What Is A Commercial Generator?
Commercial generators keep businesses and organizations running during power outages. These devices activate when the primary power source fails, providing backup power. Power restoration occurs instantaneously, ensuring that the equipment and operating systems stay on without interruption.
An effective standby power system is even more critical if your organization is data-intensive. Likewise, an efficient and reliable generator is mandatory for a business that conducts extensive research and experimentation. Generators are essential for preventing the loss of valuable production time and resources.
The Difference Between Commercial Generators and Residential Generators
A commercial generator is similar to residential generators that are used to power homes in the event of a power outage or blackout. These generators are larger in size and have a higher power output that allows the generator to power larger business facilities, including key systems and equipment to help maintain regular operations even in the event of a power outage.
Commercial generators are generally built sturdier with components that differ from consumer generators. Some of the qualities include stronger metals, larger engines, cooling components to dissipate greater heat and an electronics system that produces higher power wattage outputs. The most commonly used commercial generators are natural gas and diesel generators.
Some homeowners use portable generators. These units are even smaller and produce enough power to run a few essential appliances. Gasoline is a popular fuel for many of these models.
The Main Parts of a Commercial Generator
Though commercial generators may have various physical and electrical configurations for specific applications, many operate similarly with the same essential components.
Engine
A generator’s engine is comparable to any other diesel or natural gas engine in that it converts chemical energy (diesel, natural gas or propane) into mechanical energy.
It must be stated clearly, that the size of the engine is directly related to the maximum output of power that can be supplied by the generator.
The amount of horsepower that is output from the engine correlates to the maximum output of electricity produced. Some of the engine components in a commercial engine are similar to consumer engines, such as pistons, engine blocks, fuel injectors, crankshafts and intake valves.
Radiator
The radiator is attached to the engine.
There are two types of ways to cool a generator. You could use a radiator, which is most commonly mounted next to the engine. The other common way to cool a generator is by using a heat exchanger, which typically takes cool water from an external source to reduce the temperature of an engine.
The radiator could simply stand alone or it could feed to an attachment that is routed to a ventilation system. The radiator helps dissipate heat and keep the generator running cool for long periods of time, especially during heavy use.
Generator End (Alternator)
The generator end is the part that produces electricity by channeling the mechanical input that is supplied by the engine. The generator end (alternator) has two main components that enable it to effectively run and produce electricity. These parts are known as the stator and rotor (armature).
The stator is a stationary component that contains a set of electrical conductors that are coils wound together housing an iron core.
The rotor (armature) is a moving component that produces a magnetic force that causes electrons to move and produces electricity.
How Does a Commercial Generator Work?
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of a commercial generator, let’s break down how it all comes together.
The big question most people have is: how is the fuel converted into electricity?
We’ll explain this as simply as possible while covering some key differences between the two main types of generators.
1. Fuel Powers the Engine
Fuel is the main source of a power generator, which is fed to the engine. As stated above, the two most common types of commercial generators are diesel and natural gas generators. Commercial diesel generators have a tank attached to them that allows users to fill and supply fuel to the tank to ensure that the generator can continue running. Commercial natural gas generators are connected via a feed or pipeline that allows the generator to consume the gas from a supply pipeline. Regardless of the commercial generator, fuel supplies the generator that allows the engine to run.
2. Mechanical Energy – the Engine
The engine creates mechanical power that can be forced into a circuit to create an electrical current via the generator end (alternator).
3. Producing Electricity – the Generator End (Alternator)
The generator end (alternator), as previously mentioned, contains two parts – the stator and rotor (armature). Through the mechanical energy produced by the engine, the rotor (armature) creates a magnetic field that moves around the stator, which produces a difference in voltage between the wound coils of the stator. This produces an alternating current (AC) output of the generator.
There are naturally many in-depth details to each part and component process, but we wanted to briefly provide an overview of how generators themselves work at a macro level.
Types of Commercial Generators
Many factors differentiate a commercial generator, including the unit size, power capacity and the manufacturer. After you decide on a reliable brand and a size that will meet your needs, it’s time to determine which fuel type is best for your application. Factors that may impact your fuel choice include accessibility, storage and power output.
Diesel
Diesel is popular because of its low purchasing price and efficiency. However, diesel does not burn as cleanly as other fuels and typically requires more storage space for outdoor tanks.
Gasoline
While gas is highly accessible and relatively affordable compared to most fuels, the prices still fluctuate. Gasoline is only good for about one year and is highly flammable, presenting storage challenges.
Natural Gas
One of the most significant benefits of a natural gas generator is that it can tie into your existing gas line to consume fuel, saving you considerable storage space. Another key benefit is that it’s eco-friendly, as it burns much cleaner than diesel or gasoline. Natural gas also performs well in cold weather and runs quietly.
Propane
Like natural gas, propane burns cleanly and runs quietly. However, propane tends to be more expensive than natural gas and requires additional costs for site storage. Propane generators use more fuel than most diesel generators.
Dual Fuel
Many dual fuel generators run on both diesel and natural gas, giving you a backup option if one runs out. Natural gas engines run cleaner than diesel engines, so a mixed fuel generator can provide lower emissions than a generator that runs solely on diesel. You can also operate on whichever fuel is more readily available and less expensive.
How to Choose a Commercial Generator
After you decide on a fuel type, consider other critical specifications:
Running Time
Power outages can happen unexpectedly and last for a few minutes or several days. If you have one generator as your sole source of power, you could need to run it indefinitely. Natural gas generators are beneficial for extended outages since they can tie directly into your existing gas line.
Noise Level
While noise is mainly irrelevant for some industrial applications, quiet-running generators are vital for public and commercial applications like hospitals, educational institutions and retail stores. Some components can help reduce exhaust noise, although they do little to decrease the sounds coming from the engine and radiator fans.
Location
Determining whether you’ll keep your generator inside or outside helps you choose the most effective type, especially if you’re considering a model that vibrates or has a larger exhaust system. In addition, you may want to install your generator close to the transfer switch, which plays a role in its activation during an outage.
Price
Price is one of the first things businesses consider during the purchasing process. You don’t need to buy new, as some used or surplus generators can perform just as well in specific applications. Consulting with an experienced and reliable dealer about your best options is always a wise choice.
The Woodstock Power Company Experience
Woodstock Power Company is more than a commercial generator dealer. Our team is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced in the industry and offers unparalleled technical expertise. We’ll help you select the most beneficial generator for your company.
We sell only the highest-quality new, used and surplus generators, ensuring you’ll receive a superior product that lasts many years down the road. Our inventory is one of the market’s most extensive, as we have several regional storage facilities to service the entire country.
Connect With Woodstock Power for Commercial Generators Today
If you’re searching for the perfect generator for your commercial application, you’ve come to the right place. Let our team show you the ideal used or surplus generator for your business. Contact us online today to learn more.