A Buyer’s Guide for Industrial Generators

A Buyer’s Guide for Industrial Generators

Industrial generators have become the backbone of many industries, including manufacturing, health, communication, and agriculture. Diesel-powered industrial generators such as the Kohler KD3000 are the most sought-after than gas-powered generators. Although gas generators are efficient and reliable, industrial diesel generators are long-lasting and have low maintenance requirements.

However, there are various things to look into when shopping for an industrial generator for your business establishment. Whether a seasoned generator expert or a first-time buyer, this guide will help you select the most appropriate industrial generator that meets your power needs.

Total Wattage Required

Knowing how generators work is vital to use wattage requirements as your basic guide when purchasing a generator. For example, a generator engine is directly proportional to its maximum power output. And while generators can be powered by gas or diesel, small engines run on gasoline, while large one operate on diesel.

It is, therefore, crucial to determine the kilowatts or megawatts required to run your business. It will help you choose the right generator size or determine how much load should be distributed among generators if you run multiple generators.

Fuel

Typically, industrial generators run on gasoline or diesel. However, it is prudent to decide what fuel you would like your industrial generator to run on, given that each has its pros and downsides.

For example, diesel generators are more powerful and reliable than gas-powered generators. In addition, diesel generators have low maintenance requirements and can power large industrial establishments. But they are the most expensive.

On the other hand, gas generators are affordable and cleaner in terms of emissions. However, they require frequent maintenance, which might increase your operation costs. It is also prudent to consider the fuel system when selecting an appropriate generator. An average industrial generator fuel tank can run for eight hours. You may require an external fuel tank when running a large generator unit.

Installation Space

An industrial generator isn’t a small piece of equipment. It is heavyweight and needs a larger installation space. They are, therefore, best installed outside your business or company building for safety purposes.

Therefore, creating enough space for easy refueling and servicing is vital. Most businesses with limited space opt to install the generators on the rooftop, which is an excellent alternative. However, you should ensure your building is firm enough to support the weight of your generator.

Location

Normally, industrial generators are noisy, which can pose a challenge, especially when your business is in a noisy restricted area. In this case, you might need to enclose it to lower the noise reaching your neighborhood.

However, you will need to hire professional generator installers to help you enclose your generator. Experts use quality soundproof equipment to enclose and keep the generators protected, thus increasing their lifespan. But if your company’s location is in an industrial area where noise isn’t a concern, you can consider an open industrial generator.

Cost

There is much to look into regarding the cost of an industrial generator. First is the initial purchase price; then the maintenance and fuel cost. While diesel generators are typically expensive, their maintenance requirements are low. On the other hand, gas-powered generators are relatively affordable but require frequent checks, increasing the operation cost.

Some buyers opt for used generators since they are cheaper. But while this might be an affordable alternative, they lack the warranties that come with brand-new gadgets. Therefore, be mindful of the non-negotiable elements to get the most out of your investment. In this case, purchasing a brand-new generator is worth considering regardless of the upfront cost.

Alternators

Most people only know that alternators and generators generate electricity but don’t know how they differ. However, it is vital to understand how each works to choose the most appropriate generator based on your intended application.

While both can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, alternators can only produce AC when generators generate AC and DC. But while DC is best for charging storage batteries, AC is ideal for long-distance power transmission and applications with high power requirements. For this reason, industrial generators are equipped with alternators for better performance and efficiency.

Automatic Voltage Regulator

One of the characteristics of an efficient generator is to keep the voltage stable. This is because a fluctuating voltage can cause damage to your appliances, hence the need for an automatic voltage regulator.

The voltage regulators adjust the fluctuating voltage to a steady/constant voltage. As a result, the receiving devices do not sense power variations. To make the generators more efficient regarding voltage, manufacturers provide automatic voltage regulators at various points to control the voltage variation at each end. However, the AVR differs from manufacturers and generator models.

Exhaust System

All generators have exhaust systems to aid in evacuating toxic gasses, sound attenuation, and engine performance. Therefore, an exhaust system designer must consider the environmental and engine performance when sizing and positioning the generator exhaust system. The correct exhaust system installation is also ideal for the engine’s full performance.

Therefore, an exhaust outlet should be positioned upward to prevent the re-circulation of the toxic gasses in the business premises. Also, use fireproof materials when the exhaust pipe passes through building materials. However, it is prudent to consult the local code for sound attenuation to install the correct silencer depending on your location’s sound restrictions.

Lubrication System

While all machinery requires lubrication to perform efficiently, their lubricant requirements differ depending on size and applications. There are two types of lubricating systems: single-line and dual-line. Single line lubricating system is low pressure and ideal for light to medium machines.

On the other hand, a dual-line lubricating system is found in all industrial machinery requiring continuous lubrication due to their heavy load. Unlike a single-line lubricating system, a dual line is cost-effective and helps a machine operate efficiently even in harsh environments.

Once you know what to look for in an industrial generator, it is also best to consider a reputable brand such as Kohler. They are affordable, reliable, and offer three to ten years of warranty.

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