Design and selection of single-phase diesel generators

Selection Tips

When choosing, it is worth considering such device parameters.

• Power - the maximum load that can be connected to the equipment depends on this characteristic. To estimate the value of this value, it is worth adding up the maximum power of all electrical appliances that you plan to connect to the generator. At the same time, in order to avoid breakdowns and emergency shutdowns, it is better to purchase a mini-power plant with a power reserve of 50% to 75%.
• Case type - open versions are cheaper, cool much better and are easier to repair, while models with a closed case have a lower noise level and a significantly higher level of protection from dirt, moisture and mechanical damage. Therefore, if the device is supposed to be installed indoors, then an open generator will be sufficient, but for installation in the open air, it is worth purchasing exclusively closed versions.
• Battery life - if you plan to use the generator sporadically, and refueling is not a problem, then in order to save money and space, you can purchase a device with a battery life of 2 hours or more. If the equipment must ensure the stable operation of electrical appliances as part of a backup or main power supply system, then you need to choose models with an operating time of 10 hours or more before refueling. Preference should be given to devices in which it is possible to replace the tank with a more capacious one.
• Noise level - this indicator depends on the design of the device and the properties of the engine used in it. Depending on the model, it ranges from 65 to 90 dB.
• Fuel consumption - the lower this indicator, the cheaper the operation of the device will be.

In the following video, you will learn how to choose the right diesel generator.

Review of popular models

Hammer GNR2000i

Hammer GNR2000i

• Type - power plant;
• Engine - gasoline;
• Phases - single phase;
• Generator type - synchronous;
• Power - 2 kW.

The Hammer GNR2000i petrol inverter generator with a manual drive and a tank volume of 5.7 liters provides uninterrupted power supply for 4.5 hours. This device can be installed in the country or in country cottages.

In case of unplanned power outages, the portable station will heat the room, provide lighting and provide consumers with the necessary amount of energy for domestic needs. The price of the Hammer GNR2000i petrol inverter generator is 23,596 rubles.

DDE device DPG1101i

DDE device DPG1101i

• Type - power plant;
• Engine - gasoline;
• Phases - single phase;
• Generator type - synchronous;
• Power - 0.8 kW.

This hand-operated station with a 2.6 liter tank provides electricity for five hours. The model is perfect for installation in country cottages and providing summer residents with autonomous electricity during unexpected power outages.

The disadvantage of the DDE DPG1101i petrol inverter generator is the absence of a noise-insulating casing, which does not allow installing it directly in living rooms. The price of the device is 8 150 rubles.

Hyundai Model HY 2000 SI

Hyundai HY 2000 SI

• Type - power plant;
• Engine - gasoline;
• Phases - single phase;
• Generator type - synchronous;
• Power - 2 kW.

This model of an inverter gas generator for gas boilers with a manual drive and a tank volume of 4.5 liters provides a circulation pump with power for up to 5.5 hours. A stable supply of high-quality current preserves the functionality of the boiler for a long time and ensures the uninterrupted operation of the heating system in the house.

In addition, the power of this inverter gas generator is enough for lighting and supplying power to household electrical appliances (TV, hairdryer). To connect large household appliances (refrigerator, washing machine), an apparatus with higher power ratings is required - for example, an inverter gas generator up to 3 kilowatts.

What to look for when choosing

Power

What are the characteristics to choose a high-quality device? First of all, you need to determine the purpose of the device: what it will be used for. If you need to connect just a couple of household appliances and a few light bulbs, you need to choose a gas generator of the appropriate power: no more than 2 kW. Such devices do not weigh much, and they can be taken on a hike or installed in the country.

, medical equipment or a pump are chosen with high power characteristics: from 5 kW. Such devices are heavy, often equipped with wheels for easy movement. They are able to provide energy to a large number of current consumers.

Current type

Power consumers differ in the quality of the consumed current: single- or three-phase. Appliances of low (single-phase) power consumption include household appliances. A three-phase power supply is required by such devices as a concrete mixer, compressor, electric boiler and others.

