How to choose a gasoline generator (gasoline generator). How to choose the right gasoline power plant: educational program for the buyer Operating time of the gasoline generator without stopping

Energomodul specialists answer all questions regarding the selection, installation, and operation of low-power power plants.

Is a recoil starter or electric starter preferable for a small 6 kW power plant?

Starting a 6 kW power plant using a manual starter (rope) is problematic for an untrained person. We recommend purchasing power plants equipped with an electric starter (ignition key) for a power exceeding 5 kW.

I have a small 220V welding machine that runs from a regular outlet, what kind of gasoline generator should I choose for it?

The household socket has the following characteristics: 16A, 250V is 4 kW. But we must remember that the welding machine has a starting current, so it is better to purchase a gas generator with a power reserve, we recommend 5-6 kW.

How long can my gasoline generator run without stopping?

Low-power (up to 15 kW) gasoline and diesel generators operate at 3000 rpm and not designed for permanent work. All low-power power plants are divided into three groups:

Group I - household portable power stations, annual operating time should not exceed 250 hours per year;
Group II - semi-professional power plants, annual operating time should not exceed 500 hours per year;
Group III - professional power plants, annual operating time of more than 1000 hours per year is possible.

To clarify which group your gasoline generator falls into, you must contact the seller.

Can a gasoline generator work outdoors? I have seen such working installations many times in parks near shops and stalls.

The gas generator can operate outdoors in good weather and even in the rain, since the electrical part has an IP23 enclosure protection degree.
The first number 2 is protection against foreign objects with a diameter >12.5 mm.
The second number 3 is protection against liquid penetration (protection from rain when water pours vertically or at an angle of up to 60° to the vertical).
Still, you shouldn’t leave a gas generator in heavy rain. Remember that you are dealing with electricity. And most importantly, the power plant must be grounded before starting.

I purchased a 4 kW gas generator at a large store on the Moscow Ring Road. I need to mount it at the dacha and install an autostart system on it in case of power failure. The store refused to help me. Please advise what to do?

If your gasoline generator is equipped with an electric starter (started by turning the key, from battery), then you can install autostart on it, but if the generator is started with a manual starter, then installing autostart is impossible. In any case, our company’s specialists will help you install your gas generator at your dacha.

I want to buy a 10 kW gasoline power plant, but I’m confused by the small fuel tanks installed on them, only for 5-6 hours continuous operation. Can I place an additional container of fuel nearby?

Absolutely not! The installation of additional containers for flammable liquids with a flash point below 61 degrees Celsius, so-called flammable liquids, is prohibited. We can recommend that you install diesel power plant, and then add a fuel tank of up to 5000 liters to it.

I installed an 8 kW gasoline power plant in the cottage, but I rarely use it, once every 3-4 months. And when it is required, I can’t launch it, because... The battery runs out and you have to pull the manual starter, which is very difficult. Please advise what to do?

To prevent battery discharge, we can set automatic Charger, it will maintain the battery charge constant.

What difficulties may arise when installing a low-power power plant? Will I be able to install the gas generator myself, in a specially built room?

There are no difficulties, you need to create three systems - electrical, exhaust and ventilation. You can if you are a welder, ventilation engineer and electrician.

I need a low-power 6 kW power plant. I can’t decide, please advise me on the choice: should I buy a gasoline or diesel power plant? What is the difference?

Each type of power plant has its pros and cons, everyone chooses a gasoline or diesel engine according to their requirements, we can only compare, and you make a decision. So:

gasoline generators compared to diesel generators: cheaper in cost, lighter in weight, less noisy, easier to start with a manual starter, work well at low temperatures, but have higher fuel consumption, fuel is more expensive, engines have a 2-3 times shorter service life* .

* - motor resource, operating time of any machine with an engine internal combustion or the internal combustion engine itself to a limiting state in which their further operation is generally impossible or is associated with an unacceptable decrease in efficiency and violations of safety requirements.

The figures below show the control panel and the main parts of a four-stroke gasoline generator that you have to deal with during its operation and maintenance.

Gas generator device: 1 - fuel level sensor, 2 - fuel tank, 3 - fuse, 4 - 12V power button, 5 - 12V socket, 6 - voltmeter, 7 - 220V socket, 8 - control light, 9 - ground terminal, 10 - engine switch, 11 - cover/dipstick for filling and oil control, 12 - oil drain plug.

Gasoline generator structure: 13 - frame, 14 - fuel tank cap, 15 - manual starter handle, 16 - fuel valve, 17 - air filter, 18 - protective screen muffler.

The first 20 hours (the figure may be different) of the gas generator’s operation is the time during which the parts get used to each other. Therefore, during this period, you cannot connect a load whose power exceeds 50% of the rated power of the unit.

If you plan to always run the gas generator at an altitude of more than 1500 meters above sea level, you should check with your dealer before purchasing whether it is possible to properly upgrade the carburetor. In high altitude areas, the air/fuel mixture of a standard carburetor will be very rich. Performance will decrease and fuel consumption will increase. To avoid this, install a smaller diameter main fuel jet in the carburetor and adjust the engine accordingly. Even with a modified carburetor, engine power will decrease approximately 3.5% for every 300 m of elevation gain. The effect of altitude on engine power will be greater if the carburetor is not modified. Running the engine at altitudes lower than those specified for the modified carburetor may result in reduced power, overheating, and severe engine damage.

Checking the oil level. Checking the oil level in the engine crankcase is carried out before each start, since high-quality engine lubrication is extremely important. an important condition correct operation gas generator.

Checking the oil level in the crankcase is performed with the engine not running. The generator is installed on a flat horizontal surface. If the generator was running before, wait about 5 minutes after stopping.

