Along with petrol and diesel engines, a gas-fired electric generator is becoming more and more popular, which is often used in summer cottages and country houses as a backup power source. It ensures the operation of boilers, stoves and other household appliances. Consider the installation in more detail.
Devices and their types
The gas-fired power generator is characterized by high efficiency, very low noise level during operation, as well as environmental safety. After all, its emissions are actually harmless. These are the most convenient devices of all electric generators to operate. Therefore, the demand for them is steadily growing.
Gas generators are:
- gas piston;
- gas turbine.
The first, powered by internal combustion engines, are used for domestic needs. Gas turbine units have higher power ratings, which start from 30 kW. Such units are much more expensive and are used mainly inindustry.
Household electric generators are of the following types:
- open (installed in heated rooms with ventilation);
- closed (possible to keep outdoors).
Dual Fuel
In addition to generators that run only on natural liquefied gas, there are mini-power plants that can operate on butane, propane and gasoline. But for such units, it will be problematic to use low-pressure main gas.
Gas-fired home electric generators running on natural gas and gasoline will be more efficient if the ignition timing is adjusted correctly. It varies depending on the fuel used. Therefore, precise and fine adjustments of opening and closing valves are required. It should also be taken into account that optimal performance cannot be achieved with either petrol or gas. Most internal combustion engines on the market today are equipped with ignition angle adjustment that is not factory set. Therefore, the engine is able to switch to gas fuel only after the gasoline has been completely exhausted.
Gas-fired power generators for the home on natural gas (trunk) and gasoline are not economical. A rich or lean engine will operate at the manufacturer's recommended flow rate.
Factory setting mixer pressureis 2.8 kPa and is not regulated. Since in Russia almost everywhere the main gas pressure is 1.8 kPa or less, the gearboxes fit perfectly into the set settings. But in winter the level gets even lower. Because of this, operating equipment is at risk of failure. In an injector installation, there are no problems with starting even at low pressure. But due to the loss of power, operation becomes impractical, although it is forced to continue.
Choosing a gas powered generator for your home
When planning to purchase this device, you need to seriously study its characteristics. The main thing in any such device is the internal combustion engine, which ensures the rotation of the rotary generator and the generation of electrical energy. Most often, we can find Chinese units that are copied from the generator of the Japanese manufacturer Honda. It is better to refuse to buy such installations and purchase better quality Japanese generators. They have serial numbers that are located next to the company logo. In such a device, there will be no problems with a cold start and “sounding” of valves, which cannot be said about Chinese counterparts.
Working hours
The best units when you need to provide backup power are those generators that have an air cooling system. But if you intend to use the installation on an ongoing basis, then it is better to purchase a device with a water cooling system. The fact is that the air structure will require regular technical breaks in work. And with the system on the waternon-stop operation will be able to last for seven days.
A water-cooled installation will be able to work perfectly on its own for three or more years. The following companies are leaders in the production of such units:
- Toyota.
- Yammar.
- Generac.
- FG Wilson.
- Aksa.
Air-cooled generators are available from the following manufacturers:
- Green Power.
- Ultra.
- FG Wilson.
Proper use
Gas household electric generators have a certain time of non-stop operation, which must be adhered to. If this parameter is regularly violated, it will provoke rapid wear of the equipment.
When intended to operate in continuous mode, it is necessary to additionally provide engine cooling and control the oil level. The exhaust system should also be periodically inspected.
Other benefits
From the beginning of its production, the gas-fired electric generator was intended as an alternative to appliances that run on other types of fuel for backup power. Today, such installations are very relevant. Particularly popular are those in which electronic control is implemented through fuel injection. Unlike gear units, they are temperature independent.
There are many other benefits thatgas piston gas generators differ. Natural gas for them can be main or in the form of liquefied propane-butane. The working resource is more than three and a half years. The units also provide a high efficiency. With timely and proper maintenance, the resource can reach twice the period declared by the manufacturer.