Control type

The type of control of the petrol inverter generator is of no small importance. Which is better - automatic or manual drive? Manufacturers offer several options for controlling power plants: manual, semi-automatic, automatic

In addition, combinations such as manual control from a remote control have been developed. The choice will be up to the consumer. The cheapest option is with a manual drive.

Synchronous or asynchronous

Synchronous inverter petrol generators produce current with better quality characteristics, are resistant to short-term network overloads. Such devices are recommended to buy when connecting equipment with high starting current indicators, as well as household appliances, microwave ovens, etc.

Asynchronous devices cannot cope with high loads, but they can withstand short circuits. It is recommended to buy this equipment for all types of heating devices: electric stoves, lamps, etc.

Application area

Diesel generators, characterized by high efficiency, economy and long service life, have a wide range of applications as the main or backup source of power supply.

Diesel generators are often used in agriculture

DG applications:

1. In the oil and gas industry in the development of new fields and the construction of oil pipelines, due to the lack of power lines in remote areas.
2. In agriculture, to supply electricity to elevators, greenhouses, farms and processing shops.
3. The food industry uses DGs to supply power to warehouses for storing perishable products and ancillary facilities that do not have mains power from electrical networks.
4. Rescue services and life support systems for power supply of mobile units in the elimination of the consequences of emergencies and emergencies.
5. Construction and installation work to ensure the power supply of construction sites.
6. Housing and communal facilities.
7. Transport infrastructure.
8. Industrial plants in the form of redundant power supplies.
9. Energy systems, including thermal power plants, thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, main electrical, water supply and heating networks to improve the reliability of the system in emergency situations.

The best gas generators up to 3 kW

Such devices are suitable for supplying electricity to small appliances - kettles, coffee makers, microwave ovens, juicers, blenders. They can be used as the main power source in the country or in a garage where there is no electricity. They are usually lightweight, easy to transport and inexpensive. In this category, according to user reviews, 2 winners were selected.

Champion GG951DC

This is a budget petrol station, the operating power of which does not exceed 0.72 kW, and the nominal power is 0.65 kW. There are two sockets here: one with a voltage of 230 V and an output for 12 V. Starting with a manual starter, but quickly.At almost full load, fuel is consumed at the rate of 0.7 liters per hour. The low noise level of 68 dB allows the equipment to be installed even in living rooms. Air cooling prevents overheating. A weighty argument in favor of this model is the acceptable weight (just over 16 kg). Only a slow start after idle time and the need to use oil can fail here.

Advantages:

• "Eats" little gasoline;
• Not very noisy;
• Stability;
• Affordable price;
• Low weight.

disadvantages

• Unpleasant smell;
• The lid is not very tight;
• Sometimes "groans" without load;
• Lack of a voltmeter.

One of the best gasoline generators Champion GG951DC is mainly used as a backup source of electricity in small homes. It can be used to provide temporary work for small household appliances.

Here is an instruction for Champion GG951DC, which will help you understand in detail all the nuances.

DDE GG3300

An important plus of this gasoline power plant is a spacious 15 liter fuel tank. Since up to 1.4 liters of fuel are consumed per hour with a power of 2.6 kW, it will be possible not to repeat the load almost all day. This is about the same as the continuous operation mode (10 hours). There is nothing superfluous on the panel. Unfortunately, starting here is carried out manually, and there is only one output, however, a classic one, for 230 V, while the voltage can be monitored using an indicator. Auto shut-off function and overload protection reduce the chance of overheating. As for the Chinese assembly, the quality here is quite decent.

Advantages:

• Easy to start up;
• Low weight;
• Inexpensive;
• Low fuel consumption;
• High-quality assembly;
• Cheap consumables;

disadvantages

• Works noisy;
• No electric starter;
• Heavy.

Specifications

The basic operating principle of a diesel generator is simple. The engine works most often in a four-stroke cycle. The rotational speed, in contrast to transport motors, is set rigidly. Only occasionally are there models where the number of revolutions can be adjusted, and even there they mainly use speeds of 1500 and 3000 revolutions. The cylinders of the motor can have two positions: in-line and in the form of the letter V.