The oil level is checked using a dipstick inserted into the oil filler neck. Before removing it, you need to clean the area around it to prevent contamination from entering the crankcase. The dipstick is removed and wiped with a clean cloth. It is installed (without screwing) into the oil filler neck until it stops and removed again. The oil mark should be located between the mark on the dipstick and its end. The figure below shows the process of measuring the oil level.

If there is not enough oil in the crankcase, you need to add it to the lower edge of the neck hole and install the dipstick in place, screwing it tightly.

Refueling. Refueling must be done in a well-ventilated area. When working, smoking and using open flames are prohibited. You need to work carefully, avoiding spills. Inhalation of vapors and skin contact with fuel should be avoided whenever possible.

Gasoline generators usually use A92 gasoline (at least). But in any case, you need to use the brand of gasoline that is indicated in the operating instructions for the generator. Do not use leaded or lightly leaded gasoline.

The fuel consumption of a gas generator depends on its power and can range from values less than 1 l/hour (with a power of 2 kW or less) to 2 (with a power of 5 kW) or more l/hour.

If the engine is four-stroke, pure gasoline is used for refueling without mixing it with oil. In two-stroke engines, a mixture of gasoline and motor oil (for two-stroke engines) is used as fuel in the ratio specified in the instructions.

As for the adjustment of the gas generator carburetor and the engine speed controller, they are usually carried out at the manufacturer. The voltage and frequency at the generator output depend on the engine rotation speed. Tampering with carburetor settings will usually void the warranty.

If gasoline is already poured into the tank, you need to check its level - using the fuel level indicator or visually. The maximum level should be located no higher than the shoulder of the fuel filter (see figure below).

If there is no fuel in the tank at all or there is not enough fuel, you need to add gasoline to the shoulder of the fuel filter - approximately 20-25 mm below the upper edge of the filler neck. To avoid fuel leakage due to thermal expansion, do not fill the tank to the top of the neck. After finishing refueling, you need to replace the fuel tank cap and screw it tightly.

You should not make large (for a year) reserves of gasoline; six months after production, tarring reactions appear in gasoline. After this period, the use of gasoline risks excess carbon deposits and smoke.

The rate of chemical changes during gasoline storage depends on temperature, contact of non-ferrous metals with gasoline, degree of filling of the container, amount of transfusion, etc. Storage temperature has the greatest accelerating effect. An increase in the temperature of gasoline during storage is accompanied by accelerated oxidation and tar formation. When the storage temperature increases by 10°, the rate of resin formation increases by 2.4-2.8 times. All the most commonly used metals, when in contact with gasoline, accelerate its oxidation and the formation of tarry substances. On the other hand, the walls of metal canisters are impermeable to oxygen, unlike the walls of plastic canisters. Copper and its alloys have the greatest accelerating effect. Repeated transfers of gasoline from container to container contribute to a decrease in the quality of gasoline. When transfused, gasoline is saturated with oxygen from the air, the intensity oxidative processes in it increases, resin formation accelerates. The process of oxidation and tarring is significantly accelerated in the presence of resinous substances previously deposited in the container or residues of tarred gasoline from previous storage. When gasoline turns reddish, this is a sure sign that the tar content exceeds the permissible limit. If the container is not tightly closed, low-boiling components evaporate. The evaporation of light hydrocarbons leads to an increase in the density of gasoline and a deterioration in their starting qualities. In gasolines obtained from direct distillation and thermal cracking products, low-boiling fractions have the highest anti-knock properties, therefore, when they are lost, the octane numbers of such gasolines decrease slightly.

Engine starting. The gas generator can be started using a manual or electric starter. There are generator models equipped with both types of starting.

Starting the generator with a manual starter is carried out as follows.

Disconnect electricity consumers from the electric generator, set the voltage switch (fuse) to the “off” position.

The fuel valve opens.

The choke handle is set to the "closed" position. This action is performed on a cold engine and is not performed if the engine has previously been running and remains warm.

The ignition is turned on (the engine switch is turned to the “on” position).

The starter handle is pulled out until resistance appears, released to the lower position and jerked sharply, or immediately jerked sharply without releasing to the lower position. In this case, the cord is not pulled out completely and is not released sharply from top position to avoid damage to the starter.

After the engine has warmed up (1-3 minutes), the air damper is set to the “open” position. It's better to do it gradually as it warms up.

Starting with an electric starter can vary greatly depending on the degree of automation of the process. In the very simple version, when starting with an electric starter, the same actions are first performed as with a manual start (the tap opens, the air damper closes on a cold engine, the ignition is turned on).

The engine switch is set to the "electric start" position. After starting the engine, you must return the switch to its previous position. On some models of gas generators this happens automatically.

If the engine does not start immediately, the time the switch is in the “electric start” position should not exceed 5 seconds. Restart should be made no earlier than after 10 seconds. If three attempts to start the engine fail, you should look for a malfunction due to which the engine does not start. The battery may need to be charged.

After starting the engine, open the choke.

It is prohibited to operate the generator without connecting the load for more than 3-30 minutes (the figure is very different for different gas generators). The minimum load on a gasoline generator is about 10-20% of the rated power of the generator. The fact is that if you do not load the gas generator, the fuel may not burn completely. In 70% of such cases, plaque is deposited in the combustion chamber and on the spark plugs. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically carry out preventive maintenance - run the unit for an hour, connecting to it consumers with a total energy consumption equal to the rated power of the generator. This helps get rid of deposits and associated soot, as well as maintain engine life.

