How to choose a generator for a summer residence and at home

Regardless of the purpose for which you use your own summer cottage, at least a minimum degree of comfort is a mandatory requirement in the modern world. And if you can put up with other conveniences, then electricity is the fundamental factor with which you can organize all work processes without exception – from the banal charging of a mobile phone to connecting an electric tool and heating the room. However, not every site has a constant AC source. In this situation, an electric generator is the perfect solution to all your problems!

The best manufacturers of generators for summer cottages – which company to choose

Practically all manufacturers of modern household and industrial equipment have mastered the production of compact power generators. When choosing a model for home use, preference should be given to proven brands, whose products are on everyone's lips. These include the following brands:

1. Bosch

2. Makita

3. Hitachi

4. Hyundai

5. twenty

6. Champion

Studying the assortment of these brands, it is not at all necessary to choose industrial, powerful devices. Small, compact generators for suburban operation are enough for the eyes.

Design and principle of operation of generators of electrical energy

The principle of operation of all devices of this class, without exception, is the possibility of obtaining electrical energy from any of its other types. For this purpose, a generator (or, as it is otherwise called, an alternator) is used – a device that converts mechanical energy into electricity. This device includes two main units:

1. A stator that is stationary during device operation. Consists of a steel core and a winding in which induction current occurs;

2. A rotor is a rotating device that generates an electromagnetic field and, as a result, an induction current;

The electrical energy generated by the generator is a consequence of the transformation of mechanical energy. It is produced by rotating the motor shaft – another key element of devices of this class. Depending on what source of fuel is used, all generators are divided into several general groups.

Diesel Generators

Time-tested devices that are perfect for supplying power to your summer cottage on constant conditions. They are distinguished by a long battery life, unpretentious maintenance and high environmental friendliness.

Advantages

• Long time (from 8 to 12 hours) at one gas station;

• High fire safety. Diesel vapors are non-flammable, which excludes the possibility of unintentional fire in emergency situations;

• Environmental friendliness. Due to the principle of operation, a diesel engine emits much less CO2 compared to a gasoline version;

• Profitability. A diesel generator is 55-60% more economical than its gasoline counterpart on average;

• Long service life and high reliability of the diesel engine;

disadvantages

• High noise level of the device. Diesel rattling is heard from afar;

• Regular and very expensive maintenance;

• High price;

• Difficult start-up and unstable work in subzero temperatures;

Gasoline Generators

The complete opposite of the above devices in general. Gasoline is used as a source of electricity, with all its pluses and minuses.

Advantages

• Ease of operation and maintenance;

• Trouble-free operation at temperatures of -15 and below;

• Small size and weight;

• Relatively quiet operation;

• Unpretentiousness in the type of gasoline used. Easily 'digests' 95 and even 92 gasoline;

disadvantages

• Impossibility of long-term work without stopping (on average 4-6 hours);

• Due to the design features, it is afraid of moisture and is picky about protection from it;

• Significantly lower service life;

• 'Voracity'. These devices consume 55-60% more fuel than their diesel counterparts;

Gas generators

Quite economical devices that have found wide application in suburban areas connected to the main gas pipeline. Due to the high fire hazard, their installation and operation is possible only after agreement with the local gas services.

Advantages

• The cheapness of the generated electricity due to the low cost of the feedstock;

• The ability to use the device not only as a source of electricity, but also as a heating source;

• Excellent energy efficiency. Devices of this class are 1.5-2 times superior in this parameter to their gasoline and diesel counterparts;

• Unpretentiousness to service;

• High reliability and increased resource;

disadvantages

• High fire hazard and the need for a responsible approach to the operation and maintenance of such devices;

• High price;

• Expensive repairs requiring high qualifications of the master who carries out it;

In addition to the above devices, you can find on sale generators of a combined type, providing the ability to operate on two or more fuel sources. The pros and cons of these devices entirely depend on what energy sources are allowed to be used.

Which generator for giving to choose depending on the type of installed alterator

The suitability of using one or another generator depends not only on the type of fuel used, but also on the principle of operation of the device that generates electrical energy – the alterator. It is on the uniformity and stability of its operation that the quality of the electricity produced depends, and with it, the life cycle of especially sensitive electrical appliances.

