How Do Generators Work?

Generators are an important appliance for many homeowners and business owners. They can use it to provide power to homes in the event that there is a power outage. As an HVAC professional, you should offer this product as a service offering. Generators often fill a convenient gap for customers and need frequent service.

How Does a Generator Work?

At its most basic form, this product changes mechanical energy into electrical energy. It's used to power appliances, heating systems, and other parts of homes when needed. To use it, homeowners need to add fuel and turn it on. The unit's housing will contain receptacles where a person can plug items in to get the power they need to run.

The Main Parts of a Generator

While each unit is going to look different than the next, each one has the same main parts. First is the metal frame that houses all the other parts. This frame keeps all the parts upright and helps to make transportation a breeze.

Control Panel

The control panel is the brain behind the unit. It has buttons and switches that allow you to control the speed that power is being generated. It also controls how it diverts that energy to other devices. Also, on the control panel, you'll find gauges. These control features like the coolant temperature, engine rotation speed, and battery voltage.

Battery Charger

A battery starts up the unit. The battery charger ensures that the battery stays in good condition and is ready when called on. It also ensures that the batteries remain positioned the correct way.

Lubrication System

To ensure that all the unit's parts are able to run in a smooth manner, they need adequate lubrication. Each generator has a built-in lubrication system. This system delivers special oil to the moving parts, like bearings in the engine.

Exhaust and Cooling System

As the unit's engine runs, it will create an excessive amount of heat and put off various exhaust fumes. Both of these issues need a solution to keep the generator running and safe. The cooling system cools down the combustion chambers during use. The exhaust system removes harmful exhaust fumes and excess heat from the generator.

Voltage Regulator

The voltage regulator helps to ensure that the unit is producing the right amount of energy. If left unchecked, the unit can become damaged when it produces too much energy. It can also malfunction when it doesn't produce enough energy. The voltage regulator will ensure that the generator produces 12 volts. This is within the safe range for use.

Fuel System

In order for the unit to run, it will need a steady supply of fuel. The fuel system supplies this fuel and filters out any unwanted debris. Other parts of the fuel system include the fuel tank and the fuel pump.

Alternator

The generator's alternator has both moving and stationary parts. These parts work together to turn mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Engine

The engine is at the heart of any generator. It's responsible for converting fuel into mechanical energy. Generator engines can use gasoline, natural gas, propane, and diesel fuel as a power source. The amount of horsepower that an engine creates will determine what it can power. For example, 20 horsepower generator engines will run an appliance like a refrigerator. But, a 100 horsepower generator engine will run much larger appliances. This could include things like a home heating system.

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