Load switching procedure. A certain order must be followed. Consumers with the highest inrush currents need to be connected first. Then connect the devices in descending order of the last. Finally, energy consumers with a starting current coefficient equal to 1 are connected, for example, electric heaters.

Stopping the engine. The operation is performed in the following sequence.

Electrical consumers are turned off.
The voltage switch (fuse) is turned off.
If the generator was operating under heavy load, let the generator run for several minutes (1-3 minutes) without load.
The ignition is turned off.
The fuel valve closes.

In the event of an emergency stop of the generator, you must immediately turn off the ignition.

Maintenance

To maintain the equipment in good condition, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance of the gas generator - in strict accordance with the operating instructions for the specific model. The main maintenance work comes down to ensuring normal operation engine. The generator itself does not require special maintenance. All that is required is regular removal of dust from its body to avoid cooling problems and replacement of brushes (if any).

Typical types of maintenance work and their approximate frequency are presented in the table below.

Approximate maintenance schedule for gasoline generators*

Replace Clear Replace Gas tank filter Fuel line filter Replace

Types of jobs		Every use	Every 3 months or after 50 hours.	Every 6 months or after 100 hours.	Every year or every 300 hours.
Oil	Check	+
Oil		+**
	Check	+
		+
				+
Clear			+
Clear			+
	Check		+
			+

* - The table contains approximate data; the exact data should be found in the operating manual for a specific gas generator. For example, an oil change is often required after 6 months or 100 hours, rather than 50.
** - the first oil change is performed after 20-25 hours. Sometimes the instructions require the first oil change after 8 hours, then the second change after 25 hours.

In addition to the above work, it is necessary to perform others related to engine disassembly, but they are performed in service centers.

The above graph applies only to normal operating conditions of the gas generator. If the engine is operated under extreme conditions (prolonged high loads, high temperatures, high humidity and dust), the time between maintenance must be reduced.

For gasoline generators, it is necessary to use only high-quality oils for gasoline engines. If we are talking about a four-stroke engine, then SAE 10W30 can be used as a universal oil for operation at any temperature (if the generator is started very rarely). It should be borne in mind that at temperatures above 4°C, multi-temperature oils are consumed to a greater extent than conventional ones and can cause accelerated engine wear. When using them, it is necessary to check the oil level more often than usual.

The optimal choice of oils for different temperatures can be made using the following information. The most recommended oils depending on operating temperature:

above 4 °C - SAE 30;
from -18 °C to +4 °C - SAE 10W-30, 5W-30;
below 4 °C - synthetic oils SAE 5W-20, 5W-30.

When using SAE 30 oil at temperatures below 4°C, starting may be difficult due to lack of lubrication and use of this oil at low temperatures may lead to premature engine wear.

Avoid long-term contact of the skin of your hands with oil ( machine oil carcinogenic). Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

The oil must be changed when the engine is warm (1-3 minutes), this ensures quick and complete drainage of the waste. To replace, you need to unscrew the plug with the oil level indicator (dipstick) (1), unscrew the drain plug (2) and drain the oil into a suitable container. After this, screw in the drain plug and fill in fresh oil through the dipstick hole (1) to the required level.

Air filter maintenance. The air filter cleans the air that enters the carburetor, where it mixes with fuel. During operation of the gas generator, the filter gradually becomes dirty and ceases to perform its functions. A clogged air filter reduces quality fuel mixture, disrupts engine operation and leads to accelerated wear.

To prevent this from happening, the air filter must be serviced regularly. This is done as follows.

Remove the filter housing cover.
Remove and inspect the filter for dirt and damage.
Damaged paper and foam filters are replaced with new ones. A dirty paper filter element must also be replaced. The contaminated foam filter is washed with soapy water, wrung out thoroughly, and dried. Cleaning the foam filter element with gasoline is not recommended due to the fire hazard of the latter.
The foam filter is moistened with clean motor or special oil, wrung out and inserted into place. Do not allow the skin of your hands to come into contact with the oil.
Close the filter housing cover.

Cleaning the fuel filter. Before entering the combustion chamber, the fuel passes through several filters. One of them is located in the fuel tap. It needs to be washed from time to time. To do this you need:

close the fuel valve;
unscrew the sump nut and remove the o-ring and strainer;
wash the sedimentation tank, filter and sealing ring in gasoline;
install the parts in place and tighten the sump nut;
Open the fuel valve and check for fuel leaks.

Fuel tap with filter: 1 - fuel tap, 2 - settling filter, 3 - mesh, 4 - o-ring, 5 - settling tank.

Spark plug maintenance. For gasoline generators, only those spark plugs specified by the manufacturer should be used. Information about this is contained in the operating manuals for the equipment. Maintenance of the spark plug is carried out only on a cold engine. The work is performed in the following sequence:

The spark plug cap can be removed and cleaned if necessary.
Using a spark plug wrench, unscrew the spark plug.
The integrity of its insulator is visually checked. If cracks are detected, the spark plug must be replaced.
A special probe measures the gap between the electrodes, which should normally be 0.7-0.8 mm. If the actual values deviate from the required ones, the spark plug gap is adjusted by bending or bending the upper electrode, or replacing the spark plug.
If necessary, carbon deposits can be removed with fine sandpaper or a file.
The candle is installed in place manually to avoid thread distortion.
Wraps with a force of NO MORE than 25-30 Nm. After screwing in the new spark plug by hand, it should be tightened 1/2 turn with a wrench to compress the washer. If installing an already used spark plug, it should be tightened by turning only 1/8-1/4 turn after tightening by hand.
The cap is put on.

