Generate Clean Jobsite Power
Not all generator sets are created equal.
As an example, Bernier cites a generator that must supply combined 120- and 240-volt loads. Assume that three 120-volt loads have amp draws of 2, 3 and 5 amps, or a total of 10 amps. Multiply the voltage times the total amps to determine the wattage. In this case, it would be 120 volts x 10 amps = 1,200 watts. Let?s assume there is also one 240-volt load that draws 10 amps, or 240 volts x 10 amps = 2,400 watts. Combined, the total power demand on the generator is 3,600 watts (1,200 + 2,400). Consequently, you would need a generator that can supply both 120/240 volts and has a continuous rating of 3,600 watts or greater.
Now let?s look at the surge rating. ?The surge rating refers to the instantaneous amperage draw of a motor on first starting,? says Spears.
?This is the amount of power a generator can supply for about two seconds to start motors,? Bernier adds. ?If all motors will start at the same time, add starting amps together and multiply by voltage to get total motor starting (surge) power. When in doubt about the sequence of motor starting, size for all motors starting at the same time.
?If motors will always start sequentially from largest to smallest, determine the worst case power surge,? he continues. ?Is the largest motor the largest power surge, or does the power surge of the last motor starting plus the running power of other motors total up to be the largest power surge? Choose a generator that is surge rated to or greater than your calculation. It must also be rated for the continuous run power you determined.?
According to Bernier, certain rules of thumb can be used to determine surge power in single-phase systems. For example, if the motor label does not show starting amps, then calculate that brushed motors 1 to 5 hp in size typically require two times the running power to start. So a 1-hp motor that draws 1,200 watts would require surge power of 2,400 watts.
Clean power protects equipment
The quality of electricity generated varies between generators. Clean power is electricity that maintains a consistent voltage while producing a steady 60-Hz frequency with no harmonics.
?A generator must provide consistent power output with low voltage fluctuation,? says Dahlstrom. ?Consistent voltage is necessary to ensure the operating loads do not draw more current than they are rated for.?
Howe adds, ?The better the voltage regulation, or the lower the percentage of variance, the better.? The application and type of equipment to be powered really determine how sensitive the voltage and frequency regulation needs to be.
Some equipment is more sensitive to voltage fluctuations. According to Spears, ?Well-regulated voltage is the key to power tool durability and life. Wide variations in voltage can lead to over-speed, and high current conditions can lead to tool damage.?
?The correct voltage extends the life of tools and appliances by allowing them to operate at designed temperature levels,? says Bernier. ?Many of today?s tools contain protective power modules that will not allow the tool to operate if the voltage or frequency from a power source is outside of its design limits.?
On quality generators, voltage output is controlled through an electronic regulator. ?The electronic voltage regulator monitors the voltage output to loads, much like a thermostat monitors the temperature in your house,? says Bernier. ?The difference is the voltage regulator is lightning fast and responds to load changes in 1/100ths of a second. The faster the generator responds to load changes, the more stable, clean and equipment friendly the sinusoidal voltage output.?
Some low-cost portable generators don?t use voltage regulators. ?Voltage control is more relaxed and comes from a rectifier or capacitor,? says Bernier. ?Motor starting surge is 1.5 to 1.7 times the run rating (vs. 2 to 2.5 for a premium model) and voltage output is not clean.
?The design of generator components contributes to clean voltage output by reducing harmonics,? he points out. ?Harmonics are additional unnecessary voltage sine waves sometimes referred to as ?noise.? Harmonics can distort the primary sinusoidal voltage output.? To combat this, Wacker Neuson includes winding slots in its generator design that are skewed with a 2/3 pitch to reduce harmonics.
Consistent engine speed is critical
Generators are designed to run at a certain speed. Maintaining this speed is critical to produce power at a consistent voltage and 60-Hz frequency.
