a powerful yet easily portable 8kW / 10kVa* open-frame generator from Hyundai. Designed for both home and commercial use, the HY10000LEK-2 is powered by the new 459cc / 16hp single-cylinder Hyundai 4-Stroke engine. This is one of the UK market’s most powerful single-cylinder petrol generators.
Built for the most demanding of jobs, the HY10000LEK-2 is an extremely reliable generator; the single-cylinder 459cc 4-stroke OHV air-cooled engine generates a max power of 8kW.
Weighing only 94kg, the HY10000LEK-2 is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its built-in wheel kit, rugged open frame and folding handles. The Hyundai AVR alternator keeps the voltage output smooth, within +/- 3% of 230V. This means it can be used to power sensitive equipment such as computers and laptops and charge mobile phones. However, the AVR alternator is also rugged enough to handle the harsh demands of power tools and building site equipment, and The HY10000LEk-2 is an all-around workhorse.
SIP 03920 Medusa T951 2-Stroke Compact Generator 750W 230V
Designed for light workshop and leisure applications, including lighting and small tools etc., this generator has a continuous rated output of 650w and a max output of 750w. Fitted with a 4 -litre fuel tank, this generator can run for up to 6.5 hours on one tank of fuel.
Offering low-maintenance running, this generator will give excellent performance levels whilst providing you with the power you require. The unit comes with a battery charger, leads and a socket set. Suitable for many applications with a very low noise level of just 95db. Fitted with a single 230v 3-pin socket.
FAQs
Can a generator power my entire house during an outage?
Whether a generator can power your entire house during an outage depends on various factors. Generators are typically categorized as standby generators or portable generators. Standby generators, professionally installed, have higher capacity and can often power the entire house. Portable generators, on the other hand, have limited capacity and may only be able to power essential appliances or a few circuits. It’s important to properly assess your power needs and consult with an electrician to determine the right generator size and setup for your specific requirements.
What safety precautions should I take when using a generator?
When using a generator, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Here are a few precautions to consider:
- Proper ventilation: Operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Never use it indoors, including in garages or basements.
- Keep a distance: Place the generator away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent exhaust fumes from entering enclosed spaces.
- Grounding: Follow manufacturer guidelines to properly ground the generator to prevent electrical hazards.
- Refuelling safety: Turn off the generator and allow it to cool down before refuelling. Store fuel in approved containers and away from the generator while running.
- Electrical connections: Avoid overloading the generator by using proper extension cords and not connecting it directly to a home’s wiring unless it is a professionally installed standby generator.
- Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain the generator according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe operation.
- Awareness of electrical hazards: Keep the generator and its cords away from water and wet surfaces to prevent electric shocks.
Always refer to the specific safety guidelines provided by the generator manufacturer for detailed and accurate instructions on safe usage.
Can a generator be used indoors?
No, generators should not be used indoors. Generators produce exhaust fumes, primarily carbon monoxide, which is a colourless and odourless gas that can be extremely dangerous and even fatal when inhaled in enclosed spaces. It’s crucial to operate generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.