There are not many things that can compare to the long-term reliable service of industrial generators. They are some of the sturdiest pieces of equipment that any property owner can invest in and that’s because they are built for toughness. While they may be vulnerable to infrequent cases of fault and generator breakdowns, they are highly versatile machines because all they need is servicing and it will bring them back up to standard in no time. Building generators and those for other industrial applications, like those for manufacturing plants, have been a trusted power supply source to keep business lively and productive even in cases of a power outage. You may be wondering how generators maintain near-perfect consistency when it comes to power generators, and we’ve put together a very basic guide below.
How does an industrial generator work?
The first thing you need to know is that a generator is one unit that is made up of many different types of engines in generators that act essentially towards the same goal. There are different fuel types, oil uses, and even power generation requirements that may change the configuration of each generator, but industrial units are ultimately similar in size and functionality. There are reasons why apartment buildings need generators and this will affect some details about how one generator works from the next. Despite the many different types, they all function and keep the energy flowing in the same way. So, how does a generator work?
The most simplified explanation to this question is that generators are made up of two main mechanical inventions. The engine and the electric generator which is also known as the alternator. The engine is the part of the generator that provides mechanical energy, also known as kinetic energy. The alternator, on the other hand, is the part that turns that energy into electricity. This means that generators do not independently create electricity. What industrial generators do instead is convert one type of energy into another. Generators convert kinetic energy into electricity. In simple terms, this means your industrial generator uses the energy created by the mechanical movements into electrical energy through the power of motion. Here is a breakdown of how it all happens:
- The moving parts of the engine start moving around and produce power
- This power is forced into a circuit
- The generator draws an electrical current from the circuit
- That current is directed to wires built for power production
What are the main parts of a generator?
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The engine and engine fuel source
This is the internal combustion element that produces kinetic energy. The engine will require a fuel source to keep chugging along and this also forms a major part of the unit. The fuel storage or pipe is another main part of the system, and the type of fuel depends on the industry and application.
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Alternator
The alternator is also referred to as a genhead because it is the part of the unit that produces electrical energy from the mechanical energy supplied to it by the engine. Alternators are made of a few parts, including a stationary component and a moving component.
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Control systems
This can include things like the control panel or remote monitoring devices. This also includes the automatic transfer switch which is ultimately an automated mechanism to optimize the function of your generator. Control systems can also function as protective parts to prevent overheating or to monitor other faults in the unit.
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Voltage Regulator
This part of the generator does exactly what the name implies. It regulates the output voltage of the generator. This mechanism is meant to monitor, regulate, and manage the output through a number of complex mechanical steps. It does all this constantly to ensure that the generator produces output voltage equivalent to its full operating capacity. In cases where the output of the generator suddenly increases, the regulator will work behind the scenes balancing other currents to compensate. Once the generator reaches full operating capacity, this part of the generator is there to maintain this pace for as long as possible.
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Cooling or exhaust system
This system also works as a protective measure for your industrial generator. Your generator is made of various moving parts, and we know that may cause various components to get heated up. It, therefore, becomes essential to have a cooling system within the unit to manage that heat and provide ventilation in order to avoid overheating or fault. In most cases, a standard radiant fan and coolant system is more than enough to assist in this. However, for much larger generator installation applications, they may require large cooling towers next to the unit. Exhaust pipes also offer similar ventilation benefits. Industrial generators produce highly toxic exhaust fumes that need to be properly managed.
We thought it paramount to mention that all these parts will need regular generator servicing to keep them working in tip-top shape. Now that we know many of the most important working parts, we can delve into how they work together to generate electricity. Once you switch your generator on, the battery will ignite the fuel system to pump fuel to the engine. The engine, now sufficiently fuelled up, can now power the alternator. While the engine and alternator are doing their job, the voltage regulator will make sure that the voltage and amperage of the AC current are accurately managed regardless of the speed of the engine. The cooling systems will check in every now and then to manage heat generated off the engine and alternator. The exhaust system will pump out some of the hot fumes also being produced. All of these things are then monitored, managed, and operated from the control panel or generator controller.
Reactive Generators directs every effort towards supporting our customers. We work with each client individually to establish their needs, goals, and budget before providing tailored advice and services. Operating across Queensland, we offer skilled technicians in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast , and Ipswich. We cater to industrial and commercial clients across the region, providing a comprehensive and end-to-end service. From purchase and installation to maintenance and repairs, you can trust Reactive Generators to get the job done.