Preparing a gas generator for long-term storage (preservation)

When placing a gasoline generator into storage (more than 3 months), it is necessary to perform a series of next works carried out after the engine has completely cooled down.

Completely drain the gasoline from the tank and dry it through the drain screw through the carburetor. With the drain screw loosened, remove the spark plug cap and pull the starter cord 3-4 times to drain the fuel from the fuel pump. Clean the fuel filters and install them in place.
Change the engine oil.
Remove the spark plug and pour one tablespoon of engine oil into the cylinder. Rotate the engine shaft several times so that the oil covers the rubbing surfaces. If the cylinder has been coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine may smoke slightly during startup. This is fine.
Screw the spark plug into place and turn the shaft with the starter handle until resistance appears. At this moment, the piston is at the top of the compression stroke, the intake and exhaust valves are closed, which prevents internal corrosion of the engine.
Place the generator in a clean and dry place on long-term storage.

As mentioned above, gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates during storage. Old fuel causes poor starting; it contains resinous substances that contaminate the fuel system and can cause engine failure. Duration of fuel storage in the fuel tank and carburetor without causing functional problems may vary from factors such as temperature, air humidity, how full the fuel tank is. Air in a partially filled fuel tank causes fuel to deteriorate. High temperature and wet air accelerate the aging of gasoline. The problem of fuel quality deterioration may occur within 2-3 months or less, so it is recommended that during long breaks in operation, drain the fuel from the tank and carburetor and always use fresh fuel for operation.

Possible malfunctions of the gas generator and methods for eliminating them

Possible reason	Elimination method
Engine won't start
Poor quality fuel	Change fuel
No fuel is getting into the carburetor	Check whether the fuel valve is open or not
No spark at spark plug	Check and replace spark plug or magneto
Empty fuel tank	Fill the fuel tank
Engine stops
Air filter clogged
Low oil level	Check and add oil
Clogged oil filter	Replace
Fuel filter clogged	Clean the fuel filter
The hole in the fuel tank cap is clogged	Clean or replace the cover
The engine does not develop power
Air filter clogged	Clean or replace the filter
Piston ring wear	Replace rings
The engine smokes, exhaust gases blue color
Increased wear between valve stem and guide sleeve	Replace worn parts
Increased wear of the piston and cylinder	Replace worn parts
Increased wear of piston rings	Replace rings
Increased oil level in the crankcase	Check and adjust oil level
The engine smokes, the exhaust gases are black
Motor overload	Reduce electrical power take-off
Fuel supply too high	Adjust fuel pump
Air filter clogged	Clean or replace the filter
The engine gets very hot
Cylinder fins are dirty	Clean cylinder fins
Unstable engine operation
Speed controller malfunction	Find and eliminate the cause
Increased oil consumption
Increased clearance between valve stem and guide sleeve	Replace worn parts
Piston ring wear	Replace rings
Cylinder wear	Replace cylinder

Safety

A generator is a device that produces electricity, which can be dangerous under certain conditions. When the engine is running, parts of the exhaust system heat up to high temperature. Therefore, the operation of the gas generator must be carried out in compliance with certain rules electrical and fire safety.

The presence of unauthorized persons and animals in the work area must not be allowed.

Avoid using the generator in areas with high humidity, in an open space during snow or rain. When working with the unit, hands and clothing must be dry.

Do not use the electric generator near flammable materials, flammable and explosive gases and liquids. The generator should be located at least 1 meter from other equipment and walls. You must be careful not to touch the engine or exhaust pipe while the gas generator is running. This can cause serious burns.

Smoking is prohibited near the generator, and open flames or sparks must not be allowed near it.

Handle power cables with care; do not touch live parts of the generator. Damaged wires must be insulated or replaced immediately.

Before repairing and servicing the gas generator, it is recommended to disconnect the spark plug wire to avoid accidental starting of the engine.

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Many manufacturers of household and portable power stations like to indicate incredibly high generator power ratings on the packaging or casing of the equipment. At the same time, only in small print in the instructions, in a mark with an asterisk, do they indicate that this is the maximum peak power, theoretically calculated based on the magnitude of short-term current overloads or inrush currents. Asian manufacturers of generators are especially guilty of such marketing tricks; they are not particularly shy about slightly exaggerating the advantages of the equipment they produce.

The point of advice No. 1 is to base your choice and load your generator, focusing only on the nameplate value of the generator’s rated power or on the power that the power plant provides in long-term operation.

Tip #2. Provide the generator with the necessary supply of oil and filters

The oil and filter change interval in a power plant is quite short and at the same time depends to a very large extent on the intensity and degree of load on the generator. Since it is often difficult to predict how long a generator will be used as a backup or emergency source of electricity when the central power supply is turned off, at least a minimum supply of oil and filters for one replacement will allow you to remain in a critical situation with a working generator.

The point of advice number 2. As a rule, generator manufacturers recommend making the first oil change after 25 hours of generator operation, and subsequent changes every 50-60 hours. Please note that this particular period for changing oil and filters may occur during a critical situation when trouble-free operation generator will become vital. Otherwise, instead of liquidation negative consequences lack of electricity, if you have a working generator, you will be forced to sit without electricity or run around stores or friends in search of consumables.

Tip #3. Cool down the power plant engine before refueling the generator

After running an electric generator continuously for several hours, many power plant owners immediately grab a can of fuel to refill the generator’s fuel tank to the brim, thereby immediately making at least two serious mistakes!

