Generators & Inverters

Inverters and Generators

These are little machines that can generate electricity on their own. They are essential for off-grid work, can be utilised for electricity in emergencies, and are frequently used for power generation at worksites, and recreational activities.

HOW IS ELECTRICITY PRODUCED?
Portable generators extract chemical energy from a fuel, such as gasoline, and utilise it to power an engine. The engine then spins an alternator to generate mechanical energy. The alternator is a copper inductor that operates in a magnetic field. The movement of the conductor in the electric field causes a flow of electric charges to flow through wires to outlet receptacles, where they can be used to activate devices.

GENERATOR PERFORMANCE RATINGS: VOLTS, AMPS, AND WATTS
When comparing generators, it’s critical to understand the definition of volts, amps, and watts, as well as their relationship. Although the physics behind these words is complex, it is advisable to focus on the practical applications for the sake of discussing portable generators.

• VOLTS: Can be thought of as the force or pressure of the applied electricity. Most appliances in Australia run on 240 volts for high-energy-demand like washing machines, dryers and vacuums. (Higher voltages are available, but they are intended for heavy industrial applications and are not applicable to portable generators.)

• AMPS: If Volts is the electrical pressure, then Amps is the flow. To function, every electric device requires a specified quantity of pressure (volts) and current (amps). Volts are fixed (120v or 240v) while amps vary depending on the equipment. A computer monitor, for example, consumes less than 1 amp, whereas a toaster consumes 9 amps.

• The basic unit of power is the Watt. Amps multiplied by Volts is how electricity is calculated. Generators are all rated in Watts since Amps are easily established if you know the watts and the voltage is either 120v or 240v (clearly written on the outlets).

Watt output is advertised on almost every generator. Because there are Max/Peak Watt ratings and Running/Continuous Watt ratings, this needs to be looked into further. The greater rating that can be obtained for a few seconds is always the max watts, which can manage the start-up energy requirements that some devices have. Running watts are what the machine can create at a constant rate throughout the day.

The chart below shows when the gadget need more energy to start and when it does not. You’ll notice that items that require movement, such as a fan or a pump, have a higher initial draw. Items with minimal or no moving parts do not often have a larger initial draw.

INVERTER GENERATORS AND CONVENTIONAL GENERATORS
There are two main types of portable generators. Conventional generators, also known as ‘generators,’ and new inverter generators, also known as ‘inverters.’
Generators are significantly more widely used. They are easily identified by their open frame form and can deliver a lot of raw force. