Gas generator: device, types, advantages

Along with gasoline and diesel, the gas generator is becoming increasingly popular, which is often used in summer cottages and in country houses as a source of backup power. It provides operation of boilers, plates and other household appliances. Let's consider installation more in detail.

Devices and their types

Gas generator is characterized by high efficiency, very low noise level in operation, as well as environmental safety. After all, its emissions are actually harmless. These are the most convenient devices from all electrical generators for operation. Therefore, the demand for them is growing steadily.

Gas generators can be:

• Gas piston engines;
• Gas turbine.

The first, working on internal combustion engines, are used for domestic needs. Gas turbine units have higher power ratings, which start at 30 kW. Such units are much more expensive and are used mainly in industry.

Household electric generators are of these types:

• Open (installed in heated rooms with ventilation);
• Closed (it is possible to keep it in the open air).

On two types of fuel

In addition to generators operating only on natural liquefied gas, there are mini power stations that can function on butane, propane and gasoline. But for such units, the use of a low-pressure gas main will be problematic.

Gas generators for home on natural gas and gasoline will be more effective if you correctly adjust the ignition timing. It varies depending on the fuel used. Therefore, precise and fine adjustments to the opening and closing valves are required. It should also be taken into account that optimal work can not be achieved either on gasoline or on gas. Most of the internal combustion engines that are on the market today are equipped with an ignition angle adjustment that is not performed at the factory. Therefore, the engine is able to switch to gas fuel only after a full run of gasoline.

Gas generators for home on natural gas (main) and gasoline are not economical. The engine on the enriched or lean mixture will work at the same rate as the manufacturer.

The factory setting of the mixer pressure is 2.8 kPa and is not adjustable. Since in Russia almost everywhere the pressure of the main gas is 1.8 kPa or less, the reducers fit perfectly into the laid-down settings. But in winter the level becomes even lower. Because of this, operating equipment runs the risk of failing. In the injector installation with the launch of problems, even with low pressure does not happen. But because of the loss of power, operation becomes impractical, although it is forced to continue.

Choosing a gas generator for the home

When you are going to buy this device, you need to seriously study its characteristics. The main thing in any similar device is the internal combustion engine, which ensures the rotation of the rotary generator and the generation of electrical energy. Most often we can meet Chinese aggregates, which are copied from the generator of the Japanese manufacturer Honda. It is better to refuse to purchase such units and to purchase better Japanese generators. They will find the serial numbers next to the company's logo. In such an instrument, there will be no problems with the cold start and "sounding" of the valves, which can not be said of the Chinese analogues.

Operating mode

The best units, if necessary to provide backup power are such generators that have an air cooling system. But if the installation is supposed to be used on an ongoing basis, it is better to purchase a device with a water cooling system. The point is that for the air structure, regular technical breaks will be required. And with the system on the water, non-stop operation can last for seven days.

Installation on a water cooling system will be able to work perfectly for three years or more. Leaders in the manufacture of such units are the following companies:

• Toyota.
• Yammar.
• Generac.
• FG Wilson.
• Aksa.

From generators with air cooling system, you can choose the models of the following manufacturers:

• Green Power.
• Ultra.
• FG Wilson.

Proper operation

Household gas generators have a certain time of non-stop work, which must be adhered to. If this parameter is regularly violated, it will provoke a rapid wear of the equipment.

When intended to operate continuously, the engine must also be cooled and the oil level checked. The exhaust system must also be periodically inspected.

Other benefits

Since the beginning of its production, the gas generator has been designed as an alternative to devices operating on other types of fuel for backup power. Today such installations are very actual. Especially popular are those in which electronic control is realized by means of fuel injection. Unlike gears, they do not depend on temperature.

There are many other advantages that distinguish gas-piston gas generators. Natural gas for them can be main or in the form of liquefied propane-butane. The working resource is more than three and a half years. Aggregates are also provided with a high efficiency. With timely and proper maintenance, the resource can reach a doubled deadline from the claimed manufacturer.