Modern technology allows you to create at the cottage the same conditions as in a city apartment. Pumps, heating boilers, household appliances - all these are the components of comfort. And they all become useless when power is cut off.
Supply networks in remote areas, as a rule, belong to consumers of the 2nd category, and with the disappearance of the voltage, restoration work can take several hours, or even days. All this time the villagers will have to sit by candlelight, without water and heating. The solution to this problem is the generator for the dacha.
How to choose a generator for a summer residence
Types of generators
Household generators can be divided by type of fuel into:
- petrol;
- diesel;
- are gas powered.
The principle of operation is simple: an internal combustion engine is installed in the unit, which transfers rotation to the rotor of the generator, and as a result, it is induced in the stator by an EMF.However, for the choice of the generator to understand the principle of its operation is not necessary. But you just need to understand the power.
Selecting generator power
To begin with, you need to compile a list of electrical appliances that the generator must provide. These are lighting devices, household appliances, as well as all equipment designed to ensure the functioning of the house systems: pumps, heating appliances and boilers. The power of all equipment that can work simultaneously is added together.
The power of heating electrical appliances with active load, such as a kettle, convector, iron, is indicated in the passport for the device. In order to calculate the power of devices with motors or capacitors, you must divide the claimed power by cos φ - both these characteristics are indicated in the documentation or on the nameplate on the body of the device, and the result is multiplied by three - the factor taking into account the starting currents. If the value of the power due to the starting currents turned out to be too large, it makes sense to purchase a generator with start-up amplification.
The total power received is one of the main characteristics by which a generator is selected for a summer residence. Keep in mind that the most economical mode is the generator with a load of about 80% of the nominal. Therefore, it makes no sense to acquire a too powerful generator if you do not use powerful electrical appliances and tools all the time.
If your house is connected to a three-phase current network, a household single-phase generator will not work for you, or you will have to make a stand-by circuit with a single-phase generator that will only allow the operation of electrical appliances and devices that are necessary to maintain comfort.
Selecting the type of generator
The type of fuel, and hence the type of generator, depends on the mode of operation. If the dacha is not connected to electricity networks, and the generator will be used constantly, it makes sense to buy a more expensive diesel generator, and if the house is connected to a gas pipeline, then it's gas. To provide the house with electricity for short periods of time, associated with power outages, it is better to make a choice in favor of gasoline - it is cheaper, more compact and easier to manage.
Advantages and disadvantages of generators of different types:
- Gasoline generators are low price, and inverter generators are also economical in fuel consumption. Gas generators are two- and four-stroke. Push-pulls are light and compact, but their power does not exceed 1 kW, and they are suitable only for lighting dacha and connecting low-power devices. Four-stroke ones have a power of up to 15 kW, and are able to provide the dacha with the required capacity. But their dimensions are larger, fuel consumption is higher. Gasoline generators are easy to operate, but they do not have high efficiency, besides, gasoline is a rather expensive fuel.
Gasoline generators
- Diesel generators work on solar oil. They, as a rule, are used for permanent provision of electric power due to the possibility of prolonged operation without refueling, high efficiency, durability and reliability. The drawbacks include large dimensions and a high price.
Diesel Generator
- Gas generators are a relatively new direction, with the cheapest and environmentally friendly fuels, minimal noise and very high efficiency. But they require a connection to the gas, which is not available to all summer residents.
Gas generator
Having determined the type and power of the generator, it is necessary to determine additional functions.
Duration of work without refueling and switching on mode
These functions are important if you live in the country for a long time or when leaving, leave the appliances turned on. Agree, it's unpleasant to come to the dacha and find out that you have fried all the food in the refrigerator or the heating system has frozen because there was no automatic start of the generator or there was not enough fuel for the time of disconnection from the network.
Operating time without refueling, as already mentioned, depends on the type of generator. The leader in terms of working time is a gas generator connected to a cylinder of 50 liters capacity or to a natural gas network. The time of continuous operation of a gasoline or diesel generator is specified in its documentation.
The starting method can be manual, semi-automatic and automatic. Manual start is carried out using a starting cord, like a chainsaw. Semiautomatic - by pressing the button on the generator housing. Both types of start-up require your presence. Automatic start occurs when the voltage disappears through the automatic transfer scheme( automatic transfer reserve), and your participation in the start is not required. It is difficult to mount an ATS circuit without special knowledge. Better to entrust it to professionals.
The generators are not designed to work in parallel with the supply network, therefore, when installing independently, be sure to exclude the possibility of simultaneous power-on from the generator and from the network. You can do this with the on / off switch. Do not turn the generator on full load, connect powerful devices gradually.
Noise level
Diesel and gasoline generators are quite noisy, and using them near a residential area can make discomfort. Therefore, when buying, be sure to pay attention to the noise level declared by the manufacturer - it should not exceed 74 dB at a distance of 7 meters from the generator.
The noise level depends on the housing version and on the speed at which the generator operates. Low-speed generators( 1500 rpm) produce less noise than generators with a rotation speed of 3000 rpm, but their price is higher.
Some generator models are also equipped with various interlocks, indicators and an hour meter. The price of the generator increases with the increase in its functionality. Therefore, when choosing it is necessary to find the price-performance ratio that is right for your conditions, and you will not be afraid of power cuts.
We also advise you to read about grounding in the dacha with your own hands and an electric boiler for the bath.
Video - how to choose a generator for a summer residence
