Generators take energy from a source to convert it into electrical energy. Electricity is obtained through rotational mechanics. Hence the generator doesn't produce energy, it transforms one form of energy into another. There are 3 categories of generators: 1. Portable Generators 2. Standby Generators 3. Inverter Generators The common types of Generators are: 1. Diesel Generators 2. Emulsified Diesel 3. Gasoline Generators 4. Propane Gas or Vapor Generators 5. Natural Gas Generators 6. Biodiesel Generators 7. Hydrogen Generators

Diesel is less flammable than all other fuel sources available hence diesel gensets are affordable to operate. Diesel generators perform very well for a long duration with proper maintenance. It also has a long lifespan.

kVA or Kilovolt ampere is an apparent power of a generator. One kVA is equal to 1000 volt-amps. The higher the kVA rating, the higher amount of power a generator can make.

Generators are available in all sizes and power hence kVA differs accordingly. It can range from 6kVA to 500 kVA. Most commercial gensets fall under the range of 20-100 kVA.

On an average, a home requires a 3-5 kVA generator to operate light and heavy electrical appliances.

Generators deliver active and reactive powers that depend upon power factors of the connected load. Kilowatts is power generated that is actually useful. As a generator produces both active and reactive power it is rated in volt-amperes (VA) and not watts (W).

All generators have these 6 common parts: an engine, a fuel system, an alternator, cooling, lubricating and exhaust system.

1. A generator utilizes electromagnetic induction principle where it converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. 2. In its conductor, a coil is placed between 2 horseshoe magnets and a rapid rotation of the conductor coil results in production of electrical energy. 3. The conductor coil and soft core form an armature together which is connected to a motor which gets rotated when the generator is fueled. 4. An electric flow is induced with rotation of the coil as it cuts the magnetic field between 2 magnetic poles.

AC generators: Also known as alternators, AC gensets work on Faraday's law electromagnetic induction principle. Synchronous and induction generators are its 2 types and none of them have brushes. DC generators: These convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and are generally used in off-grid applications. This too, works on electromagnetic induction principle.

AC generators are used in sailboats, power plants, electric scooters and bicycles. DC generators are used in drilling machines, milling machines, lathe machines, fans, blowers, machine tools and reciprocating and centrifugal pumps.

These are used during grid power failures. Hospitals, hotels, shops etc use it when grid supply fails as they cannot afford a halt in their operations due to temporary power cuts.

Lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, batteries, engine exercise, operating inspections, exhaust system checks and regular cleaning is required to keep a genset running for a long term.

Standard maintenance and oil change in Bigger diesel generators are required every 6 months or 500 hours. However the frequency may change due to size or model.

Battery must be fully charged and between 40-100% at all times. Low battery level must always be avoided. Specific gravity and electrolyte levels of the battery must also be checked frequently.

A routine check of the engine is required to ensure safe running. It must be done within 15-25 days in a month for 30 minutes.

Based on the size of your generator, coolant can be changed within 2 years.

Motor and a generator are two sides of the same coin. A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and the motor does exactly the opposite of that. Both work on the same electromagnetic induction method.

Whole house generators i.e. Standby generators can power up your entire home including all appliances and HVAC systems. These generators can run on petrol or natural gas. Some latest generators even run on solar power.

Diesel, natural gas or heavy fuel oil generators are generally preferred by industries. Large portable generators are the best choice for construction companies because of their easy movability.

If the total power requirement exceeds the capacity of a single generator, you can connect two generators parallely to get double power. Hence efficiency and productivity will be increased.