Generator Blog

Getting a generator that can handle all your power generation needs is one of the most critical aspects of the purchasing decision.  Whether you are interested in prime or standby power, if your new generator can’t meet your specific requirements then it simply won’t be doing anyone any good because it can put undue stress on the unit and even damage some of the devices connected to it.  Unfortunately, determining exactly what size of generator to get is often very difficult and involves a number of factors and considerations. 

Making a choice amongst single phase, three phase, kW, KVA, welder, standby or motor starting generators can be mind-boggling. To prevent such confusion, this article was developed to help you get a better idea of how the sizing process works and some key things to keep in mind.  This is not a substitute for a certified electrician, which we always suggest talking to before buying, but it should provide you with enough information to get a solid understanding of some of the key things that are involved.

Generator Size Variations:  With the latest advancements in the field of electrical engineering, generators are now available in a wide range of sizes. Generators with power supply capacities of 5kW to 50kW are readily available in the personal and home use markets, while industrial generators are anywhere from 50kW to over 3 Megawatts.  Handy and portable gensets are available for homes, RV’s and small offices, but larger businesses, data centers, buildings, plants, and industrial applications need to use the much larger sized industrial generators to meet their higher power requirements.

Generator Sizing - How Much Power?:  Many people believe smaller generators can be used for standby electric power because they are not running all the time. This is not only a myth but can actually be very detrimental. Unfortunately, generator under sizing is one of the most common mistakes committed by buyers.  Not only does it involve the risks of damaging your new asset (the generator), but it can also damage other assets connected to it, create hazardous situations, and even limit overall productivity of the unit and/or the business relying on it.  If nothing else, the key thing to remember here is that more is always better than less.  

How to Determine the Right Size Engine or Generator: While there is no substitute for having a certified electrician perform an inspection and calculate everything for you, the guidelines below do offer some great starting points and should at least get you started in the right direction:

- Make a list of the items that need to be powered by the generator

- Make a note of the starting and running wattage of the respective items

- Calculate the total power requirements in KVA or KW

How to Find the Starting and Running Wattage: Getting the right starting and running wattage of the devices you intend to power is crucial for calculating the accurate power requirements. Normally, you will find these in the identification plate or the owner’s manual in the buyer’s kit of each respective device, tool, appliance, or other electrical equipment.

Ampere - Watt Conversion:  You may often find power requirements of tools stated in amperes. In order to convert the power requirement of a tool from ampere to watts, follow these calculations, or you can also use our handy conversion tool on our power calculator web page.

For resistive load: Wattage = amperes x volts

For reactive load: Wattage = (amperes x volts) x load factor

Power Requirement Charting: It often happens that you lose the owner’s manual or for some reason can’t find the power requirement specification of the tools and/or other electrical devices you’re running. Here is a sample power consumption chart that demonstrates some of the typical wattages used for common appliances and tools.  The chart is simply provided as an example to demonstrate how starting and running wattages differ, and how each device has specific consumption needs.  If you have questions over any particular items you can contact the manufacturer, consult an electrician, or contact us for a free consultation.

Different ways of Calculating:  Depending upon the type and number of devices, and the way the generator is scheduled to be used, there are a few different ways of calculating power requirements:

-  Single motor running 
-  Multiple motors running simultaneously
-  No electric motors.

Advantages of choosing the right size generator: Now that you have an idea on how to choose the appropriate size of generator to suit your needs, here’s just a few of the benefits obtained by going through that process:

- No unexpected system failures
- No shutdowns due to capacity overload
- Increased longevity of the generator
- Guaranteed performance
- Smoother hassle-free maintenance
- Increased system life span
- Assured personal safety
- Much smaller chance of asset damage

Where to Buy & Role of Dealers and/or Service Providers:  Since you are not only purchasing a substantial company asset, but most likely an item you will need to rely on for prime or emergency electrical power at some point, probably in a crisis, deciding where to buy is also a key consideration not to be overlooked.  The seller’s years of experience, whether they are a full service dealer or small commissioned broker, and so forth, all play a role. 

Having been in the business for nearly a quarter of a century, here’s just a few of the reasons why you should always consider Diesel Service & Supply, Inc. as your first stop for all your industrial power generation and diesel engine needs:

- 23+ years of industrial experience
- Full service multi-port garage
- Highly qualified mechanics and the industry’s top diesel technicians
- High-end testing equipment and de-installation tools
- Helpful support desk and knowledgeable office staff
- We test all our products
- Always a competitive price!

As this article demonstrates, there are obviously numerous considerations to account for when selecting the appropriate generator for the job.  If you are having a difficult time with it or would like more specific suggestions and recommendations for your situation, contact us today and one of our knowledgeable sales and support staff will be more than happy to assist.

Hydro power generators have become a major source of energy for millions of people around the world and can be found in both industrial as well as residential forms. These generators are responsible for providing massive amounts of electricity, simply by utilizing the natural water flows that are created through rivers, streams or other water sources.

The most common form of hydro power generation around the world today is an industrial application of the concept in the form of hydroelectric energy generating dams. These dams channel natural flows of water from rivers into power generating turbines that forced the water into propellers that generate electricity. These generators are normally quite large scale and require large amounts of water to generate power on a regular basis, and as such are mostly found along major rivers. The largest hydroelectric producing water dam in the world currently under construction is the Three Gorges Dam located in China that is set to be completed in the near future. Once finished it will join the world’s currently operating hydroelectric generation sources and help contribute to what is already roughly 20% of the world’s energy consumption at this time.

With improvements in our hydro power generation technology a number of smaller scale power energy generators have also become more popular amongst homeowners worldwide that live near natural water flows they can utilize effectively. This has allowed homeowners to use their natural surroundings to a greater efficiency while realizing a reduction in energy costs and provide energy for their homes and surrounding areas each year. While of course this is not a viable option for all homeowners as a reliable regular flow of water is required to power a hydroelectric generator for those lucky homeowners who have source readily available it is an excellent alternative to other alternative power generation sources as solar and wind turbine energy.

The primary benefits of hydro power generators are that they produce virtually no waste at all during the course of the operation (aside from potential leakage of lubricants into water, which is minimal at best) and have significantly limited carbon dioxide emissions compared to other conventional energy generation processes. Further, they rely upon a naturally occurring and virtually limitless source of fuel to power them, making them an ideal alternative to most conventional power sources. The only major drawbacks revolve around the fact that for the establishment of most hydro power generation facilities natural habitats and ecosystems must initially be disturbed or rendered unusable due to flooding and other issues in the creation of either industrial hydro power dam or smaller scale installations, and the initial cost of constructing such a structure may be unfeasible in certain areas. Further, for larger scale energy production a significant amount of water flow is required on a regular basis, therefore this further limits the application of hydro power to only a select few rivers or streams may be capable of supporting the needs of the power plant regularly.

Regardless, hydro power has played an ongoing major role in supplying for the energy consumption needs of the world’s population and will continue to do so in the future. As technology continues to progress we may also be able to see additional applications of hydro power generation sources to smaller tributaries or streams that may have been unfeasible for power generation in the past that will therefore lead to greater usage worldwide in the coming years as generators can become smaller and more efficient in their power generation process.

If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, hurricanes or tornadoes, it’s a good idea to buy a backup power generator. Sometimes it doesn’t even take a disaster to knock out your power. In Los Angeles a 2006 heat wave caused power failures across the region. One hundred and forty deaths were blamed on the heat.

To choose a backup power generator, take these steps.