Different Types of Power Generators

Power Generators - The Different Types

More people are buying generators as a primary or backup power source. But with different types of generators to choose from, what are the key differences?

Many homeowners concerned about extreme weather purchase gensets to put on their property. They can then use the power if the mains power supply is cut out by a storm or other weather event. It's good to have that backup and peace of mind as a homeowner because no one wants to be left living without electricity, especially when you have a family to think about. But that's just one example of how a generator might be used and why someone might want one.

Generator Types

In truth, there are so many types of power generators on the market these days, and it's good to know the difference between the options. There's a genset to suit just about every need out there, and we're going to help you find out more about all of them so that you can make the correct and most informed decision when it comes to buying your own. Knowing which generators are out there and how they might be used is the first step in the purchase process and it should never be skipped over.

It's time now to look at all the different types of generator on the market today. These are the ones that you should be looking at, learning about and considering before choosing the one that's best for you.

Diesel Generators

Diesel generators are among the most popular on the market right now, and they can be used in all sorts of ways. Diesel is readily available, so that's why these options are so popular, and it's also one of the least flammable options when it comes to fuel sources. Diesel gensets last for a long time and perform efficiently throughout that time too.

As long as you maintain your diesel generator and look after it, it will serve you well for a very long time to come. It's there are plenty of ways in which you can do that. They're also very affordable to run compared to some other options and because they're so common, repairs are pretty easy to carry out by people who know what they're doing.

Gas Generators

Gas is even more readily available than diesel, and that's why these types of generators are also very easy to come by. They're very popular for other reasons too. A lot of home standby generators use either natural gas or liquid propane gas (LPG), but you will need to be careful because they can suffer more problems if stored in colder temperatures.

You should store gas nearby because it's often hard to get hold of during a power outage as pumps aren't working. However, these gensets are efficient and easy to take care of, so they're certainly worth considering if you're looking for a small generator or a generator for your home. Just take safety precautions because gas is highly flammable.

Bio Diesel Generators

Bio diesel generators function by using diesel combined with fuel from a biological source, such as animal fats or vegetable oil. So why would you consider this option over an ordinary diesel generator? Well, the benefits are mostly the same as with a diesel generator, with the one main difference being the environmental benefits of using a bio diesel option.

It's much better for the environment to combine diesel with natural oil because this means the emissions from the generator are lower and environmental impact overall is smaller. If that's something that you care about and want to factor in to your final decision, you should definitely consider this option as a realistic possibility.

Hydrogen Generators

This is a bit of a left field option, and as a result you might find it a little harder to get your hands on a hydrogen genset. But that doesn't mean you should dismiss the options completely. When you choose a hydrogen generator, you will be choosing one that's safe, easy to move and pretty low maintenance compared to other generators.

Because these generators are so easy to move, they're good to use as portable generators. Another benefit of using hydrogen is that it's very easy to find, mainly from water sources. It's also very clean, low-cost and no toxins are released into the atmosphere. They're also surprisingly efficient because they produce more energy, pound for pound, than other fuel sources.

Towable Generators

If conventional portable generators are a little too small and lacking in power for you, but you need power on the go, towable generators could offer a solution to your problems. These generators are attached to certified trailers that are safe for use on the road, and it means that you can take your generator pretty much anywhere you need to take it.

Manufacturers such as Kohler produce towable generators, and they can be towed by all kinds of vehicles. If this seems like the kind thing that you might be looking for, you should explore the option in more depth because there are lots of them out there and you will need to assess the precise capabilities of each one before reaching your decision.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are ideal for all sorts of smaller-scale portable power generation applications. Some people use them for power tools or in the garden. They're very useful for handymen and people who need to take power on the go because of their jobs. There are so many different types of portable generators out there so capabilities really do vary.

One smart feature some portable generators is that they can be connected to each other to create a more powerful station of power if that's something that might be useful to you. The size and power needs you have are sure to be met by at least one of the many portable generators on the market right now, and there are different fuel types available too, they come in diesel and petrol fuel options.

Home Generators

Generators for your home come in all shapes and sizes and they can use different fuels. A regular diesel genset or a gas genset like the ones mentioned above might be suitable. When you choose a residential generator, it will be installed outside of your home.

When paired with an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS Panel), they will immediately jump into action if your home experiences a power outage, meaning you won't have to deal with being without electricity for any longer than necessary. In areas that experience weather problems frequently, these are vital. But just about any homeowner can benefit from having a generator to rely on outside the home.

Open Generators

Open generators are mounted on a skid with no canopy/enclosure. These are good for various reasons, but you definitely need to be aware of the fact that they're noisier than enclosed and silent generators. So if you live in a residential area and people might complain about the noise, this option might not be for you.

However, for other applications, such as commercial usage, open generators might be the better option. They tend to be more cost effective and they're very flexible so they can be used however you need them. Just keep the noise factor in mind when you're choosing which one you should buy.

Silent Generators

When you do need to keep things quieter and you don't want to be constantly reminded that you have a generator outside your home, it's probably best to opt for a silent generator. These are pretty easy to come by these days because manufacturers are aware than many people don't want a loud generator on their property.

These modern generators offer most of the same benefits of other generators, but you might have to pay a little more for the best silent options. For many people, especially homeowners, that's worth it if it means that they can keep the noise levels low at all times. There are lots of makes and models on offer, so look at them all.

Marine Generators

If you have a boat and you want to make sure that you have a generator that's suitable for it on board, marine generators are what you're looking for. There are all kinds of options of different sizes out there. So if you have a small speedboat, you should be able to find a generator that works for it.

At the same time, there are also marine generators available for large commercial boats as well. They're designed in particular ways to make them suitable for the needs of a boat, so they're often very different in appearance and function when compared to other types of generators discussed here. They're only useful for this one application though.

Power Generator Options

As you can see, there are so many different types of generator out there. Understanding as much as possible about them all, what they do and in which circumstances they should be used will help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing your own. When that time comes, be sure to head to our store and browse the wide range of options available there.

For more information, or to discuss your requirements with our team of experts, call us on +44 (0) 1977 657 982 or email us at enquiries@ade-power.com.

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Blog published by ADE Power on October 3rd, 2018

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