Most small home and portable power stations are equipped with fuel tanks on top of the body to allow the fuel to flow automatically into the carburetor due to gravity. Imagine what refueling a generator will become if, in a critical situation, your hand trembles and fuel spills onto a hot engine, or you fill a container with gasoline in the dark and it flows down the tank onto a hot engine or exhaust system. And at this time, there is a fuel tank above the hot parts of the power plant and you, bending over the generator, hold a canister with a flammable substance!

The meaning of advice number 3. Allow the generator to cool for at least 15 minutes before refueling. You can survive a quarter of an hour without electricity, but at the same time you will protect yourself and your loved ones from the fiery hell! At the same time, do not forget the accompanying rules when filling the fuel tank - do not rush, be sure to illuminate the work when refueling in the dark and in no case pour fuel into the generator tank to the brim.

Most common reason failure of all generators - poor fuel quality. Since almost all owners of generators keep power plants filled in case of an emergency, even the highest quality fuel begins to lose its properties after some time - it decomposes, loses its most volatile fractions, moisture accumulates in the fuel system, varnish deposits and insoluble sediments fall out. Therefore, manufacturers recommend initially using only fresh, high-quality fuel or at least adding a special stabilizer to it, which protects it from decomposition for a long time.

The meaning of advice number 4. For the generator to operate, of course, a certain supply of fuel is required, but it is highly advisable not to store it too much. long time in the generator fuel tank. If you do not plan to use the power plant for a long time, empty the fuel tank of the generator when it has cooled down and run the engine until it itself exhausts the remaining fuel from the fuel system.

No matter how attractive it would be to plug the generator into the outlet of an apartment or private house using an adapter or a cord with two plugs and thereby ensure the operation of all electrical equipment in the room, do not do this under any circumstances! This is dangerous for the lives of not only your loved ones, but also even distant neighbors from the house opposite! The power of even a small generator is enough to kill your neighbor or the electrician who is carrying out renovation work on power lines.

The meaning of advice number 5. Use either separate extension cords or permanent indoor emergency wiring that is not connected in any way to the central power lines for connections from the backup generator. Practice shows that in everyday life there is no need to go crazy with various automatic reserve input schemes that are used on industrial equipment, because it is either too dangerous or too expensive.

Tip #6 Store generator fuel in a safe environment

Throughout the civilized world, maximum permissible standards for storing fuel at home are established. We haven’t gotten to that point yet, and we have more problems with providing quality fuels and lubricants, so this advice is purely advisory in nature, based on international experience operation of household and portable generators.

When forming a supply of fuel and oil for the operation of a generator, the idea “the more, the better” does not justify itself at all. For example, it is strictly not recommended to use large cans with a capacity of more than 20 liters to store gasoline. The reasons are simple:

When filling the generator fuel tank from a heavy and large container, there is a high risk of fuel spillage or overflow. That is, it is dangerous and inconvenient.
A long period during which fuel and lubricants are used up from a large reserve tank can lead to a significant deterioration in the quality of fuel or oil.

The meaning of advice number 6. It is better to store fuel and lubricants in two or even three small cans than in one large one! Refueling is more convenient and safer, and the fuel supply can be replenished or replaced with a new one more quickly!

Tip No. 7 Use grounding and only high-quality wires to connect the load

Life shows that many of our compatriots, when purchasing an expensive power plant, try in every possible way to save on wires, and generally regard the need to ground the generator as a meaningless requirement from the manufacturer.

Why you shouldn't save on wires:

Most often, the generator is used outdoors, so the wires are exposed to moisture, sun and heat or frost. The cross-section of the wires must withstand a load of 25%-30% greater than the maximum power of the generator, and the cable insulation must withstand negative impact environment and be resistant to the influence of fuels and lubricants used in the generator.
The cross-section and length of the cable should ensure that the generator can be removed as far as possible from the residential area. Even the most expensive and high-quality generator is still a fairly noisy device with toxic exhaust gases that you should not breathe even in the absence of a central power supply. At the same time, manufacturers recommend limiting the distance of the generator from people to a distance of about 30 meters - this way the negative impact of noise, vibration and exhaust gases will be minimal, but at the same time the power plant will remain under full visual control of the owner.

Why you shouldn’t skimp on grounding:

Automatic generator protection provides for disconnecting the load only when there is a short circuit or the current load exceeds the maximum permissible. In the event of an electrical breakdown on the housing, without grounding, circuit breakers will not be able to fulfill the protective functions assigned to them.
For sustainable and safe work electrical equipment from the generator must have a pure zero, which cannot be achieved without grounding.

The meaning of advice number 7. Don't skimp on quality wires and grounding. Cables with wires good section Reinforced insulation and modular pin grounding don't cost that much to save on the safety of your family or on repairing electrical equipment connected to the generator.

In this article, we have already recommended that the generator be located at some distance from crowded places. However, such distance from the owner of the generator may provoke thieves to steal an expensive portable power station. The means of protection is simple - just fasten the frame of the power plant to some stationary mount or massive structure. For these purposes, you can, of course, use a standard U-shaped lock with a quick-release bicycle mount, but it is best to purchase a steel chain with a reliable turnkey padlock specifically for the generator.

The meaning of advice number 8. In the event of a massive power outage, not only you, but also various dubious individuals who will not be stopped from stealing by ownership of the generator will want to stay with the light. The chain and lock together cost a pittance compared to the cost of the power plant. If you follow the advice and equip the generator installation site with a modular-pin grounding, you will already have an excellent place to fix the generator. In such cases, it is best to use a piece of sewer pipe with a lid painted to match the color of the lawn. You can place the ground loop terminal inside, and use a powerful lawn anchor to secure the circuit.

At the last moment, electric generator sets are often used in industry, construction or in everyday life. various types, power and purpose. In situations where the power plant acts as a permanent or backup power source, the user is interested in increasing the duration of its continuous operation. In cases where the generator is used only occasionally, this requirement is not so important.

