The presence of an autonomous generator at hand is sometimes simply necessary and often helps out in a variety of situations. The list of options for using these devices is very wide - from the continuous operation of a private house to powering a party on a local beach with electricity. At the same time, the principle of operation of the gas generator remains unchanged regardless of the conditions of use. While design features may vary. According to the type of operation, equipment is usually divided into professional and household.
Description of the working principle
The process of functioning can be described in one sentence. An internal combustion engine of a certain type rotates the shaft of an electric generator, thereby converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Fuel, which is, in fact, hydrocarbons created from organic compounds, burns out during the operation of the internal combustion engine. The system of magnets and windings is responsible for the transformation of energy. In general, it can be said that thisthe device is a specially designed system of autonomous power supply, functioning at the expense of gasoline as fuel.
A general description of how it works is as follows.
- Gasoline is poured into the fuel tank.
- Installation is starting.
- Fuel flows through the fuel line to the engine.
- Purification from mechanical impurities and filtration take place.
- The fuel pump starts pumping gasoline into the carburetor.
- Next, the desired volume is stirred, and a homogeneous substance is obtained.
- After the supply of purified oxygen, the required level of combustibility is reached.
- Fuel begins to flow into the engine cylinders.
- The system is starting up. To start the engine in the gas generator device, a spark plug is provided to ignite the fuel mixture.
- The gas produced during combustion moves the crankshaft and piston system.
- Due to the rotational moment, mechanical energy is transferred to the rotor, which converts it into electrical energy.
- In the same way, magnets vibrate to create an electromagnetic field.
The processes described above are the main stages in the generation of electric current. The power of gasoline generators with a carburetor, as a rule, does not exceed 12 kW.
Classification by purpose
Household versions of these devices are most often portable and not intended for long-term continuous use. Power reaches at the same time 4 kW. Such a generator is perfect for powering a private house or for a long trip to nature with tents. In addition, such models can be used to ensure the operation of a small workshop or warehouse, but it is not recommended to keep them on for more than four hours in a row. This is primarily due to the design of the gas generator. After the specified period, it needs some time to cool the components, after which it can be restarted for the same period.
Professional devices have more power. Also, the time during which they can function continuously has been increased. In this case, preference is given to the use of diesel fuel, because it is considered more economical, and the working life of the engine increases. There is also one constructive difference from the vast majority of household appliances - the presence of a three-phase power system, which is designed for 380 V output voltage. At the same time, almost all home generators operate on a 220 V network and produce a single-phase current. Very large dimensions require the installation of professional devices on a special wheeled chassis, or they are made completely stationary.
Other criteria for classification
Gasoline power plants are usually classified according to a certain number of parameters. The choice of the desired device is made depending on personal needs. Often, custom-made generators are designed according to those conditions andallowable loads in which they will work.
Among other criteria for classification, the following characteristics can be distinguished:
- two-stroke or four-stroke engine at the base;
- single-phase or three-phase current generation system;
- stationary or transportable;
- generated current power - up to 4 kW, up to 15 kW, up to 30 kW.
Gasoline generator manufacturers prefer to install two-stroke engines on low-power devices for domestic use. Their power generally does not exceed 1 kW. For everyone else, there are more efficient four-stroke engine models. As already mentioned, the number of phases of the current depends exactly the same on the purpose of the device. Almost all domestic electrical networks are designed for a single-phase system, while industrial use requires more electricity to be generated.
In addition to home devices, there are also two more categories. Industrial biogas plants with a capacity of up to 15 kW are chosen by trade organizations and construction sites. A more advanced version of the gas generator device allows it to work continuously for 10 hours. In this category, there may also be diesel models, which are distinguished by their large weight and dimensions. In addition, there are power plants to power large warehouse complexes and office buildings. Their power is within 30 kW, and the installation is carried out only permanently in premises prepared in advance for them.
Engine features
The parameters of this node primarily depend on the number of cycles. For example, engines with two are lighter in weight and cheaper, because they are structurally easier to manufacture. However, low economic efficiency and a very small generation resource make this option not the best for purchase. Four-stroke representatives have exactly the opposite pros and cons. They are considered more difficult to develop, and their cost for the final buyer is correspondingly higher. However, the best gas generators are equipped with these devices, because they have significantly lower fuel consumption, and this parameter, as a rule, is very important for industrial facilities.
Engines are mainly made with one cylinder and forced air cooling system. The combustible mixture is prepared in the carburetor compartment. Starting is carried out using a recoil starter or thanks to an additional electronic start. In the latter case, the gas generator device is slightly more complicated by installing an additional power circuit and a 12 V output. This node is responsible for charging the batteries and powering low-voltage devices. Most motors have a cast iron sleeve and an overhead valve with a gas distribution mechanism.
