No one is immune from power outages. A rolling or emergency shutdown will cause a lot of problems if you do not take care of a backup source of a valuable resource. In different volumes, a generator for the house, which operates independently of the central electricity supply lines, will make up for the lack of required energy. The device as a whole is simple, but there are many nuances of choice, the knowledge of which will allow using the equipment with the greatest efficiency in the future.
Optimum unit power
For domestic use, small-sized power plants with a capacity of not more than 4 kW are intended. In comparison, a gasoline generator for a professional home supports 10-15kW on average. But in both cases, these conditional values and specific values will depend on the tasks that should bewill execute the device. In particular, experts classify equipment into the following groups depending on power:
- Models for 0.35-1.5 kW - for mobile maintenance of equipment, construction tools, appliances, etc.
- Devices for 2-4 kW - more often used for autonomous power supply of private infrastructure. For example, home generators from 3 kW can be used in the complex maintenance of lighting equipment and household appliances.
- Installations of 6-10 kW - designed for industrial use, but sometimes they are connected to the power system of several cottages.
To more accurately determine the sufficient power reserve, a calculation should be made by the number of electrical appliances, their power potential, as well as the starting current, which is indicated in the technical documentation. As an example, consider a situation where a household generator is needed for a home with connections to a local lighting system, a refrigerator and a TV. Moreover, the unit is calculated for a rolling shutdown for 3-4 hours a day. How is the calculation made? It can be assumed that the power of the TV will be 0.1 kW, the refrigerator - 0.3 kW, and several lamps - 0.2 kW. Each of these values is multiplied by the starting current factor. In the case of a TV and lamps, it will be equal to 1, so their power value will not change. But for a refrigerator, the total power will be approximately 1 kW, given that the starting current of this device has an index slightly more than 3. Accordingly, you will need to focus on 1.3-1.5kW.
Gasoline power generators
This type of power plant is optimally suited for domestic purposes due to its compactness, low weight and cost. For example, for 12-15 thousand rubles. you can find a quality generator with a power of 3 kW. But there are also disadvantages to benzoin energy sources due to severe operating restrictions. In particular, a standard home generator using this fuel can be used for no more than 4 hours a day. That is, it is hardly suitable for long-term and constant operation. There is also a minus in the form of high costs for the maintenance of this unit. Gasoline is not cheap, so even short sessions of connecting the station can hit your wallet hard. The solution to this problem can be the purchase of an economical inverter gas generator, which has an even more compact design. But the power potential and performance in this case will be lower.
When planning the use of a gasoline household power plant, it is important to determine the specific type of fuel. Four-stroke power plants can only be refueled with pure gasoline without oil additives. In turn, two-stroke engines require the use of combined oil-based formulations. There is also a gasoline generator for the home with a side valve placement configuration. Such devices must be supplied with mixtures with an octane rating of at least 77. If the valves are in the upper part, then the octane rating of gasoline should be higher than 85. In general, we can conclude that this family of power plants is suitablefor short-term support of power supply, but with full coverage of the needs of consumers in terms of power.
Diesel generators for home
The fundamental difference between heavy fuel mixture models is the possibility of continuous operation as a backup source of energy. Firstly, diesel units are more reliable in terms of their design and can withstand heavy loads. Secondly, they use the fuel mixture more economically, maintaining power at a sufficient level. As already noted, diesel generators for the home provide high performance, but is there any need to pay extra for this advantage? Much will depend on specific tasks. Of course, it is not rational to use a 10-15 kW model to service a small workshop or at home. But there are also versions with a capacity of 3-4 kW. And unlike a gas generator with a similar potential, such a station will demonstrate good endurance, working around the clock.
As for the nuances of choosing diesel fuel, in most cases domestic mixtures of the highest grade are suitable. Another thing is that its tolerance to temperature conditions should be taken into account. For example, in the summer it is desirable to supply diesel generators for the home with L-0.2-40 mixtures (62). When working in frost down to -45 °C, it is recommended to fill with grade 3-0.2.
Synchronous or asynchronous power generator?
Generator motors may interact differently with the connected power grid. Voltage and alternating current haveof great importance in terms of maintaining the stability of the equipment and its reliability. In this context, synchronous and asynchronous models should be distinguished:
- In the first case, we are talking about stations designed for emergency temporary maintenance of industrial, construction and residential facilities. Here it is worth noting the feature of the generator for the home with auto start, which is automatically put into operation. With the help of special indicators, the system determines the absence of voltage in the network and, without a command from the user, independently starts supplying power to previously connected consumers.
- Asynchronous generators are less protected from high peak overloads, but in given voltage ranges they can provide accurate network parameters. They are used to power complex high-tech equipment that is sensitive to changes in the operation of the power supply system.
The following overview of generators for the home will help you decide on the choice of a specific model of this electrical equipment.