In order to understand what duration of operation of the power plant will not have a negative impact on its technical condition and will not cause the need for repairs, you should first of all study the features of the main types of this equipment.

Gasoline generators

Structurally, a gasoline generator can have an engine with an aluminum or cast iron cylinder block. The first ones have a short motor life (several hundred hours). For engines with a cast iron block, the installation resource can be compared to the characteristics of a small diesel generator, and it can already reach up to 3-5 thousand hours. It is worth noting the efficiency of such generators and the low noise level they produce during operation. Most often, such installations do not have their own cooling system, which does not allow them to be used in continuous mode. After several hours of operation, the gasoline unit needs a break to allow its engine to cool down. Also, do not forget about the high cost of fuel used by the installations of this type. But if needed alternative source energy – inexpensive, compact and lightweight, then the choice is obvious. Moreover, if the generator is not planned to be used often and for a long time.

Gasoline models traditionally have low power (2-15 kW), are compact and economical, but are designed for short-term operation (7-8 hours). Such units have a low mean time between failures (up to 4000 hours) and most often act as emergency power sources. Gasoline generators can be used at home, on a construction site, on a film set, outdoors, etc.

Diesel units

Diesel generators can be equipped with high-speed or low-speed engines. Most often, such stations have their own liquid cooling system, provided by design. The most affordable in terms of pricing are high-speed units, but they have a number of disadvantages similar to those of gasoline generators. This is a relatively small motor resource, and, in addition, such installations emit more noise during operation. And such a generator can work without stopping for no more than two days. It is advisable to use such a station if the planned operating mode is no more than 600 engine hours per year. If the generator operates in a more intensive mode, it is better to pay attention to more expensive but reliable low-speed units. The advantage of low-speed diesel generators is their low operating costs. The use of such installations provides an economic effect during long-term operation. Moreover, they can work without stopping for an extremely long time.

Diesel generators are produced in a wide range of powers (12-300 kW), have reliable design, relatively high motor life, are safe to operate and can operate continuously for more than 10 hours. These modifications are usually used as permanent and backup power sources. Diesel generators are used at critical industrial, construction and domestic sites.

You can obtain more accurate information regarding the permissible duration of operation without interruption for a specific model from the generator manufacturer. Modern Russian and foreign manufacturers take into account the interests of users and constantly improve the designs of manufactured power plants. However, when choosing a unit, you should take into account not only the maximum duration of its operation, but also other characteristics, as well as actual operating conditions and user needs.

In this article, we have collected all the necessary minimum knowledge about generators, which will allow you not to make a mistake when choosing one.

Before you start choosing a generator, you should clearly decide which parameters are most preferable to you. When purchasing a device, you need to take into account its weight, dimensions, operating time, automation, noise level, fuel consumption, power and, of course, price.

How many phases should a generator have?

In order to answer this question, it is necessary to understand which consumers will be connected to the electric generator. Only single-phase consumers can be connected to a single-phase power plant. Both single-phase and three-phase can be connected to a three-phase power plant. But this property does not mean that three-phase power plants are always better. It must be remembered that for most generators the maximum permissible load on each phase should not exceed 30%. In practice, this means that you cannot remove more than one-third of the rated power from a single-phase socket of a three-phase generator. Those. if a three-phase generator has a rated power of 6 kW, then you can remove no more than 2 kW from a 220 V outlet. In addition, when connecting consumers to three-phase power plants, it is necessary to achieve uniform distribution of loads across phases.

As a result, it is best to take a three-phase station only when you have a three-phase consumer. If all consumers are single-phase, then in the vast majority of cases it is worth choosing a single-phase generator.

Power is one of the main parameters that need to be taken into account when choosing a generator. To determine required power electric generator, you should check the power of the devices that will be connected to it. It must be taken into account that the power of the electric generator must exceed the sum of the powers of all simultaneously connected devices that will operate for more than five minutes by 20-30%. This is due to the fact that the power plant will operate in the most optimal mode only when the load connected to it does not exceed 40-80% of the rated power.

If the generator power is selected incorrectly, then you are likely to encounter:

overloading the generator and its subsequent shutdown;
reduced service life due to long work at extreme conditions;
high fuel consumption.

By selecting the power correctly, you will be able to connect previously unforeseen consumers to the network powered by the power plant.

Watts, volt-amps and power factor

Please note that power can be measured in watts (W) and volt-amperes (VA). If the instructions for the device and the instructions for the generator indicate power in different dimensions, then it is worth converting both values to a common unit of measurement. To convert kVA to kW, the value in volt-amperes must be multiplied by the power factor (cos ȹ).

Let's say we have a power plant with a capacity of 3 kVA and a power factor of 0.8; Having made simple calculations by multiplying 3 by 0.8, we find out that the power of this installation is 2.4 kW. Now let’s calculate what power vacuum cleaner can be connected to it. Typically (cos ȹ) of a vacuum cleaner is approximately 0.5. In total, let’s calculate the power of the vacuum cleaner: 3 × 0.8 × 05 = 1.2 kW.

What should be the power of a heater that can be connected to the power plant described above? Since the heater has no reactivity, its power factor is equal to the same. Let's multiply: 3 kVA × 0.8 × 1 = 2.4 kW. That is, the power of the heater is the same as the power of the power plant itself.

Resistive, inductive, capacitive...

For correct selection generator it is important to know the resistive, inductive or capacitive devices you are going to use. Resistive devices consume current with active power, simply those that do not have an electric motor. These include heating devices, incandescent lamps, kitchen stoves. For this type of device, any generator of appropriate power is suitable, since they completely convert the consumed power into light or heat.

