Our homes are powered by electricity. We cannot simply do our daily routine without it. Sometimes, when the power gets out, it frustrates us. However, some fortunate homes do not worry whenever a power interruption happens because they have available sources that can help them even without a power supply – like a generator.
Appliances like generators are very useful during power outages. They allow households and industries to continue their normal operations when it happens. In this article, we will discuss how a generator works as a secondary source of electrical power.
A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The common idea is that the generator itself creates its electrical energy, but the answer is no. It uses mechanical energy from external sources and forces the movements of electrical charges in the wire. It is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, thanks to Michael Faraday. He discovered that moving an electrical conductor in a magnetic field can induce the flow of electric charges. Several companies provide machine rental services like a generator hire that can help customers with electrical needs.
To explore more about generators, let us discuss its different parts and components:
- Engine – is the main source of mechanical energy. You have to consider some factors in choosing the best type of engine to use, such as fuel type and if you want to use overhead valve engines (OHV) or non-OHV engines. You also have to consider the cast iron sleeve (CIS) in the engine cylinder.
- Alternator – produces the electrical output from the mechanical input that comes from the engine. The alternator’s components include stator and rotor or armature (it can be by induction, permanent magnets, or using an exciter). You must also consider if you want a metal or plastic housing, a ball or needle bearings, and a brushless design.
- Fuel System – has the sufficient capacity to sustain operations to the generator for six to eight hours. A fuel system’s common features are the following: pipe connection from the fuel tank to the engine, ventilation pipe for the fuel tank, overflow connection from the fuel tank to the drainpipe, fuel pump, fuel water separator or fuel filter, and fuel injector.
- Voltage Regulator – regulates the output voltage. The voltage regulator’s important components are the voltage regulator itself, exciter windings, rotating rectifiers, and rotor or armature. The first step of the cycle happens in the voltage regulator. The AC voltage is converted to DC. Then, in the exciter windings, the DC is converted to AC. In the rotating rectifiers, the AC is converted back into DC. Lastly, the DC transforms back into AC voltage in the rotor or armature, and the cycle repeats.
- Cooling and Exhaust System – the cooling system is important to avoid overheating the device while the exhaust system disposes of the exhaust gases emitted by the generator.
- Lubricating system – is also an important component so that the generator maintains its smooth and durable operation.
- Battery Charger – supplies float voltage to the generator to keep it powered.
- Control Panel – contains the control system and the user interface of the generator. Some control panel features include electric start and shut-down, engine gauges, generator gauges, and other controls like phase selector switch, frequency switch, and engine control switch.
In conclusion, each generator’s component is very important to ensure a smooth process of providing households and industries with the electrical power they need. A generator hire is very helpful, especially if you want to use it for temporary purposes and do not want to buy your own generator.