No one is safe from power outages. Fan or emergency shutdown will cause a lot of problems if you do not take care of the backup source of a valuable resource. In different volumes, the lack of required energy will be made possible by a generator for the home, which operates independently of the central electricity supply lines. The device as a whole is simple, but there are many nuances of choice, the knowledge of which will allow using the equipment with the greatest efficiency in the future.
Optimum unit power
Small household power plants with a capacity of not more than 4 kW are intended for domestic use. For comparison, a gasoline generator for a professional home supports an average of 10-15 kW. But in both cases, these conditional values and specific values will depend on the tasks that the device will have to perform. In particular, specialists classify equipment into the following groups depending on capacity:
- Models at 0.35-1.5 kW - for mobile maintenance of equipment, construction tools, appliances, etc.
- Devices for 2-4 kW - more often used for autonomous power supply of private infrastructure. For example, generators for homes from 3 kW can be used in the comprehensive maintenance of lighting and household appliances.
- Installations for 6-10 kW are designed for industrial use, but sometimes they are connected to the power supply system of several cottages.
For a more accurate determination of a sufficient power reserve, a calculation should be made according to the number of electrical appliances, their power potential, as well as the inrush current value, which is indicated in the technical documentation. As an example, consider the situation when you need a household generator for the house with a connection to the local lighting system, refrigerator and TV. Moreover, the unit is calculated on a fan shutdown for 3-4 hours a day. How is the calculation made? It can be assumed that the power of the TV will be 0.1 kW, the refrigerator - 0.3 kW, and several lamps - 0.2 kW. Each of these values is multiplied by the inrush current factor. In the case of a TV and lamps, it will be equal to 1, so their power value will not change. But for the refrigerator, the total power will be approximately 1 kW, given that the starting current of this device has an index slightly greater than 3. Accordingly, it will be necessary to focus on 1.3-1.5 kW.
Gasoline Generators
This type of power plant is optimally suited specifically for domestic purposes because of its compactness, low weight and cost. For example, for 12-15 thousand rubles. You can find a quality 3 kW generator. But there are also drawbacks to benzoin energy sources, due to stringent working restrictions. In particular, a standard generator for a house using this fuel can be used no more than 4 hours a day. That is, it is hardly suitable for long-term and continuous operation. There is also a minus in the form of high costs for the maintenance of this unit. Gasoline is not cheap, so even short sessions connecting the station can hit your wallet hard. The solution to this problem can be the acquisition of an economical inverter gas generator, which is characterized by an even more compact design. But the power potential and performance in this case will be lower.
When planning the use of a gasoline household power station, it is important to determine the specific type of fuel. Four-stroke power plants can only be refueled with clean gasoline without oil additives. In turn, two-stroke engines require the use of combined oil-based formulations. There is a gasoline generator for the home with a lateral valve configuration. Such devices must be supplied with mixtures with an octane rating of not less than 77. If the valves are in the upper part, the octane rating of gasoline should be higher than 85. In general, we can conclude that this family of power plants is suitable for short-term support of energy supply, but with full coverage of consumer needs by power.
Home diesel generators
The fundamental difference between models operating on a heavy fuel mixture is the possibility of continuous operation as a backup energy source. Firstly, diesel units are more reliable in their design and can withstand heavy loads. Secondly, they spend fuel mixture more economically, maintaining power at a sufficient level. As already noted, diesel generators for the home provide high performance, but is there any need to overpay for this advantage? Much will depend on specific tasks. Of course, it is not rational to use a 10-15 kW model for servicing a small workshop or home. But there are versions with a capacity of 3-4 kW. And unlike a gas generator with similar potential, such a station will demonstrate good endurance by working around the clock.
As for the nuances of choosing diesel fuel, in most cases domestic premium blends are suitable. Another thing is that its tolerance to temperature conditions should be taken into account. For example, in the summer, it is desirable to supply diesel generators for the home with L-0.2-40 mixtures (62). When working in frosts down to -45 ° C, refueling with a grade of 3-0.2 is recommended.
Synchronous or asynchronous generator?
Generator motors can interact in different ways with the connected mains. Voltage and alternating current are of great importance in terms of maintaining the stability of the equipment and its reliability. In this context, synchronous and asynchronous models should be separated:
- In the first case, we are talking about stations designed for emergency temporary maintenance of industrial, construction and residential facilities. It is worth noting the feature of the generator for the home with auto start, which is automatically put into operation. Using special indicators, the system determines the absence of voltage in the network and without a command from the user, it independently starts supplying energy to previously connected consumers.
- Asynchronous generators are less protected from high peak overloads, but in given voltage ranges can provide accurate network parameters. They are used to power sophisticated high-tech equipment that is sensitive to changes in the operation of the power supply system.
The following overview of generators for the home will help determine the choice of a specific model of this electrical equipment.