Resource of gasoline and diesel engines
This parameter is very important when choosing. The device of a gasoline generator with conventional fuel implies a slightly shorter working life than that of diesel power units. The value is fixed on average foraround 3-4 thousand hours. Its sufficiency primarily depends on the use cases. Constant power supply of a private house will require an annual search of the mechanism, and occasional use for going out into the countryside will allow the device to serve a very long time.
It can be said that all large-scale installations with high power use only diesel fuel to generate electricity. Of course, the generators themselves are not without a number of disadvantages, including large dimensions and weight, as well as a high level of noise emitted during operation. In addition, in winter, in the cold, these devices often have problems starting.
The best generators up to 1 kW
This category includes so-called home devices with more or less compact dimensions and modest parameters. These models are equipped with two-stroke or four-stroke engines.
If you look at the ratings of stores, then the models listed below are considered the best gas generator per 1 kW.
- Huter HT1000L. The best brushless generator. At the same time, the device works up to 4 hours in continuous mode, and it is based on a four-stroke engine. The brushes do not wear out, as they are simply not provided for in the design of the current supply system.
- FUBAG BS 1000 i. The best option among budget solutions for home and leisure. The lightweight design of the inverter type is able to provide electricity to various household appliances. However, the model comes with a two-stroke petrolengine that will wear out quickly.
- "Zubr ZIG-1200". The perfect combination of power and performance. The noise of the four-stroke engine is reduced by means of a soundproof casing and a special muffler. The hour meter tells you when it's time to change your oil.
The best generators up to 2 kW
These devices are just as suitable for home use, but their capabilities are already somewhat better. There are also three of the most popular models on the market among 2 kW gas generators.
- Huter DY3000L. The budget decision differing at the same time in high stability in work. 196cc four-stroke engine cm and a tank of 12 liters allow the generator to work autonomously for 10 hours.
- Wert G3000. An ideal option for the cost among similar devices. The manufacturer is a Chinese company. The active power indicator reaches 2300 watts. The 10-liter tank allows you to work for 9 hours.
- FUBAG HS 2500. The best autonomy among 2 kW generators. German quality combined with 14 hours of operation without refueling. This value is achieved thanks to the installed tank of 15 liters. Enhanced security features include overload protection.
Champion brand generators
The American company Champion has been producing similar devices for quite a long time. Among the main advantages of gas generators"Champion" can be called an unusual and original case design, a large assortment and excellent quality, as evidenced by the feedback from the owners of these mini-power plants.
Almost all models are equipped with four-stroke engines from the well-known company Briggs & Stratton. The main advantage of these engines is low fuel consumption, which makes generators with them very popular due to their efficiency even among gasoline counterparts. The continuous period of work ranges from 4 to 8 hours. The presence of several sockets in the Champion gasoline generators makes it possible to power several devices at once, including charging batteries. As ultra-budget solutions, models with a power of less than 1 kW are offered. The cost of such models like GG951DC for 650-720 W or IGG950 for 800-900 W is between 5,000 and 6,000 rubles, respectively.
Fubag brand generators
The company is mainly engaged in the production of compact power plants for power generation. These models can be used both as main and as auxiliary power sources. Depending on the series, the power can vary from 650 W to 9.5 kW. The following general model markings can be distinguished: BS, Ti, MS and HS. All representatives of Fubag gas generators are distinguished by a comprehensive protection system that makes it possible to instantly turn off the devices when an overload is detected, which will undoubtedly save money on repairs or the purchase of a new mini-power plant.
The main consumers of the company's products live in Europe. Prove yourself toFubag succeeded in this market thanks to a responsible approach to the production process of its units. Multi-level product quality control allowed us to create reliable, trouble-free devices. Some Fubag gas generators use four-stroke engines from MITSUBISHI. At the same time, there are also models that run on diesel fuel. Most generators are equipped with a 12V input for low voltage applications.
Hooter brand generators
Considered one of the most reputable companies in this segment. The first generator was produced at a German factory back in 1979. For all devices, special powerful four-stroke engines with an efficient cooling system have been developed. However, buyers noted that in some models of Hooter gas generators there is a high noise level up to the mark of 90 dB, and the fuel volume sensor may give incorrect values. The highest demand in the domestic market is noted for the models Huter DY6500LX, Huter DY5000L, Huter DY3000L and Huter DY8000LX.
Various power of the units allows them to be used both in everyday life and for more complex and energy-intensive tasks. Comparative characteristics of Huter models and other manufacturers are either at the same level or slightly higher for all lines. A wide range of products is combined with a good level of workmanship, as well as maintainability due to the availability of warranties and authorized service centers.