Ryobi RGN2500 model
Typical 2 kW domestic gasoline generator. The equipment is suitable for servicing household electrical appliances, construction tools and lighting systems. The design of the model allows for transportation, so it can also be used as a mobile station at the exit. In particular, thanks to the wide tires, the unit can overcome even loose soil, which is convenient when working in the country. Fuel tank allows one-time refueling15 l. Again, for a permanent supply, this option is not suitable, but for a single long session, provided that a quality mixture is used, this technique can be confidently used.
Optionally, this generator is quite limited. It lacks the ability to automatically start and output 12 V. But there is an oil sensor and voltage control. So, through the control panel, the user can visually monitor the performance of the network thanks to the built-in multimeter. The owners of the RGN2500 home generator also note the reliability of the design. This is largely due to the rigid frame made of high-strength alloy.
Model FUBAG BS 3300
More powerful version of the petrol power station, which allows servicing devices and systems with a total potential of up to 3 kW. The designers also provided for a powerful load-bearing base made of a metal round frame. The housing layout ensures the stability of the generator position on any surface, which also adds advantages when operating in mobile mode. The manufacturer recommends filling the station with A-92 gasoline, and fuel level control is carried out through a special level on the tank cap. By the way, for convenience during long-term operation, the creators have provided the possibility of refueling, so you do not have to wait for full fuel consumption with a power outage.
This model is different and security systems. Control of electrical parameters with diagnostics can be performed through the multifunctional display - in particular, indicators are availablehours and voltage. The sockets of the BS 3300 domestic generator are specially protected against water and dirt. Implemented and anti-vibration protection. Built-in dampers dampen vibrations during operation, increasing the reliability and stability of the main function.
Model Elitech DES 8000 EM
This is already a representative of diesel power plants, with which you can comprehensively ensure the operation of lighting fixtures, household electrical appliances, powerful equipment, etc. Built-in sockets for connecting consumers operate with a current of 32 A, so the owner can enter into the backup network and responsible energy-intensive devices. All functional elements on a solid frame platform are insulated and connected to a safety block. As for the power potential of the station itself, it is 5.5 kW. This is enough to be able to use this generator for heating a private house by connecting it to a boiler or boiler plant. In parallel, the possibility of providing hot water supply is also allowed, but this will already depend on the quantity and energy demands of other consumers. For example, using the terminals on the back of the case, you can also enter devices powered by 12 V. They have little effect on the quality of the power supply to the main equipment.
DAEWOO DDAE 6000XE
A performance-balanced diesel unit, complete with a powerful alternator, copper winding and cooling system. At the output, the generator produces a stable currentwith a power of 5 kW. If you plan to use the power supply for welding equipment in the garage or in the country, the proposal from DAEWOO may be the best option. Also, for the comprehensive maintenance of the cottage, its capabilities are more than enough. It is worth emphasizing that this is a home generator with auto start, so in the event of an unexpected power outage, the backup unit will take over the power supply function even without user intervention. But in choosing this station, one must take into account the large weight of the structure (88 kg) and at the same time a modest fuel tank volume of 14 liters. However, wheels with steel bearings and rubber pads are provided for transportation. Operational practice confirms that the station can be moved even indoors without damaging the decorative surface.
Which generator is best for home?
The choice of a backup source of power supply for domestic needs is not limited to taking into account power parameters. Whether it is a diesel or gasoline unit, the power requirements of specific consumers should initially be calculated. Both the optimal power supply time and functionality must be taken into account. For comprehensive maintenance of domestic power systems, a diesel stationary generator may be preferred. And if we are talking about work with specific construction equipment, then it makes sense to turn to portable gasoline models. They will allow supplying in the country, in the garage or within the garden plot. For example, a 2 kW station may be useful formaintaining the operation of the pump, compressor unit or power tool. The question of the duration of the continuous operation of the unit is also important. How to choose a generator for the home based on the time of the working session? Most one-time operations with equipment without a central power supply are completed in 4-6 hours. For such purposes, you can purchase a model with a fuel tank of 10-15 liters. And powerful and energy-efficient stations allow you to stretch 20 liters for continuous almost daily work.
Conclusion
Modern liquid-fuel generators provide significant assistance to owners of country houses who regularly experience problems with the quality of power supply. But this equipment also has significant drawbacks. This also applies to emissions of combustion products, and the cost of purchasing fuel. Also, maintenance is expensive - especially with intensive use. In this regard, alternative options for domestic power plants are gradually being mastered. One of the representatives of this direction is a hydrogen generator for the home, which is environmentally friendly, high efficiency and modest costs for the gas mixture. At the moment, this concept is not widely used due to structural complexity, but in the future, perhaps the situation will change. Today, adherents of hydrogen energy supply systems mainly make stations with electrolysis, burners and energy converters with their own hands. And the weakest point of such developments can be called a low levelreliability and safety. By these parameters, liquid fuel generators are certainly a more advantageous way to organize backup power.
