What is a generator, how does it work, what are its types?

 

Generators, which are frequently used in hospitals, schools and workplaces, are the most ideal machines to ensure the continuity of electrical energy systems. The first generator was made by physicist Michael Faraday in 1831 and has managed to develop and diversify until today. Working principle of generators; is the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy. In short, it is a kind of electrical energy generator that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

What Does a Generator Do?

If there is no electrical energy due to network failures or at the address of residence, electrical energy can be produced through generators. As soon as the electrical current from the network is cut off, it can serve as electrical energy for workplaces, houses or the whole building, thanks to the generators that run automatically after 10 seconds.

How Does the Generator Work?

Each generator has one alternator. In addition, there is an engine. According to the type, converted fuels such as gasoline – natural gas are located in the engine area of the generators. This fuel is primarily converted into heat energy. It is then converted into mechanical energy form to provide electrical energy. Finally, the mechanical energy form obtained is sent to the alternator located directly on the engine. The alternator part starts to become magnetized with the transformation of the mechanical effect and reaches the result, that is, electrical energy is obtained.

In order to obtain electrical energy, the rotation effect needs to be realized and this must be converted into magnetization energy in the next step. Technically, this is how electrical energy is produced, from power plants to our cars. For example, our fuel in our cars is first sent to the engine and then to the alternator, where the engine turns. After that, it appears as electrical energy.

Where is the generator used?

Where is the generator used? Generators with a very wide usage area; It can be preferred in many areas from houses to workplaces, from factories to buildings under public administration, from industrial buildings to apartments. In addition, it can be used in areas where electricity is not available or not.

What are the Main Parts of Generators?

The parts of the generator are as follows;

·         Engine

It is the part that allows fuels such as gasoline to be burned. It converts into heat energy by burning, and heat energy is converted into mechanical energy. The larger the engine displacement – the greater the capacity to generate electricity will be.

·         Alternator

It is the area where the electrical energy is obtained. The mechanical energy form is converted into electrical energy by the alternator.

·         Control Panel

It is the electrical-electronic control area where the generator, which is the alternative electricity generation equipment, is adjusted after how many seconds it will operate when the electrical current from the mains is cut off.

·         Chassis – Fuel Tank

The area that ensures that the generators do not move from its place during operation is called the chassis. Chassis is also preferred as a kind of reservoir where fuel is put. While there are generators with the fuel tank located on the chassis, there are also generator types located outside the chassis.

·         Radiator

The radiator, which is among the generator elements, is a propeller system that prevents excessive increase in temperature by providing cooling of the hot engine.

·         Cabin

If the generator to be used is to be left outside, it is controlled with a comfortable cabin both to protect it from environmental effects and to make less noise. Here, we also answer the question of what is a cabin generator.

·         Lubrication System

It is very important to lubricate the generator engine at certain intervals. For this reason, a kind of reservoir is located in each generator, including an oil pump for the lubrication system.

·         Exhaust System

Some generators have internal combustion engine technology. Therefore, continuous exhaust gas output is made. These gases are not only dangerous for human health, but also affect the life and operation of the generator. For this reason, it is necessary to keep it away from both the engine and human breathing. The areas that are slightly removed from the engine in a kind of tubular form are called the exhaust system.

Starter and Battery System

There is a starter, that is, electrical equipment that allows the generator to be manually controlled. It has its own battery. In addition, it does not need to be charged. Thus, we explain the question of what is a starter generator, which is one of the most frequently asked questions.

Generator Types According to Fuel Types

There are 4 different types of generators. These;

·         Generators producing electrical energy with diesel fuels

·         Generators that obtain electrical energy by consuming gasoline

·         Generators that can produce electrical energy with natural gas combination

·         Generators used to provide electrical energy with LPG systems

Generator Types According to Usage Target

Purpose 1: Continuously Producing Electricity

It can be preferred to provide continuous load, that is, to provide continuous energy production. It is generally used in construction sites or mines and shipping areas where there are difficulties – security vulnerabilities for the transmission or sequencing of energy. Except for these sections, this type of generator is used wherever there is demand.

Purpose 2: Use as Backup Energy

It can be preferred as backup energy only if the current from the mains is interrupted in places where there is network distribution.

Purpose 3: Mobile – Mobile Energy Source

There are also generators developed on wheels. With such vehicles, the electricity demand arising from mountain - hill - forest, in short, the electricity network cannot be transmitted and mobile works are provided. It can be moved from one place to another by connecting to the back of a powerful road vehicle such as off-road vehicles, tractors, trucks. Compared to other generators, their power capacity is lower.

Purpose 4: As a Portable Power Source

It is one of the generators with air cooling systems. They are generally preferred in areas such as gardens and have powers between 10 and 12 kV. They are easy to carry and do not have heavy volume and weight.

What is Prime – Standby – Continuous? What Does It Do?

The following options are available in all types of generators. The request is tailored to the need;

·         What is Standby Power? What Does It Do?

They serve for limited times. They are used as backup energizers only in cases where the mains currents are not available. These are generator types that cannot be overloaded. They can provide an average of 200 hours of service in 365 days.

·         What is Prime Power? What Does It Do?

These are generators that are suitable for 10% overload loading every 12 hours. They can offer the opportunity to work at variable loads.

·         What is Continuous Power? What Does It Do?

They can only be used when fixed loads are required. It does not offer the possibility of overloading. In such power options, the average load level can be 100%.