The in-line design allows the engine to be narrowed. However, at the same time, it inevitably becomes longer, which is not always convenient. Therefore, in-line diesel engines of high power are rare. When diesel fuel enters the combustion chamber, it reacts with oxygen there. The expanding gases push the piston, which is connected to the crank assembly of the engine. This unit rotates the shaft, and the impulse is transmitted from the shaft to the rotor.

When the rotor spins, a magnetic field appears. It has such an important characteristic as electromotive force (EMF). In another circuit, it creates an induced voltage.

Peculiarities

Diesel generators with auto start are represented by samples producing power from 2 to 2440 kW. Their tasks will differ from each other: some will be practiced to generate and supply electricity for household needs, others for industrial needs.

Units used for commercial and industrial needs, due to the increased power at the outlet, will usually have large dimensions and the most complex control.

In addition, it is important to have the option of autonomous operation, equipping with safety systems for operation, control and monitoring of work.

Diesel generators with one phase are created with the aim of transmitting a current of 220 V. This is the most popular type of autonomous power plants, since they are especially versatile. Typically, these units can be seen in country houses, dachas, small retail outlets and other facilities.

DGS with a 3-phase design can operate to generate current both 220 V and with the most solid values ​​- 380 V. This technique is designed to serve impressive spaces: large factories, high-rise buildings, sometimes entire cottage villages.Their distinctive properties: high efficiency, as well as power appropriate to it.

Features, pros and cons

An electric current generator, which burns diesel fuel, works in approximately the same principle as a car or tractor engine. The only difference is that the engine does not drive the wheels, but the dynamo. But the question may arise whether a diesel generator is really better than a gasoline generator or not. It is impossible to answer this question in general terms.

It should be said right away that such a technique was originally created for the military and for emergency, emergency services. This is part of the answer: diesel is reliable and unpretentious. It can be safely used for a private house, without fearing too much that something will break or work wrong. Diesel systems are far ahead of any gasoline analogue in terms of efficiency, and therefore, in terms of fuel efficiency.

This is important for both your own safety and the environment.

Since diesel fuel produces vapors much more slowly than gasoline, the likelihood of a fire is somewhat reduced. Although this does not mean, of course, that the fuel itself can be stored and used in any way.

Of the negative aspects, you can name:

• hypersensitivity to low-quality fuel;

• noticeable loudness of work (which the engineers have not yet managed to overcome);

• increased price (compared to gasoline power plants of the same capacity);

• significant wear if the load exceeds 70% of the rated power for a long time;

• the inability to use the fuel used in most cars (fuel will have to be purchased and stored separately).

Peculiarities

Diesel power generators have a number of noticeable advantages over gasoline ones:

• higher efficiency - the diesel version consumes less fuel than its gasoline counterpart of the same power;
• a higher level of safety - diesel fuel is more fire safe than gasoline, therefore, the operation of a diesel device and storage of fuel for it are associated with a much lower risk of fire;
• efficiency - diesel models are cheaper than gasoline devices of similar power, and fuel for them is usually cheaper;
• reliability and maintainability - a diesel engine, if properly operated, works longer than a gasoline engine (up to 40,000 operating hours before the first overhaul), and its maintenance is cheaper;
• environmental friendliness - the exhaust gases from such models contain less harmful impurities (especially carbon monoxide) than the exhaust of gasoline devices.

This technical solution also has disadvantages:

• diesel devices have a higher noise level than gasoline ones;
• diesel engines cannot be kept idling for a long time, otherwise rapid wear of engine parts is possible;
• Such generators are more sensitive to the composition of the fuel than their gasoline counterparts, while the presence of impurities or deviations from the optimal composition can lead not only to the termination of the engine, but also to its breakdown.

This limits the scope of their application to tourism and household networks, since many industrial units require power from a 380 V three-phase network.

