How to choose a generator for home or business?
With the onset of the cold season, the issue of energy security becomes relevant for the Ukrainian market. Ensuring electricity supply in conditions of possible disruptions is the main reason for purchasing generators this year. Both businesses and private households are concerned about choosing generators to meet their specific needs. So what should you pay attention to when buying a generator?
A properly selected generator should ensure your energy independence
Before making a purchase, you need to understand the energy needs of your own enterprise: what power generator is needed, where it will be located, what requirements the generator should meet in terms of noise and operating conditions.
In terms of placement: generators can be stationary, portable, or mobile. Stationary generators can be open (if the unit is installed indoors) or closed (located outdoors, installed on a concrete pad or trailer). Portable generators are lighter, weighing 20-40 kg, and can be easily placed.
Power requirements
When choosing generators, attention should be paid to the power requirements of consumers. In an apartment, these will be household appliances (manufacturers indicate the power in kW on labels on the housing) that can be turned on simultaneously. The power of the generator should be chosen with a margin.
Portable generators are suitable for small businesses (shops, cafes, etc.). They differ in the type of engine (gasoline or diesel) and the number of phases of their electric current (single-phase or three-phase). The power of such generators is usually up to 10 kW (gasoline ones are more powerful and less noisy, but diesel generators can work around the clock). If the generators are intended to power electric motors, more powerful models with three-phase connection are required.
Inverter generators, which protect against voltage fluctuations and can provide power to sensitive devices, are also considered portable. They are quiet, enclosed in a casing, but provide low voltage. When using inverter generators, there is no need for uninterruptible power supplies. They can power offices (devices such as office equipment, refrigerators, coffee makers), private households, and other objects where quiet generator operation is important.
Stationary generators are larger in size and power (from 20 kW).
Generator operating modes
Generators have nominal and maximum operating modes. For example, a generator with a power of 4 kW (nominal mode) can provide up to 4.5 kW in maximum mode. However, in maximum mode, the generator can operate for a limited amount of time (about 30 minutes). Extended operation at maximum power or operation with a higher than specified load (for example, 4.5 kW instead of 3) can lead to failure.
What affects the price?
The price of generators is linearly related to the price of components. The main two parts of a generator are the engine and the alternator, which generates electricity. The resource of these generator parts is not high, and it is not worth saving on their quality.
How to use the generator correctly?
After the first start-up of the generator, you need to monitor the running hours (the number of engine revolutions per unit of time) displayed on the panel. After 50 running hours, the oil, air, and oil filters (included with the generator) need to be replaced. With further use, they will need to be replaced periodically. The quality of fuel also affects wear and tear.
"Ekvives" generator lineup
The company offers diesel portable generators with a nominal power of 3 to 10 kW (maximum power from 3.3 to 11 kW). These small generators can be moved manually or on a wheeled base.
Gasoline generators range from 1 to almost 8 kW.
There are two models of inverter generators available for demanding electricity consumers - 1.8 and 3.5 kW (enclosed, operate quietly).
If the lineup does not include a generator that meets the needs of the enterprise, the company can manufacture a generator to order. In particular, there is experience in manufacturing portable gasoline generators with a power of up to 13 kW and stationary generators with a power of several thousand kW.
Portable generators have a warranty of 12 months or 500 running hours, while stationary generators have a warranty of 18 months or 500 running hours. The service center of the "Equives" company is located in Kyiv, and there is a warehouse in Ivano-Frankivsk. In these places, customers can view and choose a generator, perform a test run before purchasing.
Reference: The "Ekvives" company has been engaged in the production and sale of industrial equipment (electric motors, generators, pumps) for over 24 years. Among the clients are both private companies and state enterprises.
