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Portable electric generators sometimes called “gensets” combine an engine and electric generator in capacities ranging from 500 watts to 500 kilowatts and more. They can be used to provide power for backup when the utility power fails or as full-time, base load, electrical supply when utility power is not available or is unreliable.
Portable generators are typically mounted on skids for ease of handling. They are also available mounted in standard shipping containers or in trailers. Typically, they are a complete package including engine, exhaust muffler, generator, radiator, fuel tank and controls. Sound-reducing enclosures can be provided to reduce noise levels as well as protect the generator from weather if mounted outdoors.
Generators may be powered by gasoline, diesel or propane/natural gas. Some are “dual fuel” meaning that they can be easily switched between fuels depending upon cost or availability of supply. Most use reciprocating engines but some, especially in larger sizes, may use gas turbines as the prime mover.
The term “emergency generator” is sometimes improperly used. Under the National Electrical Code (NEC) emergency generators are used for critical tasks like life support. An emergency generator must meet very strict and specific requirements. Using the term emergency generator to refer to one that does not meet these requirements can open a company to unnecessary regulatory violations.
A generator that is used to provide backup power to, for example, a freezer should always be referred to as a backup or standby generator.
Standby generators can be tied into the main power supply via a transfer switch. There are several types, all covered by the NEC. The purpose of the transfer switch is to physically disconnect the load, the freezer in this example, from the utility power and connect it to the generator. This prevents feeding power from the generator into the plant or utility power grid, causing a life-threatening situation.
Transfer switches can be manual or automatic. An automatic transfer switch will commonly be used with standby generators. On a power failure, the generator will automatically start. Once up to speed, the transfer switch will switch the load to the generator.
Smaller gensets are normally not intended for permanently connection and are provided with female receptacles into which the load is plugged.
When sizing generators the momentary or starting load to be handled needs to be considered. Motors, as they ramp up to running speed draw considerably more current than when running in steady state. The generator must be sized to accommodate this starting load. If not, the excessive load may overload the generator or may prevent the motor from even starting. This can damage generator, load or both.
About 60% of the fuel going into an internal combustion engine is wasted as exhaust and radiator heat. If the generator is to be used to baseload power, this heat can be captured and used to generate steam, hot water or chilled water for heating and cooling.
We are accustomed to being able to flip a switch and have power. Sadly, in many countries power is not reliable and backup power will be needed for critical systems. Portable generator sets provide this power.
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