Model Ryobi RGN2500
Typical 2 kW domestic gasoline generator. The equipment is suitable for servicing household electrical appliances, construction tools and lighting systems. The design of the model allows transportation, so it can also be used as a mobile station on the road. In particular, thanks to the wide tires, the unit can even overcome loose soil, which is convenient when working in the country. The fuel tank allows a one-time charge of 15 liters. Again, this option is not suitable for continuous supply, but for a single long session, provided that a high-quality mixture is used, this technique can be confidently used.
Optionally, this generator is quite limited. It lacks the ability to automatically start and output to 12 V. But there is an oil sensor and voltage control. So, through the control panel, the user can visually monitor the network performance thanks to the built-in multimeter. Owners of the RGN2500 home generator also note the reliability of the design. This is largely due to the rigid frame made of high-strength alloy.
Model FUBAG BS 3300
A more powerful version of the gasoline power station, which allows servicing devices and systems with a combined potential of up to 3 kW. The designers also provided a powerful support base made of a metal round frame. The layout of the casing ensures the stability of the position of the generator on any surface, which also adds advantages when operating in a mobile mode. The manufacturer recommends filling the station with A-92 gasoline, and the fuel level is controlled through a special level on the tank cap. By the way, for convenience during long-term operation, the creators provided the possibility of refueling, so you do not have to wait for the full fuel consumption with an interruption in power supply.
This model differs in security systems. Monitoring of electrical parameters with diagnostics can be done through a multifunctional display - in particular, hours and voltage indicators are available. Sockets of the BS 3300 household generator have special protection against hit of water and dirt. Implemented and anti-vibration protection. Built-in dampers dampen vibrations during operation, increasing the reliability and stability of the main function.
Model Elitech DES 8000 EM
This is already a representative of diesel power plants, with the help of which it is possible to comprehensively provide the operation of lighting devices, household electrical appliances, powerful equipment, etc. Built-in sockets for connecting consumers operate with a current of 32 A, so the owner can enter critical energy-intensive devices into the backup network. All functional elements on a sturdy frame platform have insulation protection and a bundle with a safety block. As for the power potential of the station itself, it is 5.5 kW. This is enough to use this generator for heating a private house, connecting it to a boiler or boiler installation. At the same time, the possibility of providing hot water supply is also allowed, but this will already depend on the quantity and energy requirements of other consumers. For example, using the terminals in the back of the case, you can enter and devices powered by 12 V. They practically do not affect the quality of energy supply of the main equipment.
Model DAEWOO DDAE 6000XE
Balanced by the characteristics of the diesel unit, complemented by a powerful alternator, copper winding and cooling system. At the output, the generator gives a stable current of 5 kW. If you plan to use a power source for welding equipment in a garage or at the cottage, an offer from DAEWOO may be the best option. Also, for the complex maintenance of the cottage, its capabilities are more than enough. It is worth emphasizing that this is a generator for a home with auto start, therefore, in case of an unexpected disconnection of the main power supply, the backup unit will take over the energy supply function even without user intervention. But in choosing this station, one must take into account the large weight of the structure (88 kg) and at the same time a modest fuel tank volume of 14 liters. However, wheels with steel bearings and rubber pads are provided for transportation. Operational practice confirms that the station can be moved even indoors without damaging the decorative surface.
Which generator is best for home?
The choice of a backup source of energy supply for domestic needs is not limited to taking into account power parameters. Whether it is a diesel or gasoline unit, you should initially calculate the nutritional requirements of specific consumers. It is necessary to take into account both the optimal power supply time and functionality. For comprehensive maintenance of home energy systems, you may prefer a diesel stationary generator. And when it comes to work with specific construction equipment, it makes sense to turn to portable gasoline models. They will allow supplying in the country, in the garage or within the garden. For example, a 2 kW station can come in handy to maintain a pump, compressor unit, or power tool. An important issue is the duration of the continuous operation of the unit. How to choose a generator for the house based on the time of the working session? Most of the one-time operations with equipment without central power supply are carried out in 4-6 hours. For such purposes, you can purchase a model with a fuel tank of 10-15 liters. And powerful and energy-efficient stations allow 20 l to stretch for continuous almost daily work.
Conclusion
Modern liquid fuel generators provide significant assistance to owners of country houses who regularly experience problems with the quality of energy supply. But this equipment has significant disadvantages. This also applies to emissions of combustion products, and the cost of purchasing fuel. Also, maintenance is expensive - especially with intensive use. In this regard, alternative options for domestic power plants are gradually being mastered. One of the representatives of this direction is a hydrogen generator for the home, which is environmentally friendly, high efficiency and modest gas mixture costs. At the moment, this concept is not widespread due to structural complexity, but in the future, perhaps the situation will change. Today, adherents of hydrogen energy supply systems mainly make stations with electrolysis, burners, and energy converters with their own hands. And the weakest point of such developments is the low level of reliability and security. According to these parameters, liquid-fuel generators are, of course, a more advantageous way of organizing backup power.