Even if portable generators come in different shapes, sizes, power, colors, and brands, they all have identical internal components, functions, and mechanisms. In this article, we are going to be discussing how do portable generators work in general. We will also highlight the various integrants of these generators in brief, straightforward language. So that you are no longer at sixes and sevens about this complicated-looking home generator.
How do Portable Generators Work?
All portable generators are made up of standard internal components that help the machine generate electricity for as long as required. Although the generator itself may look giant and complex, the way it works is quite simple. Once you understand what roles the individual parts play inside a generator, you’ll be able to comprehend how portable home generators work overall.
Portable Generator Essential Parts and their Operations:
- Combustion Engine
- Alternator
- Starter
- Fuel Tank
- Cooling Fan
- Drainage Pipe
- Circuit Breaker Switch
- Ventilation Pipe
- Control Panel
- Main Assembly Frame
Combustion Engine: The combustion engine burns gasoline, liquid propane, or diesel, drawing in from the fuel tank to generate electricity. This engine is closely attached to an alternator. Once the engine starts burning the fuel, the alternator will move in a rotational motion. This way, chemical energy from the fuel is converted into mechanical energy, eventually inducing electrical currents and powering the appliances connected to the portable generator.
Starter: The generator engine won’t start working on its own; it will only begin its operations when you turn on the ‘starter’ manually. Most portable generators have this external switch to start the generator. Once you turn it on, the engine’s crank will start spinning; that’s how you get electricity from a generator.
Fuel Tank: A pipe connects the fuel tank to the engine. Portable generators also have ventilation pipes near the fuel tank to prevent any high build-ups of pressure inside.
Drainage Pipe: Let’s talk about the drain pipe; it’s also near the fuel tank. You can already guess its job based on its name. It helps to protect all the components of the generator near the fuel tank from corrosion and contamination by preventing overflow or spillages, especially when you’re refilling oil in the tank.
Circuit Breaker Switch: The circuit breaker switch is another vital aspect that detects whether the current flow is too high and overflowing. When this happens, an opening is created between the generator and the receptacles to prevent an overflow of electricity.
Control Panel: Note that all portable generators have a manual control panel on the generator’s exterior. This is where all the setting options are available for you to regulate, such as the turn-on/shut-off button, engine speed, temperature, engine oil, etc.
Assembly Frame: Lastly, all these internal and external components together are secured inside a protective waterproof frame, mostly of metal.
How do Conventional Portable Generators work?
Conventional portable generators convert chemical energy from the fuel to rotational mechanical energy into electrical energy. These generators have all the components discussed above. Once you turn on the switch, the engine will burn fuel from the fuel tank, either liquid propane, gasoline, or diesel. Within minutes, the alternator will begin inducing an AC current that will be enough to power up your house appliances connected to the generator through extension cords.
Remember – conventional generators require high maintenance and servicing after every 100 hours of use.
How do Gas-powered Portable Generators work?
Gas portable generators use natural gas to generate electricity. You can use these generators by hooking up large refillable/non-refillable gas tanks to the portable generator. Or, you can also connect it to the gas lines of your kitchen. The latter option is better because the utility companies provide an endless supply 24/7. Hence, there’s no fear of running out of gas. But some companies may turn off or reduce the gas flow during emergencies and natural disasters.
So, how does it work? Unlike conventional generators, the combustion engine won’t start burning natural gas. Instead, it will mix air particles with the gas particles inside the generator’s carburetor. There’s a cylinder where the piston comps this gas-and-air mixture repeatedly to cause sparks. Once a spark has been ignited, the engine rotor will give enough energy to start rotating in the presence of an electromagnetic field.
Soon, AC currents will be generated, which will travel through the extension electric cords and run your home appliances.
How do Solar-powered Portable Generators work?
You can already guess that a solar-powered portable generator will need sunlight to work, and you’re absolutely right about it. These generators don’t need gas, diesel, or other types of fuel sources apart from sunlight, but here’s the deal – solar generators have a fuel tank inside. A good thing about portable solar generators is that they don’t need much maintenance and have quieter operations than conventional or inverter generators. However, these generators may need one or multiple solar panels depending on the number of appliances you want to run.
This solar panel does the main heroic job of converting light energy from the sun into Direct Current (DC). This will then flow through the controller, which will convert into AC electricity. This electricity production method is similar to an inverter generator, which we will discuss in detail soon.
An important thing to mention, solar panels feature lithium-ion batteries that make them work. Also, these batteries store up some energy for later use, especially at night when there’s no sunlight available.
How do Inverter Portable Generators work?
Portable inverter generators work very differently compared to gas-powered and conventional generators. We mean in good terms, though. This generator is more energy-efficient and has a cleaner, environment-friendly process of generating electricity. Like most others, they also have a combustion engine that will convert rotational mechanical energy into AC electricity. Next, there will be a second conversion, where the AC current is turned into DC current, and then again, the engine will invert the DC current back to AC current.
Because of the extra hassle the engine has to go through, it will take up more fuel than conventional generators. Also, these generators tend to be on the expensive side.
How does a Portable Diesel Generator work?
Portable generators fueled by diesel convert the chemical energy inside the fuel into mechanical energy with the help of the combustion engine that burns up the fuel. The bigger the engine, the more power it will generate. The rotor inside the alternator will continuously rotate around the stator, causing the fixed magnets to create an electromagnetic field. That gets the electrons flowing through the cords, eventually powering up your appliances.
Portable diesel generators feature a cooling and exhaust system consisting of a ventilation pipe, a cooling fan, and a valve near the fuel tank to prevent overpressure and overheating. Portable diesel generators also feature an oil pump for maintaining lubrication. This way, the different internal components function smoothly without grinding against each other and damaging your generator.
Lastly, all diesel generators (portable or, standby generators) have a battery charger to keep your generator going with a full charge. Also, make sure to replace the battery of your portable generator every 2-3 years for better performance.
Conclusion
We can’t imagine a day without electricity. But simultaneously, a power outage is real and can hamper our modern life. That’s why investing in a generator for electrical power backup is essential. There are mainly two types of generators, portable and standby generators. Portable generators are cost efficient than standby generator systems. A portable generator’s power output is often more than enough you’ll need to run home appliances.
You can find different types of portable generators available on the market and each one has its own way of working and producing electricity. In this article, we tried to cover them and give you an in-depth outline of how portable generators work during a power outage.