The difference between gasoline generators in terms of performance
Performance data refers to the amount of energy that a generator can generate during operation. The value is indicated at 20% less than the maximum value to provide a reserve of energy for unforeseen situations. After exceeding the maximum threshold, the power supply stops almost immediately.
For use as a portable power source, models with performance characteristics up to 1.5 kW are suitable. A generator with a power of 2-5 kW can power a small to medium-sized country house. 5-15 kW is an excellent option for a medium or large cottage. For homes with many electrical appliances and mini-industries, it will be appropriate to purchase a generator with more than 15 kW.
Classic gas generator
The operating principle of this model is simple. Carbon-type fuel enters a classic engine capable of running on gasoline or diesel fuel, which brings the shaft into motion. The latter is combined with an alternator. This device is an electric generator capable of converting mechanical force into electrical energy by means of windings and magnetic elements.
A conventional gasoline generator for home use is devoid of intermediaries, which allows the rotor to rotate at the same speed. When the rotational movement falls or increases, the performance of the gas generator and the volume of the generated current increase or decrease. This is the minus of the classic device, since the wear of the moving elements is inevitable, which leads to a decrease in speed over time.
It is also important for buyers to remember that devices of this type have an additional economic disadvantage. So at a low load, which is below the nominal level, fuel overconsumption begins
This moment is especially noticeable when the gas generator works in a similar mode for several hours.
How much do generators cost?
To select a generator, you must accurately calculate its power. If you purchase the device as an emergency power source, then 1.5-2 kW is enough, provided that you only need lighting and, for example, an electric kettle. 1 light bulb with a power of even 100 W in this case may not be taken into account. The average power of one kettle is 1.8-2 kW. Therefore, a 1.5 kW generator will no longer work.
Consider models from 2 kW.
The average cost of such a device is 150,000 rubles. You can find the price below. At the moment, the units of the Russian company "Amperos" are considered the cheapest. The cost of their device varies around 32,000 rubles. TCC devices from Russia will cost 2 times more - from 70,000 rubles. Of the foreign counterparts, the most optimal in terms of price-quality combination are generators of the French company SDMO: their cost varies around 120,000 rubles. The most expensive diesel devices are produced by the Japanese company Toyo - prices for generators start at 300,000 rubles.
It should be borne in mind that with an increase in power, the cost of the device also increases. For a country house in which people live permanently, a backup or emergency power supply with a capacity of 10 to 50 kW is required, depending on the connected devices. Considering the above companies, the purchase of such a device will cost from 180,000 rubles. (Amperos, Russia, 10 kW) up to 1,500,000 rubles. (Toyo, Japan, 30 kW).
Although Amperos even with a capacity of 50 kW will cost only 0.5 million rubles.
The most powerful diesel power plants, designed to support loads from 150 to 500 kW, will cost:
- TSS, Russia - 700-2800 thousand rubles;
- CTG, China - 700-5100 thousand rubles;
- KOHLER-SDMO, France - 1.7-7.0 million rubles;
- Energo, France - 1.2-6.5 million rubles;
- EUROPOWER, Belgium - 2.4-7.3 million rubles;
- Wilson, England - 1.8-10.2 million rubles.
Varieties
Single-phase and 3-phase
According to the number of phases and the magnitude of the electrical voltage at the output, gas generators are single-phase (220 V) and 3-phase (380 V). At the same time, it is necessary to be aware that single-phase energy consumers can also be supplied from a 3-phase unit - by connecting between phase and zero. In addition to 3-phase 380V units, there are also 3-phase 220V units. They are practiced only for lighting. By connecting between phase and zero, you can get an electrical voltage of 127 V. Some modifications of gas generators are capable of delivering an electrical voltage of 12 V.
Synchronous and asynchronous
By design, gasoline units are synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous are also called brush, and asynchronous - brushless. The synchronous unit carries a winding on the armature, where the electric current flows. By changing its parameters, the force field and, consequently, the voltage at the output of the stator winding change. The regulation of the output values is carried out by means of current and voltage feedback, made in the form of a conventional electrical circuit. As a result, the synchronous unit maintains the voltage in the mains with greater accuracy than the asynchronous type, and easily withstands short-term starting overloads.
