Not all generators are the same. The market has a plethora of options for different power needs. For campers, there are smaller portable generators, whereas, for industries, there are large standby generators.
Besides, there are different fuel options available depending upon individual needs. For example, there are gas generators, that can connect to grid gas supply. Likewise, there are diesel and petrol generators, that have a fixed fuel tank that can be refilled.
Out of all the variants, there’s one specific factor that most people struggle with- the phase of the power.
What Does Phase Mean?
You may already know that there are two types of electricity generators- AC & DC. In simple words, AC generators produce a variable voltage/current that keeps on changing at regular intervals. In fact, the signal is often recorded as a sine wave. On the other hand, a DC generator produces a fixed power rating, say voltage or current, or both.
In AC voltage/current, it is not only the direction or the value that keeps on changing but also the polarity of the voltage. Every electrical signal (voltage/current) has a fixed range of polarity, which is decided by the phase of the signal.
Therefore, if a waveform keeps on oscillating between upper and lower values and propagates as well, then it is said to be in a single phase. When two or more signals superimpose over each other, they form a polyphase signal.
In short, a phase is a difference in time between two or more electrical waves that have the same frequency.
Characteristics Of Single-Phase Generator
Single-phase generators, as already mentioned, produce only one single wave of voltage/current. Although the value and direction of power keep on changing, most of the home appliances can use this single-phase signal pretty efficiently.
At this note, it is quite necessary to understand what characterizes a single-phase generator.
- Single alternating voltage
- Smaller in size
- Ideal for producing 120 to 240 volts
- Sine-wave voltage/current pattern
Most of all, a single-phase generator consists of only two magnetic poles. The armature, when rotated between this single polarity, produces a single sine wave energy. While the armature is at the weakest sections of the magnetic field, the energy is at its lowest. Conversely, when the armature’s position is closest to the poles (where the magnetic field is strongest), the energy thus produced is highest.
It is quite easy to understand that a three-phase generator would consist of three polarities, which would produce three times the energy produced by a single-phase generator. Typically, there are three phases 120 degrees out of phase from each other. This particular feature makes three-phase voltages more efficient than single-phase.
What Purpose Does A Three-Phase Generator Serve?
Relatively, you can consider a three-phase generator equivalent to a three-cylinder engine. Three pistons push the crank rod and drive the automobile in a three-cylinder engine. Likewise, in a three-phase generator, there are three magnetic fields that intersect with each other and push voltage through the electrical load.
Most significantly, a three-phase voltage is capable of traveling long distances, without depreciating. Besides, the voltage thus produced usually ranges from 120V to 240V, and in some cases even more. For this reason, three-phase generators are far more efficient in powering heavy-load machinery. For example, if you go to site of a generator manufacturer, you will find that most of the standby generators are three-phase. And it is needless to say that standby generators are usually preferred for industrial applications.
Manufacturing plants where continuous production is carried out through heavy-load electrical machinery are typical examples of industries where three-phase generators are used. The best part about three-phase generators is- these generators provide pure sine-wave voltage with minimum variation. Thus making them most suitable for applications where fluctuations and variations are not desirable.
The Anticipated Answer To ‘The Question’…
By now, you must have an idea about what a single-phase generator is and how it is different from a three-phase generator. So, the imminent question, whether to buy a single-phase or a three-phase generator must be answered very carefully.
Particularly, if you’re looking for a generator to power your industrial machinery or industrial coolers, then you should undoubtedly go for a three-phase generator. It would provide your factory with pure power suitable for running the machinery without any problem. But, if you’re looking to power up most of the electronics in a home, getting the best 5000 watt generator should be just about enough. The only thing to take care of is the load that you are willing to switch over to the generator.
That being said, let’s help you find the right generator for your purpose.
- Decide the load & size
The very first thing you must be doing is to estimate the load. You can simply add up the wattage of individual machines and add up to 20% of the total value as a buffer. Adding a buffer would help keep your backup generator safe from overloading, as well as peak startup load.
- Prepare the installation site
Of course, for your industrial applications, you would be looking for a three-phase standby generator. Therefore, you must decide on the installation site before buying it. After all, you wouldn’t want to be demolishing a wall after you’ve bought the generator.
- Choose the right fuel
Usually, standby generators for industrial applications run on diesel fuel. However, you can still choose a generator that runs on natural gas or petrol, as per your requirement and fuel availability. So far, diesel generators are the most economical option as diesel is cheaper than petrol, is easily available almost everywhere, and has more calorific value as compared to both the other fuel options.
- Ensure safety features
Lastly, you must look for additional safety features in your generator. For example, automatic switchover, load cut-off, fuel gauge, and engine sensors to curb any faults in the engine. Ensuring safety features can save you from any future faults.
To sum it up, three-phase generators are the most suitable option if you’re looking forward to powering up your factory or a manufacturing facility. On the other hand, if you’re planning to buy a generator to power your home, then a smaller single-phase generator would suffice.
