Electric failures and power outages can happen at any time and for a lot of reasons, including system failures, natural disasters, load shedding, and many more. Aside from residencies, such incidents can happen in job sites, warehouses, healthcare facilities, and generally anywhere. That’s why generators are made and are now one of the most essential appliances.
To avoid any delay in important work, it’s crucial to have the right generator in place and know how to use it. Moreover, without the proper knowledge about the different types of generators, you may end up wasting your money on the wrong machine. That’s why in this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about all the generator options and their differences to help you in choosing a generator.
What Is a Generator?
A generator is a machine that produces electricity by turning mechanical energy into electrical energy. It uses fuel to generate power and provide electricity to an external circuit. It sources its mechanical energy from components like turbines and internal combustion and its fuel from natural gas, diesel, propane, or gasoline.
Different Types of Generators
Generally, there are two fundamental types: AC and DC generators. They differ on how the loads receive electric power. For example, AC is used for homes while DC is usually used for cars.
There are 9 different generator varieties you can use and they can be categorized into two:
- By the energy source used
- By its application
Types by Energy Source
Generators can be based on natural or fossil fuel energy sources. Fossil fuels are combusted in the engine to produce rotary motion within the generator to produce electricity. Fossil fuel-based generators include:
Diesel is almost as readily available as gasoline so it’s a good choice for home and commercial generators. This type offers and produces the most energy per gallon out of all fossil fuel types and performs best for heavy and rigorous jobs for a long period of time. It is affordable to operate and can perform well in cold weather. You can use it for 6 months up to 1 year as long as you store and maintain it properly.
However, keep in mind that it should only be used outdoors and out of wet environments. Diesel engine emissions are high so some areas may also limit the number of hours this can be used.
This is one of the most common types mainly because gasoline is readily available and easy to buy. Gasoline can be bought in 2-gallon to 5-gallon portable cans, making it ideal for portable generators. It can last up to 6 months if properly stored in an air-tight container and up to 3 years if you store it with a fuel stabilizer.
However, keep in mind that gasoline generators are loud and gasoline itself is highly flammable. That’s why it should only be used outdoors. Also, unlike diesel generators, gasoline ones don’t start well in colder temperatures so you have to be patient.
This is a unique type of generator since it can burn gasoline or diesel and comes with a natural gas hookup. Also, this isn’t a standard type of generator so not many generator manufacturers offer this type.
In terms of natural energy, there are 3 types you can find:
If you want something that burns cleaner than gasoline and diesel, propane is the way to go. It’s readily available in the form of liquid propane or vapor propane and is commonly used in inverter generators. Propane doesn’t produce much emissions but is highly flammable so it should only be used outdoors. Propane generators are also more expensive to buy and operate since they burn about triple the amount of diesel.
This is the most cost–effective energy source, especially for standby generators. It’s readily available almost everywhere but isn’t as energy-efficient as propane, diesel, and gasoline. Natural gas generators run quietly and the supply isn’t affected by power outages so it’s perfect for home usage.
Since it’s delivered through pipelines, there’s no storage and refueling needed. However, this also means that natural gas generators aren’t portable and should never be used indoors. Moreover, although they’re cheaper than the others, the installation costs for this generator are high.
Solar generators use energy from the sun which is clean and renewable. Solar panels are used to capture the energy which then charges the battery in the generator. If you want to increase its power output, you just need to install more solar panels.
This type usually contains an inverter inside to change the power to AC since many appliances use AC. Although a solar generator is quiet, it can be very expensive and usually runs slow, especially when charging the batteries.
Types of Generators By Application
There are three main generator options based on how they’re used and each of them have different features and fuel sources.
This is a standard type of generator and is the most common type available on the market. It has an internal combustion engine, an alternator, a starter, a fuel reserve, an exhaust, and outlets. A portable generator uses gasoline or diesel as its energy source, which is burned by the internal combustion engine to produce electricity.
It’s useful in many applications since it comes in different power configurations. Being portable and made to withstand harsh environments, they’re handy during calamities or if you need to bring them to remote construction sites or camping. You can simply plug your appliances into the sockets in the generator and it can provide temporary electrical power.
If powered by gasoline, it can run between 7.5 to 12 hours but some models can run even up to 24 hours. This usually depends on how much power is being generated and what appliance it is powering. If you’re using it at home, it can power your television, refrigerator, and other small appliances.
This is lightweight and more energy-efficient than portable generators since the engine speed can adjust according to how much power is needed. It’s extremely useful if you need to power various equipment like air conditioners, computers, microwaves, boats, and any other electronic equipment that requires certain values of voltage and frequencies.
Inverter generators have alternators connected to their engines so they can produce AC and convert it to DC. If you use one, this DC will then be inverted into AC. The DC is also stored in the generator which makes this type perfect for traveling.
This is one of the most popular types of generators and is also called the “backup generator.” It’s considered an emergency power system that can use gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas as the energy source. It also has a large external tank, allowing it to work for up to 48 hours.
When there’s a power outage, the standby generator will automatically switch on and activate so you can get emergency backup power within seconds. This makes it very useful for homes, hotels, hospitals, and other commercial establishments. However, a standby generator is permanently installed, is extremely expensive, and requires regular maintenance.
3 Tips in Choosing a Generator
Aside from the type of generator and its energy source, consider the following when looking at generator options:
- Consider the size. Make sure that you have enough space to store the generator and its energy source.
- Check the price. Generators that produce higher outputs are more expensive. If you want to save money, choose a generator that can supply power just for your basic necessities.
- Look for extra features. Some generators have add-on features and accessories to increase its mobility and efficiency. Some have wheels, weatherproof storage covers, and even handles.
Conclusion: Choose Your Type of Generator
There are different types of generators you can choose from. Make sure to consider how you’ll be using one and what energy source you’d want to use when buying we discussed in this comprehensive guide. Some energy sources might not be suitable to be used in certain types.
If you’re looking for a good product for your home, you can check our wide range of generator collections that come in different types. Find which type suits your needs and preferences the best!