AC: Alternating current.
The raw electricity provided to homes and businesses. Current which varies from zero to a positive maximum to zero to a negative maximum to zero, a number of times per second, the number being expressed in cycles per second of Hertz (HZ)
Alternator:
A mechanism for transforming mechanical into electrical power
Amp:
Abbreviation of Ampere. (Symbol = A)
This is a measurement of electrical charge passing a single point in a circuit in a certain time (6.241×1018 electrons per second = one ampere)
Amperage:
The measurement of strength of an electric current.
AVR: Automatic Voltage Regulation.
This is a method of controlling the fluctuations of a current in order to keep it constant, enabling the generator to power sensitive equipment like televisions, computers and monitors.
ATS: Automatic Transfer Switch.
This is an electrical switch designed to swap a load between two sources. Some are manual, (you throw them yourself by hand) but others are automatic, clicking on when they sense a dip or rise in one of the sources. Subsequently they are often used (and highly recommended) to switch power to a generator when it is being used as a backup and the mains power fails.
B
Backup Generators:
A backup generator is a standby source of energy usually maintained by a diesel engine. They are used in times of emergencies when there is a shortage or sudden loss of power. They can come on automatically and restore power quickly with a power transfer time between 10 and 30 seconds.
Blackout:
Sudden disruption of electrical power.
C
Continuous Load:
A load that the generator can maintain for an extended length of time with the engine at optimum efficiency
Continuous Power Rating:
Continuous power rating is used when power load is constant (at 100%) for an unlimited period of time each year. The non-varying load factor is 70%-100% of the published continuous power rating. This power rating system is used when the power grid is inaccessible, especially for applications in the mining and agricultural industries.
Core:
A core is the laminations or bundle of wires in the central portion of the generator.
D
DC: Direct current.
Current produced by batteries, solar cells and dynamos Hz (Hertz). A unit of frequency defined as 1 cycle per second.
Diesel generator:
A diesel generator generates electrical power through the use of a diesel engine and an alternator. Used most often as a backup generator, diesel generators are also used at locations with no access to a power grid. Diesel generators are quick and — if for backup purposes — start automatically during power outages.
Dual Fuel System:
A dual fuel system is sometimes referred to as a bi-fuel generator. It is a genset that can simultaneously operate on diesel and natural gas.
E
Enclosure:
An enclosure is a housing of a genset. It is an assembly used to protect the genset from damage caused by weather, animals, and other harmful elements. Most enclosures are NEMA 3R-rated and are equipped with locks that prevent unauthorized persons from tampering with the genset.
Emergency Standby Power (ESP) Rating:
An ESP rating refers to a standby generator with a typical usage of 50 hours per year and maximum usage of 200 hours per year with varying loads. Average variable load factor is 70% of the ESP rating. No overload capability.
Emissions Rating:
In the U.S., emissions ratings are used to confirm emission standards are met. There are certain legal requirements — most of which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency — that govern air pollutants (such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide) released into the atmosphere via generators
F
Frequency:
Frequency is the number of electrical waves that pass by per second. Frequency is measured in cycles per second known as Hertz (Hz). The US standard is 60 Hz.
G
Generator:
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy — a type of fuel using, for example, diesel or natural gas — into electrical energy used to power other machines and places. The electrical current results in either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). There are different types of generators with the primary difference being the fuel it uses to power units.
Generator End:
A generator end is also referred to as an alternator or gen end. It is the component in a generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Generator Set Ratings:
A generator set rating is a system of rating generators so that you can purchase or lease the generator that is best suited for your intended purpose. The ratings fit an application’s needs to optimum reliability, costs, and overall performance.
Genset:
A genset is interchangeable with a generator (a less accurate term), generator set, or engine generator. A genset is an apparatus consisting of four main parts:
- an engine,
- alternator or generator end,
- a control panel, and
- a skid.
It is used to convert energy to electric power.
I
Inverter generator:
An inverter generator is one that uses microprocessor technology to condition the power, enabling the generator to that be lighter and smaller and run quieter and more efficiently. This is particularly useful in the small hobby, holiday and leisure style of generator.
K
kVA: Kilo Volt Amperes.
This is an electrical measurement equivalent to 1000 watt amps kW Kilo Watts. A thousand watts of power.
kW Rating:
A kW rating is based on the horsepower of an engine and refers to the power output a generator is capable of supplying. A kW rating is determined by the horsepower rating of the engine times .746.
L
Load Bank:
A load bank is a machine that mimics the real load of a generator to test, support, and determine the generator’s capability to handle its electrical load.
Lubricator:
A lubricator is a device that supplies lubricant (e.g. oil or other liquid) into a pneumatic system in controlled or metered amounts.
M
Mission Critical Standby:
The mission critical standby rating means a generator’s typical usage is 200 hours per year and maximum usage is 500 hours per year with varying loads. Average variable load factor is 85% of the Standby rating. No overload capability. Typical applications are data centers and health care facilities.
N
Natural Gas Generator:
A natural gas generator is a generator that converts natural gas into electrical power. These generators are used both as portable generators and as backup generators.
O
Off-peak:
Off-peak is a specific time period when the demand for power/electricity is comparatively low. North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) defines off-peak hours as those hours between 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Monday through Saturday, and all day Sunday.
Oil Alert:
Honda trademark name for an oil shutdown system. This means if the oil level drops below a certain point, the engine shuts down preventing damage and saving money on costly repairs. Different manufacturers have different names for these systems, but many quality generators have low oil shutdown systems and it is a good feature to watch out for.
P
Parallel operation:
The ability to link up two or more generators to provide double the rated output.
Peak:
Peak is a measurement that defines the maximum load that can be consumed within a specified time period for each respective type of generator.
Prime Power Rating:
Prime power ratings provide the indefinite running time or the limited running time of generators under the prime power category. Average variable load factor is 70% of the prime power rating. There is a 10% overload availability. Prime power rated generators are used by persons who do not purchase electricity from a public utility but who provide their own electricity.
Portable Generator:
Portable generators are generators that can be moved from one location to another location with relative ease and are not meant for permanent use. Different models are fueled by different energy sources, like natural gas, diesel, or propane. These generators can provide power for up to 12 hours at a time and the power output is up to 17,500 watts.
R
Rated Voltage:
A rated voltage references the voltage measurement a genset can begin operating. The genset’s rated voltage is equivalent to the voltage at which the genset was meant to function according to its specifications.
S
Standby Generator:
Standby generators are used for power backup in home. These are usually permanently mounted to a concrete slab. They feature automatic or remote start/stop. Usually fueled by natural gas, propane, or diesel.
Standby Power:
This is the backup source of electrical energy that remains dormant and starts functioning as soon as a control device instructs it to.
Standby Power Rating:
A standby power rated generators are used during power outages to supply emergency power for a specific and limited period of time. Typical use is 200 hours per year and maximum use is 500 hours per year with varying loads. Average variable load factor is 70% of standby rating. There is no built-in overload capability.
Starter:
A starter is a device used to start an engine; it can be manual or electric.
T
Transfer Switch:
A transfer switch is a switch that either manually or automatically changes an electrical load from its regular and preferred source to an alternative and usually stationary or portable source. A transfer switch is most often used in emergency times when there has been a power outage. Transfer switches can also incorporate controls to do things like setting timers or activating/deactivating the backup generator.
Leave a Reply