generator set

Generator set, commonly referred to as a genset, can be used as a primary or auxiliary power supply. The engine of the generator set is usually powered by diesel fuel, which burns the fuel to generate mechanical energy, which powers the generator. Rotating the coil in a magnetic field converts the rotational energy into electrical energy. 

BISON generator sets come in various sizes and capacities, from small backup generator sets for residential use to large industrial-scale generator sets for commercial applications. Their performance and efficiency can be affected by factors such as fuel type, engine design and quality of generator components.

What are the different types of generator sets?

Generator sets are generally classified into three types: standby, main or continuous duty. Standby generator sets are the typical choice for backup residential power, providing reliable AC power to homes, institutions, utilities, and more. Prime gensets are designed to be used as primary power where connection to the grid is unavailable or unreliable. Continuous duty generator sets are designed for applications requiring continuous power for extended periods of time.

What are the different components of a generator set?

A generator set is made up of several components that work together to generate electricity. The following are the main components of the generator set:

• Engine: The engine is the heart of the generator set. It converts the potential energy in diesel fuel into mechanical energy used to turn the generator rotor.

• Generator: Also known as the generator head, it is responsible for generating electricity. It contains a rotor and a stator which work together to generate electricity.

• Fuel system: The fuel system is responsible for storing, filtering and delivering fuel to the engine. It usually includes the fuel tank, fuel filter and fuel lines.

• Cooling system: The cooling system helps to regulate the temperature of the engine and prevent the engine from overheating. It usually includes radiators, cooling fans and coolant pumps.

• Exhaust system: The exhaust system exhausts the by-products of engine combustion out of the room. It usually includes mufflers, exhaust pipes and ventilation systems.

• Control Panel: The control panel allows you to monitor and control the operation of the generator set. It usually includes meters to monitor voltage, current and frequency, and switches to start and stop the generator.

• Battery: The battery provides the initial power to start the engine. It also provides power to the control panel and other electrical components of the genset when the genset is not running.

How to choose a generator set?

Selecting the right generator set for your needs is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. Some common selection factors are listed below, which will help you determine the right generator series. It includes the following:

• Necessary power transfer and load types required to meet existing and future demands, diversity factors, step loads, etc.

• Equipment elements (manual or automatic start, networked parallel operation, sound insulation, auxiliary fuel storage, heaters, etc.)

• Legal standards that must be complied with (electricity, noise, gas and particle emissions, transport regulations for mobile generators)

• Genset installation location (indoor, outdoor, altitude, dusty environment, etc.)

Once BISON's engineers have collected this information, we begin to tailor their project to the client's needs, adapting not only the technical requirements but also the actual use of the generator set. Here are some of the most important characteristics to consider.

How much power should the generator set have?

To determine how much power your generator set needs, you must know not only the nominal power of the equipment that will be running at the same time but also the peak power draw, especially at start-up. The generator set must be able to provide the peak power consumed by all the equipment that needs to start simultaneously. For resistive equipment (lighting, TV, small electrical appliances, etc.), a 30% safety factor must be added when determining the power of the generator set. For induction equipment (i.e. electric motors), their nominal power must be multiplied by 3 to account for peak consumption.

For generator sets providing three-phase power, power is expressed in kilovolt-amps (kVA): this is called apparent power. For those providing DC or single-phase power, the power is expressed in kW: it is called active power.

The difference between kVA and kW comes from the phase shift between each phase. This phase shift is called cos φ (cosine phi). Knowing the apparent power and the active power of the genset with cos φ, multiply these two values, eg: 1 kVA x 0.8 = 800 W (generally, cos φ for gensets is 0.8).

What type of motor should the generator set use?

The generator is assembled with an internal combustion engine. Depending on your needs and the type of fuel available to you, you can choose between petrol, diesel or gas engines:

• Gasoline generator sets are generally compact, quiet and versatile. Typically these gensets are of lower power, up to 10 kW.

• Diesel generator sets are more suitable for long-term or even continuous use. They are widely used in the military industry, factories, ships, backup power in the communication industry, etc. These generator sets can provide single phase, three phase or mixed current. BISON can provide diesel generator sets up to 100kw.

• If you have a natural gas supply, you may want to consider a gas generator set, they are more economical, easier to use, quieter and less polluting.

• For even more power, you can turn to a turbo generator set. These gensets are advantageous when you need continuous power at optimum efficiency as well as fast charging.

Single phase or three phase generator set?

For general household backup power, you only need a single-phase generator set. For professional use, you may need a three-phase generator set to power machines that require more power. However, some three-phase generator sets are equipped with single-phase sockets.

Additional features can help you choose a generator set:

• Voltage regulation: The cheapest gensets are not equipped with an output voltage regulation system. Without this regulation system, equipment connected to the generator set could be damaged, especially if its electronic components are sensitive to overvoltage. Therefore, we recommend that you check that your generator set is equipped with an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) to avoid damage to your equipment.

• Cooling system: The small power generating set adopts air cooling design and does not run all the time. The manufacturer may indicate total autonomy time with the tank full, as well as continuous autonomy time and rest periods required for cooling between uses. Larger models can be equipped with a liquid cooling system.

• Portability: The high-power generator set provides a mobile model: its structure is designed to be moved by a forklift. They can also be containerized. Some high-power generating sets are not designed to be movable after installation, they are fixed.

• The noise level of a generator set can be a decisive factor for the comfort of the user or those around him. The noise generated by high powered generator sets can easily rise to 100 decibels (dBA). If noise levels are an important factor for you, you may want to consider a soundproof generator set.

generator set manufacturers and suppliers

In the end, choosing the right generator set manufacturer and supplier is critical to meets your specific needs. BISON is a well-known and trusted name in the industry, offering a wide range of generator sets to suit a variety of power needs and applications.

If you are not sure which generator set is right for your needs, please consult us. We can help you analyze your power needs, recommend the appropriate generator set size and type, and guide you through the installation process.