The presence of an autonomous generator at hand is sometimes necessary and often helps in a variety of situations. The list of applications for these devices is very wide - from the continuous operation of a private house to powering a party on the local beach with electricity. At the same time, the principle of operation of the gas generator remains unchanged regardless of the conditions of use. Design features may vary. According to the type of operation, equipment is usually divided into professional and household.
Description of the principle of operation
The functioning process can be described in one sentence. An internal combustion engine of a certain type rotates the shaft of the generator, thereby converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Fuel, which is, in fact, hydrocarbons created from organic compounds, burns down during the operation of the internal combustion engine. A system of magnets and windings is responsible for energy conversion. In general, we can say that this device is a specially developed system of autonomous energy supply, which operates at the expense of gasoline as fuel.
A general description of the principle of operation is as follows.
- Gasoline is poured into the fuel tank.
- The installation starts.
- Fuel enters the engine through a gas line.
- Purification from mechanical impurities and filtration.
- The fuel pump starts pumping gas into the carburetor.
- Next, the desired volume is stirred, and a homogeneous substance is obtained.
- After supplying purified oxygen, the required level of flammability is achieved.
- Fuel begins to flow into the engine cylinders.
- The system is starting up. To start the engine in the device of the gas generator, a spark plug is provided for ignition of the fuel mixture.
- The gas that appears during combustion moves the crankshaft and piston system.
- Due to the torque, mechanical energy is transferred to the rotor, which converts it into electrical energy.
- In the same way, vibrations of magnets are created for the appearance of an electromagnetic field.
The processes described above are the main stages of electric current generation. The power of gas generators with a carburetor, as a rule, does not exceed 12 kW.
Intended classification
Household versions of these devices are most often portable and not intended for continuous continuous use. Power reaches up to 4 kW. Such a generator is perfect for feeding a private house or for a long trip to the countryside 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 this period, he needs some time to cool the components, after which it is possible to restart for the same period.
Professional devices have higher power. It also increased the time during which they can function continuously. In this case, preference is given to the use of diesel fuel, because it is considered more economical, and the engine has a longer service life. There is also one constructive difference from the vast majority of household devices - 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 from 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 the conditions and permissible loads in which they will operate.
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.
Manufacturers of gasoline generators prefer to install two-stroke engines on low-power devices for domestic use. Their power basically does not exceed a value of 1 kW. For everyone else, there are more productive four-stroke engine models. As already mentioned, the number of phases of the current depends in the same way on the purpose of the device. Almost all household electrical networks are designed for a single-phase system, while industrial use implies the need for more electricity.
In addition to home devices, there are also two more categories. Industrial BSU with a capacity of up to 15 kW are chosen by trade organizations and construction sites. A more advanced version of the device of the gas generator allows it to work continuously for 10 hours. In this category, diesel models can also be located, 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 in the range of 30 kW, and installation is carried out only stationary in previously prepared for them premises.
Engine Features
The parameters of this node primarily depend on the number of measures. For example, engines with two are lighter in weight and cheaper, because they are structurally easier to manufacture. However, low profitability indicators and a very small production resource make this option not the best for acquisition. Four-stroke representatives have exactly the opposite pros and cons. They are considered more difficult to develop, and their cost to the final buyer, respectively, is higher. However, it is these devices that the best gas generators are equipped with, because they have significantly lower fuel consumption, and this parameter, as a rule, is very important for industrial facilities.
Engines are mainly made with a single cylinder and forced air cooling system. The fuel mixture is prepared in the carburetor compartment. The launch is carried out using a cable starter or thanks to an additional electronic start. In the latter case, the device of the gas generator is slightly complicated due to the installation of an additional power circuit and an output of 12 V. This unit is responsible for charging the batteries and powering low-voltage devices. Motors for the most part have a cast-iron sleeve and an upper valve with a gas distribution mechanism.
Resource of gasoline and diesel engines
This parameter is very important when choosing. The device of a gas generator with conventional fuel implies a slightly lower working life than diesel power units. The value is fixed on average at around 3-4 thousand hours. Its sufficiency primarily depends on usage scenarios. The constant feeding of a private house will require an annual enumeration of the mechanism, and occasional use for going outdoors will allow the device to serve a very significant period.
It can be said that all large-sized installations with high power use only diesel fuel to generate electricity. Of course, the generators themselves are not without a number of disadvantages, including the large dimensions and weight, as well as the high level of noise emitted during operation. In addition, in winter, in the cold, these devices often have problems with starting.
The best generators with power up to 1 kW
This category includes the so-called home devices with more or less compact sizes and modest parameters. Such 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 1 kW gas generator.
- Huter HT1000L. The best brushless generator. In this case, the device operates 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. Lightweight inverter-type design is able to provide electricity to various household appliances. However, the model comes with a two-stroke gasoline engine that will wear out quickly.
- "Bison ZIG-1200". The perfect combination of power and performance. The noise of a four-stroke engine is reduced with a soundproof casing and a special muffler. The hour meter tells you when it's time to change the oil.
The best generators with power up to 2 kW
These devices are just as suitable for domestic use, but their capabilities are already slightly better. Among 2 kW gas generators, there are also three of the most popular models on the market.
- Huter DY3000L. Budget solution, which is characterized by high stability in operation. Four-stroke engine for 196 cu. cm and a 12 liter tank allow the generator to work autonomously for 10 hours.
- Wert G3000. Ideal for cost among similar devices. The manufacturer is a Chinese company. Active power reaches 2300 watts. A 10-liter tank allows you to work for 9 hours.
- FUBAG HS 2500. The best indicator of 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 measures include overload protection.
Champion brand generators
The American company Champion has been producing such devices for a sufficiently long period. Among the main advantages of Champion gas generators are the 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 have 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 economy even among gasoline counterparts. The continuous period of work ranges from 4 to 8 hours. The presence of several sockets in Champion gas generators makes it possible to power several devices at once, including charging batteries. As ultra-budget solutions, models with a capacity of less than 1 kW are offered. The cost of such models like the GG951DC for 650-720 watts or the IGG950 for 800-900 watts is between 5,000 and 6,000 rubles, respectively.
Generators of the brand "Fubag"
The company mainly produces compact power plants for generating electricity. These models can be used both as main and auxiliary power sources. Depending on the series, the power can vary from 650 W to 9.5 kW. The following general markings of models can be distinguished: BS, Ti, MS and HS. All representatives of the Fubag gas generators are distinguished by a comprehensive protection system that makes it possible to instantly turn off the device when an overload is detected, which will undoubtedly save money on the repair or purchase of a new mini-power station.
The main consumers of the company's products live in Europe. Fubag was able to establish itself in this market thanks to a responsible approach to the production process of its units. Multilevel product quality control has allowed to create reliable, uninterruptedly working devices. Some Fubag gas generators use four-stroke engines from MITSUBISHI. At the same time, there are also diesel-powered models. Most generators are equipped with a 12 V input for powering low voltage consumers.
Hooter brand generators
It is considered one of the most respected companies in this segment. The first generator was released at a German plant back in 1979. For all devices, special powerful four-stroke engines with an effective 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 level of 90 dB, and the fuel volume sensor may give incorrect values. At the same time, the highest demand in the domestic market is observed on the models Huter DY6500LX, Huter DY5000L, Huter DY3000L and Huter DY8000LX.
The different power of the units allows their use both in everyday life and for more complex and energy-intensive tasks. Comparative characteristics of Huter models and other manufacturers are for all lines either at the same level or slightly higher. A wide range of products is combined with a good level of performance, as well as maintainability thanks to the presence of guarantees and authorized service centers.