What does the construction of a power generator look like?

Today it is difficult to imagine functioning efficiently in private and professional life without free access to electricity. Unfortunately, contrary to demand, its distribution is not always smooth and trouble-free. The transmission system is exposed to many risks every day, related, for example, to unfavourable weather conditions (strong winds, hail, heavy rainfall, etc.), so the use of a generator is a safeguard against power outages. This is crucial in hospitals, manufacturing plants, but also in private homes located in areas where power outages occur relatively frequently.

In practice, generators can thus act as an emergency power source, in case of a power outage from the grid, but are also used in places where it is not possible to connect to the power grid. How is a power generator built? What primarily determines the construction of a power generator? We will try to answer these questions today, you are welcome to read on.

Why is it important to know about the construction of a power generator?

Knowing how a power generator is built is crucial for two reasons.

• First, you will be able to make a more reasonable decision while choosing the right device. The construction of the generator and the principle of its operation must be tailored to your individual needs. In this way, you will gain confidence that the device will indeed be functional enough.
• Second, if you understand how a generator is built, you will more easily learn how to operate it, taking advantage of all features offered by a particular generator model.

Knowledge of the construction of a generator may prove useful to some people who are curious about the subject. Usually, however, the average user of the device does not need to know the exact design of the generator, as any service maintenance or repairs can be performed by Eneria CAT’s specialised professionals.

Power generators: construction and principle of operation

The most important components of a generator are the internal combustion engine and the dynamo. Eneria CAT offers diesel engines that are driven by dynamos while the generator is running. These generators start at a power of several kW. The principle of operation of the two interconnected elements mentioned above is to convert the chemical energy contained in the fuel into electrical energy, which is produced by the dynamo. The engine with the dynamo is attached to the frame of the generator. In addition, between the frame of the generator and the engine and dynamo, there are isolators used to dampen vibrations arising during the operation of the engine and dynamo. The generator frame is the base for these two components as well as the most common supporting structure for the fuel tank. This means that the fuel tank is located right under the engine and the fuel is drawn by the engine just from this tank.  With the addition of automated devices responsible for controlling the generator, we get an open version of the unit, which can be installed in a room or process container. A large part of the generators are factory-enclosed units. For the factory enclosure, the frame of the unit also forms the base to which such an enclosure is mounted. Equipping the generator with a factory enclosure creates a fully operational unit, as such an enclosure will also include the hot air intake and exhaust, as well as appropriate acoustic ducts for silencing the noise related to the airflow. The factory enclosure itself is designed to also mute the mechanical noise generated during the operation of the unit. In addition, the factory enclosure always includes an exhaust silencer, which is responsible for quieting the noise related to the engine exhaust system.

What other components does a power generator contain?

•  Main switch   – the main power switch protects the generator against overloads and short circuits. The circuit is always tailored for the specific power of the generator and thus protects the generator against excessive current consumption, which could lead to damage to the generator.
• Cooling system – the radiator, together with the fan, is a very important part of the generator. In low- and medium-power units, in most cases it is mounted on the frame of the unit. The radiator removes heat from the engine and the fan forces air through the radiator as well as through the factory enclosure or process container, depending on the type of construction.
• Sound-absorbing enclosures– an unenclosed generator can generate quite a lot of noise, so if it is a potential problem for you, consider choosing a device equipped with appropriate solutions that are able to significantly reduce noise levels.
• Control panel – with such a panel it is possible to control various parameters of generator operation. This is one of the most important parts of the construction of a generator, so when choosing the right device, it is important to keep in mind what its control panel looks like and whether the operation of the generator itself is simple and intuitive enough.
• ATS system – Automatic Transfer Switching is an optional solution, but very useful.  This system automatically starts the generator and switches the loads to the units if the voltage is down in the network or there is too much deviation in the nominal parameters. The generator with an ATS system is useful wherever the time of takeover of loads by the generator is important, or where it is required to work in the automatic operation of the generator.
• AVR – when buying your own generator, it is worth checking whether it is equipped with an automatic voltage regulator. It is a very important part of the construction of the generator when the equipment that is to use the generator is concerned. After all, power surges can damage your equipment, which for you, of course, will mean substantial, often severe financial losses. This is especially true for equipment that is very “sensitive” to any voltage fluctuations.

CONCLUSIONS: knowing how a generator is built, which elements of its construction are essential, and which are over-the-top but useful add-ons, will make it easier for you to make a final decision on the choice of the optimal device, tailored to your individual needs. If you have additional questions, please contact our sales representative for more information. Remember that no matter which generator you decide on, you must first carefully read the instructions for using the device.

OUR ADVICE: don’t forget that buying a power generator is not always a financially viable solution. If you only need a generator for one-time use, a very good alternative to purchasing a suitable unit would be to rent one. You will also find such a service in Eneria’s offer.

mail: kamil.gwara@eneria.pl

Written by: Kamil GWARA

Cat Power Generator Sets Ekspert