Green Energy Power Generators – All types of alternative energy power generators

Power Generators supply us with electric power when there is a blackout or grid is undergoing maintenance. If there is no alternative source of power, it will cause us great inconvenience and discomfort. Communication services like TV, cell phones, the internet will go down; refrigerators will no longer operate and maybe your favorite food will no longer be able to survive through the night, right?

Even your personal hygiene will be affected greatly, no electricity means no bathing or washed clothes. There is also a danger of theft, darkness will allure robbers and no security systems will be there to alert you. Well, if there is no light and food, the first thing that will come to your mind is to dine out, right? So what it means is that monetary loss will also increase.

Hence, who wouldn’t want a power generator [1]? It is an inexpensive and brilliant solution to blackouts. It does not matter whether you are a businessman or a student or a housewife or an elderly person, everyone needs a generator in their life. However, everyone should buy one according to their demand, selecting the right generator is a very tacky and important task.

If you somehow buy a wrong one, you might end up with burned, damaged electrical appliances or with no power for some circuits or with so much power that lots of it is getting wasted. Let us walk you through the different types of power generators.

Solar generators – centuries old!

History of creation

Solar power is centuries old. In 1839, Edmund Becquerel observed that his prototype started to generate more power when exposed to sunlight – photovoltaic effect. It was a big discovery. Later on, in the 1860’s, the first solar power steam engine was discovered and used in many different areas. Then in 1905, all thanks to Albert Einstein’s paper, common people all around the world understood the phenomenon of the photoelectric effect. So it was not before 1953 that such photovoltaic (PV) cells were developed which were capable of capturing enough sunlight to run electrical appliances.

Principle of operation

Solar power is readily available and is a simple form of energy. Just like the nature of solar energy, the phenomenon behind solar generators operation is also simple. They capture photons from sun’s energy through a solar panel and use that energy to charge their battery. Since solar power is DC and many electrical appliances run on AC power so before electricity is extracted from the generators, inverters convert DC power to AC power.  

Species

In general, solar generators can be categorized into two types:

• Standby Generators: These are the generators that cannot be moved around, they are designed to stay put. Buy them when you want to power your whole house.
• Portable Generators: These types of generators are compact and easy to move around. You can take them to camp or business tour or you can also keep them at your home to fulfill your minor day to day demand for electricity.

Does the solar generator justify its value?

This question might be roaming around in your mind by now and you might even be making some positive or negative assumptions, right? Well, according to us, yes solar generators surely justify its value. They are highly powerful and yet their operation is so simple. Read out the advantages of the solar generator mentioned in the next section and find out for yourself. It is worth every penny you will spend.

Advantages

• Solar generators use solar power which is a renewable source of energy so it is free and clean.
• The fuel is free and your generators will not produce any toxic by-products – environment-friendly.
• They are totally quiet.
• Maintenance is not necessary and if it is required it has a very low cost.
• Reduction in electricity bill.
• Energy is always available as long as the sun shines.
• They have longer lasting engines since they are not affected by cold weather and can be stored inside the house.

Disadvantages

• Initial/Installation cost is high.
• They charge a bit slowly when compared to other generators.
• They do not release a large amount of power so running high wattage appliances like AC might not be possible with solar generators.
• Storage of solar energy is also costly.

Wind generators – clean and free!

The appearance of the first wind generators

During 500-900 AD, wind power was apparently being used in Iran (Persia of that time) [2]. Hero of Alexandria, an engineer, and a mathematician was one of the first persons to power a machine through wind [3]. In the 7th century, on a slightly larger scale, the first wind power plant to be built was in Sistan, the province of Iran. The windmills used were of “Panemone” type, they had vertical axles which further had long vertical drive shafts. These vertical shafts had rectangular blades and for power, the windmill, six to twelve sails were covered in cloth material. However, the first wind generator was a wind turbine with a battery. James Blyth used it to illuminate his holiday home in Scotland in July 1887.

Types of devices

Many types of wind generators can be found in literature and particularly in [4]. We will name few of them here and you can read complete details in [4]. Wind generators can be:

• Linear Induction Generators
• Claw-pole Generators
• Switched Reluctance Generators
• Brushless DFIGs Generators.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are also winded power generators but they are those devices which do not have blades. They can also be categorized into two types:

• Horizontal-axis Wind Turbines: It is most commonly used and in it, the axis of the rotating turbine is parallel to the ground i.e. horizontal.
• Vertical-axis Wind Turbines: It is not popular because it is not an efficient wind turbine. The axis of the turbine is vertical to the ground.