Model overview

All Makita generators are reliable and durable, but each has its own design features. Knowing these parameters allows you to choose the appropriate option:

An unboxing of one of the brand's models is shown in the video

Although diesel devices are more economical and more powerful, gasoline counterparts are bought more often in Russia. It's all about the cost - domestic diesel devices are cheaper. But generators running on gasoline are superior to Russian ones in quality and durability. Among the most popular models, it should be noted the Makita EG 5550A, which is equipped with an electric starter, and the powerful Makita EG 6050A with an increased fuel tank. The latter is suitable for autonomous power supply of houses.

Mobile models EG240C and EG300C are often purchased by public utilities, since such devices are easy to transport, and to eliminate an accident, their electricity generation is enough.

Manufacturers

The products of the Action company are popular all over the world. One of the largest firms is headquartered in Dubai. Some of these models work autonomously. Others are grouped into powerful collections, replacing serious power plants. Most often, consumers buy models for 500 or 1250 kW.

The range of Himoinsa diesel generators is very wide. The capacity of the products of this concern varies greatly and thus allows you to "cover" different needs. The company fully controls the production process and is 100% responsible for it.

You can also take a closer look at generators of such brands as:

• Attreco (Netherlands);

• Zvart Technic (also a Dutch company);

• Kohler-SDMO (France);

• Cummins (one of the leaders in the production of power equipment in general);

• Inmesol (supplies open and soundproofed generator models);

• Teksan.

If we talk about purely domestic brands, then they deserve attention:

• "Vepr";

• "TCC";

• "AMPEROS";

• "Azimuth";

• "Kraton";

• "Source";

• "MMZ";

• ADG-Energy;

• "PSM".

Principle of operation

Well, let's take a quick look at how a diesel generator works. As a result of the ignition of compressed diesel fuel, the so-called gas expansion energy is generated. With its help, as well as due to the crank mechanism, the crankshaft comes into action. It starts to rotate, creating mechanical energy and thereby spinning the rotor of the diesel generator. An electromagnetic field is excited and, as a consequence, an EMF arises.

The emergence of the electromotive force, in turn, creates a voltage at the output, which is necessary for the end consumer.

29.10.2019

Summary of the review

When choosing autonomous power supplies, many factors must be taken into account:

• terms of Use;
• total power consumed by the load;
• seasonal period of operation of individual load elements;
• requirements for power supplies for household electrical appliances;
• what kind of fuel for the engine, petrol, diesel or gas;
• financial capabilities of the consumer and many other factors.

Selected examples of choosing a generator:

1. When the power consumption of electricity at the facility exceeds 6 kW, it makes no sense to rely on the use of inverter models. Manufacturers only make generators up to 6 kW. This means that it is definitely necessary to install the classic version.
2. In cases of long-term operation, with a balanced load with the output power of the power supply (the power consumption by the load must be equal to the maximum power generated by the generator), the use of the classic version will be more efficient.
3. For medical institutions, research laboratories, objects with communication equipment, where personal computers are used that require stable power supplies, during temporary operation in emergency situations, in the absence of electricity in industrial networks, it is better to use inverter generators.
4. For a private house, in the presence of finances, in the case of long-term or permanent operation, one of the best options is the division of the load into different power sources.

Connecting the generator in the switchboard to different groups

Such a connection, to separate power supplies for different groups of electricity consumption, is suitable for lighting networks, sockets to which computers, televisions, and household appliances are connected. They need to be supplied with power with stable parameters, which will be provided by the inverter apparatus.

In the heating system, electric "warm floors" with a power consumption of 3 kW, which is used seasonally, it is reasonable to install a classic type model. The power of such a device should be approximately equal to the load power, this will ensure its optimal operating mode, fuel economy and trouble-free operation.

What it looks like to connect two generators

The inverter device is connected in the switchboard to the socket and lighting groups. Classic generators are connected to the heating cable network for floor heating. It is preferable that the engines of the generators run on one type of fuel, diesel or gasoline.

1. For consumers, for whom the price of generators does not matter, in emergency cases it is better to use the inverter type. This will ensure economical fuel consumption and prevent damage to expensive equipment.