Inductive- These are devices that are powered by an electric motor. For example, a compressor, pump or sawmill. This type is characterized by power loss due to winding friction, so only 70% of the original value is used as useful power. Also, in inductive devices, additional power is required to start the motor. Therefore, when working with such devices, it is better to have a generator power reserve of about 20%.

If you purchase a power station to connect inductive devices to it, you should definitely find out what maximum current it can withstand.

Capacitive devices are the most sensitive current consumers (for example, professional discharge lamps, flash lamps). To work with such devices, use exclusively asynchronous generators.

Starting current

Inrush current is the current that occurs for a short period of time after starting equipment equipped with an electric motor. The starting current can be several times higher than the rated power of the unit. The value of this current can be found in the device data sheet. For approximate calculations, you can use the following table:

TV	1	Electric planer	2
Kitchen stove	1	Angle grinder (grinder)	2
Coffee maker	1	Grinder	2
Heater	1,2	Electric saw	2
Incandescent lamps	1	Drill	3
Vacuum cleaner	1,2	Boiler, boiler (Boiler)	3,4
Microwave	2	Concrete mixer	3,5
Washing machine	3,5	Hammer	3
Computer	2	Air conditioner	3,5
Fridge	3,3	Submersible pump	7
Freezer	3,5	Electric meat grinder	7

How to choose the right power?

Thus, when choosing a generator you need:

determine what devices you will connect to the generator;
determine the power of these devices (usually this can be read in the instructions or on the devices themselves);
know the inrush current coefficients for these devices;
Based on the type of device and its power, calculate the required power of the unit.

If you cannot find out exactly what power the devices you are going to connect are, use the following table of approximate values:

A simple example of calculating generator power

We need a backup generator for the dacha, so that when the lights are turned off for a couple of days again, the refrigerator does not turn into a foul-smelling box for vegetables and meat, and in the dark you can walk around the rooms without fear of injury. It would also be great to watch TV and vacuum the floor sometimes.

The total power of the devices we have listed will be approximately 1.5-2 kW. Let's look at the type of load placed on the power source (generator). To do this, let's look at the table of starting currents, and after that we will calculate the required power for the simultaneously connected consumers of electricity listed above (take the maximum values): 0.3 kW × 3.3 + 0.2 kW (two 100 W lamps) × 1 + 0.08 kW × 1+0.8kW×1.2= 2.23kW. And because usually maximum power generator (the power it can produce for a short period of time) usually exceeds its rated power, for our purposes we can easily take a 2 kW generator.

Fuel consumption

Do you need to determine the fuel consumption of a power plant? You need to know the power of the generator in kW. Consumption in g/kW*hour multiplied by the generator power in kW gives consumption in g/hour. To get in liters/hour you need to know the specific density of the fuel in g/liter (for AI-95 (A-95) approximately 750 g/liter, for diesel fuel 840 g/liter), i.e., divide the consumption in g/hour by density in g/liter. For example, gasoline consumption is 350 g/kW*hour. Generator power 5 kW. Those. fuel consumption at full power - 350x5=1750 g/hour. We divide the resulting amount by the density of gasoline (in our case AI-95) 750 g/liter and we get 2.3 l/hour.

When accurately calculating consumption, it is also worth taking into account the change in fuel density when the external temperature changes. The tabulated fuel density is indicated at nominal temperature (20 degrees Celsius). The lower the temperature, the lower the density.

Synchronous and asynchronous generators

Synchronous generators - have a lower current quality compared to asynchronous ones, but, nevertheless, they are suitable for emergency power supply of offices, refrigeration units, equipment country houses, dachas, construction sites. Such generators are more resistant to short-term overloads, but are poorly protected from water, dust and dirt since they draw air through them for cooling. The main advantage of such electric generators is that they handle peak loads relatively painlessly. Those. To operate devices with a reactive load (having an electric motor), you will need a generator of lower power (compared to an asynchronous one).

Asynchronous generators do not tolerate peak loads well, but they ensure that the voltage in the network is maintained with high accuracy, so they allow you to connect equipment that is sensitive to voltage surges (for example, medical equipment, computers, other electronic devices). The source of electric current in them is the residual magnetization of the rotor. Thanks to this principle, asynchronous generators are more durable: they do not require air cooling and their housing is completely closed and protected from moisture and dust. Due to their immunity to short circuits, such generators are an ideal power source for welding machines. But they are sensitive to overloads and are not suitable for powering power tools and other devices with high inrush currents.

What kind of engine do you need?

The engine is the main part of the unit; how long the power plant will last depends on its potential. Engines are petrol, diesel and gas. The service life of an air-cooled generator with a gasoline engine is approximately 500-800 operating hours for a Chinese gasoline engine, up to 2,000 thousand operating hours for Honda, Briggs & Stratton or Kohler engines. The service life of diesel engines significantly exceeds this figure and ranges from 2500 operating hours for an air-cooled engine and 3000 rpm to 20,000-30,000 for liquid-cooled engines and 1500 rpm. The service life of gas engines is much longer than that of gasoline engines and approximately the same as that of diesel engines. The service life of an air-cooled gas engine is 1500-2000 operating hours for Chinese engines and about 3000-4000 thousand for Japanese, European and American engines. As for liquid-cooled engines, their service life starts from 10,000 operating hours for small displacement engines, up to 40,000-50,000 operating hours for large displacement engines.