For brushless armatures without windings, only its residual magnetization is used for self-induction. This makes it possible to make the design of the unit simpler and more reliable, ensuring that its casing is closed and protected from moisture and dust. The only cost to this is the poor ability to withstand the starting loads that appear when starting equipment with reactive energy, for example, electric motors.
With 2-stroke and 4-stroke motors
Motors of gasoline units are 2-stroke and 4-stroke. Their discrepancy is due to the general structural properties of 2 and 4-stroke engines - that is, the superiority of the second in relation to the first in terms of efficiency and service period.
Generators with 2-stroke motors have smaller dimensions and weight, they are used exclusively as spare power sources - due to their small resource, equal to approximately 500 hours. Gasoline generators with 4-stroke engines are designed for the most active operation. In accordance with the design, their service life can reach 4000 and more engine hours.
Model overview
Consider especially popular modifications of SDMO gasoline generators.
SDMO HX 3000 C
It is made on the basis of a stable 4-stroke Honda motor and a synchronous generator from Italy Mecc Alte. The unit carries in itself an auto-protection against excessive loads. The motor is protected by oil level - in case of a lack of oil, an automatic stop is made. Advantages of SDMO HX line samples are high reliability of the motor, compact size and low weight.
HX 4000-C
Gasoline power plant with one phase, with manual start for a stable supply of electricity to construction sites or small industrial sites. In addition, it is an excellent choice for a home, a plot outside the city, for hiking, fishing or hunting. The structure of the generator makes it possible to use it both as a permanent and as a backup source of autonomous power supply. It is possible to connect one or a number of electrical devices with the greatest total power of 4 kW at a voltage of 220 V.
Perform 3000
The single-phase unit is created on the basis of a stable 4-stroke Kohler motor and a synchronous generator from Italy Mecc Alte. Equipped with auto-protection against excessive loads. The motor is protected by oil level - in case of a lack of oil, an automatic stop is made. The advantage of modifications of the SDMO Perform line is compactness, light weight, simplicity and comfort of service.
How to choose an inverter station?
First you need to study your own needs in detail.To do this, add up the power of all devices that will be powered by a gas generator, and add another 20-30 percent to the amount received. This is done in order to take into account the needs of refrigerators, washing machines and other appliances for which the starting current is different from the nominal values.
If the device is planned to be used constantly, then in this case the choice should fall on the classic units. As noted above, in this situation, it will also be necessary to adjust the needs of the devices to the capacity of the installation.
It is important for some buyers to get a mobile installation. In this case, it is optimal to choose a gasoline electric generator, which, in contrast to the diesel analogue, has a compact design.
The device should be used to supply a certain number of devices, since the power is not enough for the entire household electrical network. In this case, inverter equipment is the best choice.
Additional functions
Modern stations should have three mandatory functions:
- Economy mode. When the equipment is turned off, it automatically reduces engine speed. As soon as the devices are reconnected, the generator automatically returns the desired speed value.
- Oil level gauge. Automatically shuts off the gas generator when the critical oil level is reached.
- Internal protection. Prevents damage to the petrol station by turning it off in case of a short circuit or exceeding the permissible load.
In addition to those listed, FUBAG inverter stations are equipped with a digital display. With it, it is easy to control the main operating parameters - output voltage, alternating current frequency, operating hours and rpm value (engine speed).
The TI range also features an unusual fuel filler cap. It has a valve that prevents fuel from spilling out.
Rating of firms and models
How are ratings compiled and what is taken into account?
When compiling a rating of manufacturers of diesel generators, important criteria are taken into account:
- Value for money. This parameter reflects the correspondence of the cost of the device to its reliability and resources.
- Maintainability. This criterion shows how easy it is to repair the device and the ability to find spare parts for it.
- Quality of parts and engine. Some manufacturers use a high-quality engine, but save on components.
- Profitability. This parameter shows how the fuel consumption corresponds to the energy it generates. When choosing a generator, remember that its price directly depends on this parameter.
Review of popular models
Depending on whether for what purpose a diesel generator is purchased, its power and type are selected.
For a summer residence, you can pick up an inexpensive device for lighting and powering several household appliances with a capacity of up to 5 kW.
