Generators are the key to securing consistent power wherever and whenever it is needed the most. Used as backup power for homes, constant power for companies, or portable power for building and music festivals, generators are an investment one cannot ever do without. In the UK, premature weather conditions and mounting energy demands risk affecting the supply of power. Knowing you can recognize some of the most sought-after kinds on the market puts you in a great position to make the right decision based on your particular needs.
Generators are offered in many sizes, fuel options, types, and configurations and each for a particular application. The choice is simply whether you wish to have it for personal, commercial, or industrial use or how often you wish to operate it.
We explain the most common generator types and what makes them unique more below.
Diesel Generators
Diesel generators are also utilized most widely in the UK for industrial and commercial purposes. They have performed well in fuel consumption and are strong and longest lasting and do best in supplying continuous or stand-by power to buildings like hospitals, offices, and data centers. Diesel engines are less expensive in terms of fuel compared to petrol engines and suitable for use at heavy loads and therefore used best over long durations.
Although the up-front cost of a diesel generator is greater, the fuel and maintenance savings in the long term will usually offset it. Diesel fuel is less volatile than petrol, providing further security in some situations.
Petrol Generators
Petrol generators are lighter in weight and cheaper in cost and hence more popular among domestic consumers, small businesses, and mobile applications such as outdoor parties or camping. Petrol generators are easy to handle and operate and less noisy compared to diesel generators.
But petrol generators are less efficient. They also do not last very long like diesel generators or gas generators and are therefore only suitable for ad hoc or one-off use and not constant power supply. Their comparative portability and miniaturization is best where such high portability is of utmost importance.
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators are a more recent type of traditional generators and offer smoother and cleaner power output. They can be used for powering sensitive electronic appliances such as computers, mobile phones, and medical devices. They can vary engine speed depending on the power demand and save fuel and also reduce noise.
These generators are extensively used by caravanners, festival-goers, and traders who need efficient power in off-grid applications. They are quiet operating and space-saving too, and hence they have become extremely popular among recreational consumers throughout the UK.
Standby Generators
Standby generators are fixed installations programmed to provide automatic backup power on the occurrence of a mains failure. They are usually diesel, natural gas, or LPG-driven and are connected directly into a building’s power supply. After a power cut, the generator detects the break and can start providing power within seconds.
They are used quite widely in medical homes, and even in business complexes where loss of time is loss of business. Though installation cost is higher, their convenience and reliability cannot be replaced, particularly where power breakdown is frequent.
Portable Generators
Portable generators operate on petrol, diesel, or solar power and are portable in design. They are employed primarily in construction camps, camps, or domestic appliance back-up in case of an outage. They are provided with multiple power points and are handled or wheeled in design.
While very convenient, portable generators are not designed for heavy or prolonged use. They need to be ventilated since they emit carbon monoxide when in use and can never be used indoors.
Solar Generators
As more and more individuals adopt sustainable living, solar generators are becoming increasingly popular. Solar generators are silent, pollution-free, and ideal for minimal use off the grid since they utilize solar panels to supply power to internal batteries. They’re not tough enough for abusive treatment yet, but are ideal for small things and living off the grid.
In short, the generator best suited to you will depend upon your need, budget, and where you live. From the rugged dependability of diesel engines to the greenness of solar power, they all have advantages. Whether preparing for disasters, powering equipment, or living off the grid, there is a generator suited to your needs in the UK. Contact Pramac Generators for more information.