The principle of operation of wind generators

The phenomenon behind the operation of a wind generator is fairly straightforward. In plain English, blowing wind turns the blades of the wind turbine which rotates the shaft of the generator. This rotation produces electricity.

Portable wind generators

Benefits

• They are compact and can be taken anywhere.
• Wind generators use wind energy which is a renewable source of energy so it is free and clean.
• The fuel is free and your generators will not produce any toxic by-products – environment-friendly.
• It can be installed anywhere.
• The operation is free.

Disadvantages

• Installation cost is high.
• Wind is unpredictable.
• Wind turbines are bit noisy and wildlife is endangered.

Value for the use of wind generators

Are wind generators worth the money? They are certainly the best choice if you are looking for free and efficient generators. Other than the slight noise they produce, there does not really have any other major drawback. You can even pack the portable wind generators and take them with you when you go camping or anywhere else.

Steam power generator – extremely hot!

Purpose

Steam power generators are very essential to meet the global demand for electricity. Steam power is in fact very powerful and requires a special type of equipment and highly qualified personnel. They have wide use all around the world and especially in the industrial sector. And of course, it is certainly used to power your homes or offices.

Structure and operating principle

Steam generators basically utilize the heat energy produced in different processes and then it converts that energy into electrical or mechanical energy. Hot oil, shown in red color in the figure above, is made to pass through a water bath, heat is exchanged and steam is produced (shown as small bubbles). This steam flooded with energy is passed through the turbine which in turn rotates the shaft of the generator. The power generated from the rotation of the shaft is electricity.

Feasibility of purchase

Steam generators are quite feasible to buy. They are quite small in size and can even be put in a briefcase. Steam room generators can smartly fit into your closet, under your sofa or even under your dressing table. While purchasing the steam generator you should also make sure that it is certified by a respected agency.

Heat Energy Source

Yes, you can make your steam generator right at home. First of all, you would need a source of heat energy. Wood and coal can be used but electric immersion heaters are safer to use.

Water Tank Design

It depends upon the source of heat energy you are using. If it is an electric immersion heater, an empty grapefruit can be a good choice. Sever the top of the can and drill holes in the can to safely put the elements of immersion heater into the can. Keep the electric part of the immersion heater outside. Immersion heater would be protruding from the top of the can, solder back the severed can part and seal any gaps left from the protruding heater. High heat tape can be used for sealing part and clay will build up a good steam pressure.

Inlet and Outlet of Steam Generator

Make a hole in the can which can be re-sealed, this will serve as the water inlet of the steam generator. Then drill a hole and solder a small steel pipe which will serve as the steam outlet of the generator. If steel pipe is flexible, steam can be made to go to a turbine or piston.

Warning

Steampipe and water tank will get extremely hot since steam is hot. There is also the danger of high pressure building up in the can if too much water is put into the tank.

Pros

• Inexpensive coal and low-grade fuel can be used.
• Fuel can be stored in open areas.
• Easy handling.
• Efficient and capable of producing more power

Cons

• Very Hot.
• The danger of building up of high pressure.

Water power generator – power your lives!

Scope of application

Water powered generators can be used anywhere where there is plenty of supply of water. They will produce electricity for your home, office, cottage or on the go. They are 24/7 source of electricity provided that water is also available 24/7.

How does the machine work?

Water powered generators work by harnessing the power of falling water. Water is made to fall on the turbine causing it to rotate. This rotation causes the kinetic energy of falling water to mechanical energy which spins the shaft of the generator. Then the generator converts that mechanical energy into electrical power.

Types and features of the application

Water power generator can be categorized into three types on the basis of their capacity:

• Low capacity generators: The feature power up to 50 Megawatts.
• Medium capacity generators: They feature power in the range of 50 Megawatts to 150 Megawatts.
• High capacity generators:  They feature power over 150 Megawatts.

Water power generators are also categorized into two types on the basis of their speed:

• Low Speed: It includes speed of rotation up to 100 rpm.
• High Speed: It includes speed of rotation above 100 rpm.