Model | Rated / maximum power | Fuel consumption, l / h | Weight, kg | Launch | Noise, dB | Number of phases | price, rub. | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SDMO DIESEL 4000 C | 3.4 kW / 4.25 kW | 0,9 | 70 | Manual | 85 | 1 | 120000 | Compact, convenient, economical, reliable |
Robin-Subaru ED 6.0 / 230-S | 4.9 kW / 5.5 kW | 1,7 | 102 | Manual | 75 | 1 | 170000 | Quiet, reliable, high quality, the availability of advanced models |
PACIFIC SDMO T8K-IV | 5.5 kW / 7 kW | 2,6 | 400 | Electrostart | 59 | 3 | 550000 | Quiet, high quality, expensive, uneconomical |
You should also pay attention to the presence of a garage and power tools
Model | Rated / maximum power | Fuel consumption, l / h | Weight, kg | Launch | Noise, dB | Number of phases | price, rub. | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SDMO DIESEL 10000 E XL C | 8.1 kW / 10.2 kW | 2,1 | 162 | Electrostart | 86 | 1 | 302000 | Convenient, reliable, economical |
Kubota J315 | 12 kW / 16.5 kW | 4,5 | 340 | Electrostart | 76 | 3 | 428000 | Quiet, reliable, high quality |
EK-50-T400 | 50 kW / 62.5 kW | 10,1 | 960 | Electrostart | 78 | 3 | 350000 | Inexpensive, uneconomical |
Model | Rated / maximum power | Fuel consumption, l / h | Weight, kg | Launch | Noise, dB | Number of phases | price, rub. | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EK-70-T400 | 70 kW / 87.5 kW | 14,2 | 1200 | Electrostart | 78 | 3 | 470000 | Convenient, reliable, suitable for small offices |
AD-150-T400Ya | 150 kW / 187 kW | 32 | 2500 | Electrostart | 78 | 3 | 950000 | Suitable for use in large industrial plants, reliable |
EV-350-T400-1 | 360 kW / 450 kW | 68,2 | 4300 | Electrostart | 78 | 3 | 2900000 | Suitable for use in large industrial plants, reliable, high cost, uneconomical |
Main selection criteria
Let's analyze the main selection criteria.
Gasoline, Diesel or Gas?
The heart of any generator is the internal combustion engine. It determines all the main parameters of the device - dimensions, weight, power and number of hours.
Generators are classified according to the type of fuel consumed.
Among them are distinguished:
- gasoline;
- gas;
- diesel.
Petrol
AI-92 gasoline is used as fuel for gasoline generators. Their capacity is no more than 15 kVA. The devices are designed for continuous operation up to 8 hours. The electric motor can be two- or four-stroke. The first ones are installed on small portable devices, the power of which does not exceed 1 kVA.
Aluminum cylinders. This reduces the weight of the unit, but its resource does not exceed 500 hours.
Four-stroke engines are used on powerful machines.
Their distinctive features are a low noise level and a long service life of up to 4000 hours.
Advantages:
- the ability to work in the cold season without heating;
- low noise level;
- ease of use;
- small size;
- low cost.
Minuses:
- high fuel cost;
- short storage life of fuel.
Gas
The unit can operate on both natural and liquefied gas.
The gas generator can operate continuously for up to 10 hours.
Advantages:
- low price of fuel, especially when working on natural gas;
- low noise level;
- environmental friendliness;
- the ability to work as a cogeneration unit. Several devices connected to each other make it possible to obtain a station with a power of up to 10 mW.
Minuses:
- low level of safety, since the gas can explode, therefore it must be stored and operated under special conditions;
- to connect to the gas main, you must obtain a permit;
- the generator storage room must be equipped with ventilation and a gas leak detector;
- the gas generator must not be started at low temperatures.
Diesel
Diesel generators can be used as emergency and standby power sources. The maximum period of continuous operation is up to 12 hours.
The area of application of diesel generators is extensive, since the explosion hazard is lower than that of the above-described analogs.
Advantages:
- great resource;
- minimum requirements for storage and use of fuel.
Minuses:
- heavy weight;
- impossibility of switching on at low temperatures - when working in winter in unheated rooms, fuel heating is required;
- increased noise level;
- high fuel consumption.