When it comes to ensuring maximum efficiency for your generator, it’s not only the engineer’s job to maintain its condition at all times. While servicing such as generator rewinding and generator overhauling can easily resolve any maintenance issues you may have with your equipment – it’s not enough.
There is still a need to really understand your equipment better so you will know what’s wrong with your equipment when you call for servicing, be it for a repair or upgrade.
Now, what are the different parts which make up a generator? Below, we have put together a list to help you better understand your generator.
Out of all the components within the generator, the engine is known to be the most important part of them all. The engine’s duty is to convert fuel source (water, diesel, gasoline, natural gas, bio-diesel, propane, hydrogen or sewage gas) into usable energy which eventually turns into electricity so the machine is able to operate.
Basically, just as what the name suggests – a voltage regulator is mainly used for regulating the voltage produced. It aids in the conversion from AC to DC as required by the various appliances. There is a need to regulate voltage in order to give out a constant current which is suitable for practical use.
Comprising of both the rotor and stator, an alternator is responsible for producing electrical energy which is given out as an output. A bunch of coils which conduct electricity is known as a stator, a stationary part in a generator. While a rotor constantly moves to create a rotating electromagnetic field surrounding the stator.
Just like the engine, the fuel system is another crucial part of the generator. Without it, the generator won’t have the ability to produce the energy that it may require. A fuel system needs to store enough fuel for a generator to operate for a certain number of hours.
The fuel pump transports the fuel through the fuel pipes to the engine, while the fuel filter assists in filtering any debris from the fuel before it successfully reaches the engine. Finally, the fuel injector proceeds to move the fuel straight into the combustion chamber of the engine.
Just like how it is with many other types of equipment, a generator contains several moving parts which require constant oiling to make sure it functions smoothly. This is where the lubricating system comes in to help with this objective. At the same time, it also makes sure the different parts of the generator is not damaged as well.
Cooling and exhaust systems
Generally, a generator will give out a lot of waste heat after long hours of working. A cooling system’s job is to prevent overheating and regulate the equipment’s temperature whenever it is used. Meanwhile, exhaust systems are needed to dispel harmful gases given out by oils and diesel within a generator when it’s operating.
Being responsible for controlling every other component, it is also known to be one of the most important parts in a generator. From overseeing its operations to checking the equipment’s efficiency, a control panel is able to look out for a number of factors.
If your generator has a battery to power it, then it too has a battery charger to keep it at full power. Whenever the battery is running low, the battery charger will automatically charge it up so that it can be used whenever required.
All the different parts which have been mentioned above are all put together in this structure – the main assembly frame. Also named as the outer body of the generator – it ensures the generator is fixed to the ground to prevent any serious problems. It can come in an open design or closed (canopied) to offer extra protection and sound attenuation. Typically, closed designs apply to outdoor generators which have to deal with extreme weather.
While certain parts like the engine and control panel are connected to every other part in the generator, it doesn’t make the remaining components less important. Knowing how each part of your generator works is equally crucial.
You may not know the part completely as an engineer does, but acquiring basic knowledge will go a long way to improving your generator efficiency.