Positive and negative sides

Positive:

• Water energy is the green, renewable and reliable source of power.
• These generators are also flexible and safe to use.
• Cheap and low maintenance costs

Negative:

• Drought conditions could affect the availability of water

Diesel generators – longer lasting!

Principle of operation

Diesel generators use the principle of “electromagnetic induction” to produce electricity. An induced electromotive force is produced which turns into electricity when passed through a load circuit.

Main Components

A diesel generator is a combination a diesel engine and an alternator (electric generator). A diesel engine works as a prime mover which rotates the alternator. This rotating alternator in turns produces electricity. It also consists of a control panel, exhaust system, cooling system, voltage regulator, fuel tank and accessories, starter system and lubrication system.

Types of generators

• Industrial Diesel generators
• Residential Diesel generators
• Portable Diesel generators
• Air-cooled Diesel generators
• Water-cooled Diesel generators

Output power

A wide range of power ratings is available in the market when it comes to diesel generators. They can even classify on the basis of their output power. A 3000-watt diesel generator will prove to be efficient enough to power small tools, whereas, a 30,000-watt diesel generator can power your whole restaurant for a long time.

Scope of application

Diesel generators have a wide scope in the following applications:

• Industries
• Health Sector
• Military Bases
• Transport and logistics department
• Buildings and construction work
• Residential sector
• Commercial area

Gas generators – on the rise!

How does the working principle work?

Gas generators consist of an internal combustion engine which forces the fuel and air mixture into the combustion chamber. The piston in the chamber will compress the mixture and spark plug will ignite the fuel and together they will turn the crankshaft. This crankshaft further turns the rotor of the generator in an electromagnet field which produces electrical power.  

Types of generators

• Standby Generators: They cannot be moved around, they are designed to stay put.
• Portable Generators: They are compact and can be moved around.

Natural gas generator sets

Use of natural gas generator sets has been on rising since the public is demanding cleaner, inexpensive and efficient source of power. Natural gas is a low priced fuel which is available almost everywhere. The market of these generator sets will continue to expand as they can be used to provide standby, emergency, continuous, prime or peaking power.

Stand-alone propane boiler

Propane boilers are known to be quite efficient and compact. They have very low running and fuel costs when compared to traditional boilers. These compactly shaped boilers will take up less space so they can be easily placed anywhere and even in your room.

Self-made gas generator

You can also make a gas generator at home. In its simplest form, you will need a gas-powered motor, an alternator, and a battery.

Comparison Table

The following table compares the tourist type of all types of generators. These generators are best to charge your electrical appliances or small electrical appliances when you are on the go.

Comparison of the Different Types of Generators

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Portable generators

Portable generators have a compact design and can be easily moved around. We have mentioned the three best types of portable generators for each source of power i.e. solar, gas, wind, and diesel. Solar power portable generators are our top pick when the power requirement is not very high. They are clean, free, quiet and lightweight portable generators.

Solar power portable generators

Comparison of the two Solar Power Portable Generators

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Gas power portable generators

Comparison of the three Gas Powered Portable Generators

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Wind power portable generators

Comparison of the three Wind Powered Portable Generators

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Diesel power portable generators

Comparison of the three Diesel Power Portable Generators

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Power Generators – the peril to rescue you on a gloomy day!

Well, are you scared of darkness? Just Don’t be! Didn’t we just tell you of all the different types of sources that will generate power for you? Power generators are the devices that utilize solar energy, wind energy, steam energy, hydropower, diesel, and gasoline to produce electricity. There are thousands of generators available online or in stores and we have mentioned the best of them.

It is worth mentioning that before buying a power generator, you should not forget to gather the things you would want in a generator – the wattage, the size, the type of fuel, the accessibility of fuel etc. Further, you should also take in account your budget. Power generators are surely a treat and we highly recommend you to go buy one. Don’t just deprive yourself of the basic necessities of life!

References

1. Lowe’s. (2018). Why Own a Generator? Retrieved from: https://www.lowes.com/projects/repair-and-maintain/why-own-a-generator/project
2. Dodge, D. M. (2010). Part 1 Early history through 1875. Retrieved from: http://www.telosnet.com/wind/early.html
3. Drachmann, A. G. (1961). Heron’s windmill. Centaurus, 7(2), 145-151.
4. Li, H., & Chen, Z. (2008). Overview of different wind generator systems and their comparisons. IET Renewable Power Generation, 2(2), 123-138.