Choosing the right diesel generator model requires knowledge of basic electrical engineering and the models available on the generator market. If there is no such knowledge, it is necessary to consult with knowledgeable acquaintances, sellers, service engineers. This is especially important if you have to make a difficult or non-standard choice.
Instructions
Step 1
Be aware that before starting the generator, it takes time for it to start up and to wake up. This time includes: the time to determine the absence of voltage (for automation 1-30 seconds), the time to start the generator and exit to the operating mode (5-15 seconds, if the generator started the first time), the time to warm up the diesel, if no heater (5-30 min.). Therefore, together with the generator, an uninterruptible power supply should be purchased, which will ensure the operation of electrical appliances during the generator start-up.
Step 2
If you plan to connect at least one three-phase electrical appliance to the generator, choose a three-phase generator. If all connected electrical appliances are single-phase, buy a single-phase generator. This will be cheaper. When combining single-phase electrical appliances and a three-phase generator, the devices should be connected evenly to all three phases of the generator (the power difference should be no more than 20%). The total power of electrical appliances connected to each phase should be no more than 33% of the generator power.
Step 3
Add up the total power readings of all electrical appliances that are planned to be connected to the generator. These values should be expressed in volt-amperes, not watts. You can find out them in the documentation for the electrical device or on the attached plate. In this case, the power of electrical appliances with an electric motor is multiplied by 3 to avoid overloading the generator. The result of the addition is the planned rated power of the generator. If there is a desire to have a power reserve of the generator, add 20-25% to the total total power of all electrical appliances. In addition, keep in mind that the real power of the generator may be lower than the rated one. In other words, the generator is capable of delivering the rated power only for a short time. On the other hand, long-term operation of the generator with low load (less than 20%) leads to a decrease in its resource.
Step 4
When choosing a generator, pay attention to the type of diesel used. High-speed diesel engines (3000 rpm) are uneconomical, noisy and have a short resource. Such generators are used only as backup. Low-speed diesel engines (1500 rpm) liquid-cooled are devoid of such disadvantages, but have a higher cost, weight and dimensions. Used for unlimited 24/7 operation as the main source of electricity.
Step 5
Think about a way to start the generator. Household generators are started manually - with a cord. Medium and high power generators are started by a battery starter. An automatic system can be provided for starting upon power failure and stopping upon power failure.
Step 6
When choosing a diesel generator, take into account the installation location and seasonality of operation. The choice of additional equipment depends on this. Take into account the noise level and the duration of operation with one gas station.
Step 7
The diesel generator can be equipped with automatic start and stop devices, automatic control of generator parameters, protection against fuel leakage, overload and short circuit protection, additional fuel tanks, additional noise insulation and mufflers, preheaters, container body, wheels, trailer or platform for transportation. Modern models can be equipped with devices for recording operating parameters, transmitting operating parameters to a telephone or pager, remote start and stop.