Gasoline engines are usually used on medium and low power generators. Cheap generator, low resource. This great option, if the electricity goes out rarely. Diesel engines are used for backup power supply of medium and high power. Quite an expensive generator with a good resource. Most often used in construction or reserve of large objects. Gas-fired ones are ideal for backup power supply to homes and industries. Gas generators are more expensive than gasoline generators and cost about the same as diesel ones. But unlike both, they have serious advantages: if there is main gas pipeline the cost of 1 kW/h will be cheaper than that of gasoline and diesel engines, which means that during intensive use the generator will pay for itself much faster. In addition, for liquid-cooled gas generators, the cost of 1 kW/h (taking into account the cost of the station and the cost of its maintenance) is always lower than the cost of 1 kW/h from the city network. On average, this is from 1.5 to 3 rubles per 1 kW/h. And this is not to mention the fact that the gas engine is noticeably more environmentally friendly than both gasoline and diesel engines. For example, when working on methane, the smell of exhaust gases is practically not felt and for country house it is important.

Operating mode

Correctly determining the operating mode of the generator will allow you to use its resource most efficiently.

ENGINE'S TYPE	MOTORRESURS	ADVANTAGES	MODE OF USE
Gasoline engines with air cooling, 3000 rpm	700-2000 m/h	Lowest cost watt/ruble ratio. Low noise level and vibrations.	Backup or emergency source power supply, during operation up to 100 operating hours per year. Or how permanent source for a period of up to 2 months.
Diesel engines with air cooling, 3000 rpm	2500-3000 m/h	Twice the resource than for gasoline engines air cooling. Low response to differential loads Reliable launch.	Emergency power supply for use in places where there is no gasoline or for emergency work.
cooling, 3000 rpm	7000-10000 m/h	Fast engine warm-up before connecting the load. Reliable launch.	Backup source energy supply, with Operation up to 1000 hours per year. Or as a permanent source for up to 6-9 months.
Diesel engines with liquid cooling, 1500 rpm	15000-20000 m/h	High motor potential. Economical. Low noise and vibration levels. reliable start.	Backup and permanent source of supply for a long time (about 10 and 2 years respectively).
Gas engines with air cooling, 3000 rpm	1500-4000 m/h	High engine life, fast warming up the engine. Low cost kW/h.	Backup power supply with low cost kWh.
Gas engines with liquid cooling, 1500 rpm	10000-40000 m/h	High motor potential. Price 1 kWh lower than the main network.	Backup or permanent source electricity supply In constant mode operation pays off in 7 to 15 months.

All data presented in the table are approximate and do not apply to a specific power plant.

Fuel safety

It is important to remember that long-term storage of gasoline (more than 6 months) deteriorates its properties, which can lead to loss of power or even engine failure. Don't forget to change it every 3-4 months if you don't use a generator. Diesel fuel more resistant to long-term storage.

Generator for a summer residence

Which generator to choose for your dacha? First of all, you need to decide how much total power the appliances in your home consume. Above we calculated minimally required power for "average" country house- 2 kW. But you don’t want to have to calculate watts every time, and even if limiting yourself, still use all the main electrical appliances at home. In practice, for a house inhabited by 4 people, the optimal generator power is 4-5 kW. It will be enough for basic household appliances at home (you may even forget that in the entire holiday village, no one except you has electricity).

What is better, save money and take a device from China, or still shell out the required amount and buy a generator made in Europe/Japan? The answer is not as obvious as it might seem at first glance. First of all, it depends on how often the generator will operate. Engine life modern generator Chinese production is 1-1.5 thousand hours. If the electricity is turned off a couple of times a month for 6 hours, then you yourself can easily calculate that with such intensity of operation, the resource will last for 15 years. If a budget generator can easily meet your needs for the foreseeable years, is it worth overpaying for a better one ( and therefore an expensive) brand? It's up to you to decide, but I don't think there's much point.

When is it wrong to save money on a generator? First of all, when you plan to use it extremely intensively. For example, electricity is supplied only periodically and the generator will run for several hours every day. In this case, the quality of the generator and the reliability of its operation fully pay for the money spent on it.

Generator for welding machine

The correct selection of a generator for a welding machine should take into account great amount various data, such as maximum welding current, power, current curve, etc. of welding equipment. The starting currents of the welding machine are so aggressive and instantaneous that the generator fuses do not have time to melt and the alternator burns out. For simplicity and reliability, the generator power should be chosen three times greater than the power of the welding machine. There is also a second way. Before connecting the welding machine to the generator, turn the welding current to a minimum and only then connect it to the generator. It is worth considering that a 5 kW generator is ready to withstand welding current within 160A. Increasing current higher given value increases the likelihood of generator failure.

Price-quality ratio

Planning a serious purchase always includes research optimal ratio prices and quality. Today, high-quality units, good assortment, highest quality, but electric generators produced in countries such as France, Germany, the USA and Japan (SDMO, Endress, Generac) are famous for their not very affordable prices. This is high quality and reliable equipment. But don't discount generators made in China. Some brands come very close in quality and reliability to their European/Japanese/American counterparts (for example, Ergomax,

If we talk about specialization, it is better if it is a company that is exclusively engaged in production generator sets. Since this type of business is highly specialized, do not count on finding a company name that everyone knows. It is also worth considering that low-power units produced by branded companies can be unreasonably expensive. Make sure that the company producing the generators has quality certificates and its products meet international standards.

Before you buy an electric generator, think about how competent you are in this matter. If you are tormented by doubts, it is better to seek help from a specialist. If you know exactly what you want, have taken into account the device parameters you need, studied the market and decided on the price - do not forget to think about it in advance possible repairs and carefully check the warranty documents when purchasing.

Example of a generator room