FAQ
Frequently asked questions related to electric generators
- What is the difference between a Kw and a Kva?
- What is the power factor?
- Emergency backup electric generators.
- Can I change the voltage of an electric generator?
- ¿What is the function of the automathic transfer switch?
- Electric generators and gensets.
- Can I change the frequency of an electric generator?
- How can I know the size of the electric generator that I need?
What is the difference between a Kw and a Kva?
- The main difference between kw (kilowatts) and y kva (Kilovolt-Amps) is the power factor. Kw is the unit of the real power and kva is the unit of the apparent power. The power factor is an approximate value (normally 0,8) and the value of Kva will always be a higher number.
- In relation to industrial and commercialelectric generators, kw is more commonly used in reference to electric generators in the United States, and some other countries that use 60 Hz, whereas the major part of the rest of the world normally uses Kva as the main value, when it comes to electric generators.
What is the power factor?
- Power factor generally is defined as the relation between kilovolts (kw) and kilovolts-amps (kva) that is extracted from an electrical load. That is determined by the load connected to theelectric generator. The power factor stated in the appliance's nameplate of an electric generator refers to the Kva-kw.
Electric generators with high power factor transfer the energy to the load more efficiently, whereas electric generators with low power factor are less efficient and loss more energy. The normal power factor of a three-phaseelectric generator is 0,8.
Emergency backup electric generators.
- Emergency backup electric generators are more used in case of emergency, for example, during power outage. Appliances that have another reliable source of continuous current, such as the grid, are ideal. It is recommended using then frequently (not only when there is a power outage) in order to do tests and check it.
- The power of energy could be defined as the "execution time without limit", or just as an electric generator that is not only used as a primary source of energy or supply, but it has other usages. The primary nominal energy of the electric generator can supply energy in a place where the grid is not vailable, it occurs in places such as industrial areas where mining is practiced or in places where petrol oil or gas are in remote areas where the grid is no available.
- It can supply a constant load continuously, but it is not able to control the conditions of overload or work, as well as the change of the load. The main difference between a primary rate and a permanent one is that electric generators of primary power are going to have the maximum power available in a various load during an illimited number of time, and they generally include an overload of the 10% or less during short periods.
Can I change the voltage of an electric generator?
- The ends of an electric generator are designed to connect or disconnect. When an electric generator is included in the list of voltage connexion, this can be changed, but this is not able when you want to switch it off. The connexion of 12 appliances of the electric generator can be changed among three monophasic voltages. However, it have to be taken into account that a change of voltage from three phases into one will reduce the power of the device.
¿What is the function of the automathic transfer switch?
- An automathic transfer switch (ATS) transfers the power from the standard, like utility, to the emergency power, such as an electric generator, when the standard source fails.
An ATS senses the power interruption of the line and in turn signals the engine panel to start. When the standard source is restored to normal power the ATS transfer power back to the standard source and switches the electric generator off. ATS are often used in high availability environments, such as data centers, manufacturing plans, telecommunication networks, etc.
Electric generators and gensets.
- Gensets sets can be paralleled for either redundancy or capacity requirements. If you parallel generadores electricos, it allows you to join them electrically and combine their power output. If you parallel two identical electric generators, there would be no problem, but you have to take into account the primary purpose for which the generator was designed. If you are trying to parallel two different electric generators, you have to keep in mind the affects of the engine configuration, the generator and regulator design and so forth.
Can I change the frequency of an electric generator?
- Generally, the majority of commercial electric generators can be converted from 60Hz to 50Hz. The general rule of thumb is that 60Hz machines run at 1800rpm and 50Hz electric generators run at 1500rpm. Normally, the only requirement needed to change the frequency of an electric generator is to reduce the rpm of the engine. In some cases, parts need to be replaced or further modifications made. Larger electric generators or electric generators already established at lower revolutions are different and they are always to be evaluated individually.
How can I know the size of the electric generator that I need?
- Obtaining an electric generator that can handle all your power generation necessities, will probably be the most critical point when you want to purchase it. Whether you are interested in prime or standy power, if your new electric generator does not meet your specific requirements, then choose another one. Otherwise, there would be too much stress on the unit and could damage some of the devices connected to it. Determining exactly what size of electric generator you need is often very difficult and involves different factors and considerations.
