01 Aug Utility of generator sets

Generator sets are essential equipment for supplying electrical power in a wide variety of situations. Below, we detail their operation and main applications, ranging from use in emergency systems to integration into electrical grids or isolated systems.

What is a generator used for?

The generator has a single purpose: to supply electricity anywhere and in any situation. But its functions can be very varied.

Generator sets for continuous supply

Energy in remote or off-grid areas

There are generator sets that must operate continuously to supply power to populated areas, businesses, or farms that rely solely on these units. This is quite common in some areas of Africa, where the only way to access electricity on a large scale is through these generator sets.

Critical infrastructures that cannot be left without power

Critical infrastructures such as airports, large hospital systems, and national defense systems also require a constant supply of power and cannot fail for even a millisecond.

In these cases, redundant equipment is used with the power grid; this means they act as huge UPSs, since when the power goes out, the generator supplies the energy until the line is restored.

With the improvement of electrical storage systems, these redundant generator sets have been replaced by high-capacity batteries and inverters, which will provide better results in the long run and, above all, will prevent the emission of large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Generator sets for occasional or backup operation

Manual or automatic operation

Most generator sets don’t run continuously; they operate only when required. This operation can be manually or automatically activated.

Automation by signal or synchronization with network

Automatic mode can be either by remote signal (timer, thermostat, pressure switch, etc.) or to increase the power of the electrical supply of a given network, resulting in a synchronized supply network/group, or with switching of these, so that the supply is either made by the electric company or the generator set .

Use of generator sets as emergency equipment

Operation in the event of power failures

One of the most common uses for generator sets is as emergency equipment. When the power grid to which the generator sets are connected through the electrical panel fails, the starting mechanism is activated.

Switching and stabilization process

The first step is the automatic switching of the electrical grid, taking it offline and connecting the generator’s electrical circuit. The generator then starts up, and once it has stabilized (230V 50Hz), it turns on the power supply to meet the current requirements.

Once the mains power supply is restored, the generator ‘s electrical panel automatically switches the generator back to the mains and stops the generator once it has completely cooled down.

Generator sets in isolated systems

Support for batteries and inverters in autonomous installations

In isolated systems, where there is a set of batteries and inverters, generator sets are essential, as they are the lifeline of the installation.

If the batteries have been discharged due to high consumption or due to a lack of weather conditions conducive to charging (solar or wind), the generator will start up to take over the battery charge and supply electricity until they are fully charged.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about generators, please contact us and we’ll provide you with information without obligation.

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