Synchronous generator

The principle of operation of a synchronous generator assumes a simultaneous increase in the magnitude of the inductance and magnetic field and the direct dependence of one parameter on another. The key design element is the miniature graphite brushes, an element made of graphite mounted on the stator and used to transmit power. A synchronous generator is an excellent solution for use with equipment that is especially sensitive to voltage surges – TVs, computers, laptops.

Advantages

• High quality of produced electricity, without pronounced peaks and dips;

• High reliability and maintainability;

• Due to the design features, it is able to withstand significant overloads, reaching 2-3 times;

disadvantages

• The need for regular maintenance, prevention and replacement of worn brushes;

• Due to the lack of shielding, such devices create so-called 'pickups' – interference that affects the radio signal;

Asynchronous generator

As the name implies, this generator implies a slightly different principle of operation – the growth of the induction field follows the increasing value of the magnetic field. Unlike synchronous generators, these models have a brushless design and are not capable of producing high quality electricity. However, it is not required: if in the process of construction work you need a source of electricity for a hammer drill, concrete mixer and other similar devices, an asynchronous generator is the ideal choice.

Advantages

• Unpretentious operation;

• Low cost;

• Ability to work in short circuit conditions (important when connecting welding);

• Compact dimensions and weight;

• High degree of protection against dirt and overheating;

• Relatively simple construction;

disadvantages

• Mediocre quality and stability of generated electricity;

• Weak resistance to peak loads – connecting powerful equipment is fraught with a drawdown in the operation of the device;

What power device should I prefer?

One of the key characteristics is the power output. It reflects the total load that a particular generator is able to 'pull'. Depending on it, the situation is as follows:

1. If operation is planned in a summer cottage with a small amount of electrical equipment that does not imply its simultaneous operation, a device capable of delivering a power of 2.5-3 kW is quite sufficient;

2. If it is necessary to carry out construction work and connect a concrete mixer, several perforators or a welding machine, it will be necessary to use more powerful, about 5-10 kW, devices;

3. If you plan to use the generator as a full-fledged source of power supply, you should look towards diesel generators with a capacity of 5-7.5 kW. The specificity of the operation of a diesel device lies in the possibility of long-term operation without interruption, and the power of 7.5 kW is quite enough to ensure the stable operation of a large number of equipment at the same time;

4. In the case when the generator will be simultaneously used for both power supply and heating, you should pay attention to models with a power of 5-7.5 kW, running on gas, or combined devices, one of the power sources of which is gas.

Inverter type generator

A device that makes sense to use for powering electrical equipment that is especially sensitive to voltage quality. Unlike the models described above, in which the voltage is transmitted directly to consumers, the inverter generator has a radically different operating principle. As the name suggests, it converts the generated alternating current into direct current and stabilizes it. Then the current is accumulated in a special device – either a battery or a supercapacitor, after which it is again converted into alternating current and supplied to consumers in this form. The output is electrical energy of almost perfect quality;

Advantages

• Highest quality electricity with uniform characteristics, free from dips and peaks;

• Small size and weight;

• Quiet, virtually silent operation;

• Possibility of flexible customization for a specific consumer and significant fuel savings as a result;

disadvantages

• High price;

• In case of failure of the storage element, it will be required to replace it in an authorized service center – self-repair is not possible;

• Complex construction requires regular and qualified maintenance;

How much is a generator for a summer residence?

The cost of a generator for a summer residence is a very multifaceted concept, which can vary significantly depending on the type of a particular device and its technical characteristics:

1. A compact diesel generator capable of delivering 2.5-3 kW of power in peak mode costs from 20 to 80 thousand rubles;

2. A device with similar parameters, running on gas, is somewhat cheaper: depending on the manufacturer, the buyer will have to 'lay out' from 15 to 40 thousand rubles;

3. The gas generator is the most budgetary solution among the presented devices. The cost of a good model from a well-known manufacturer will be from 10 to 45 thousand rubles;

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.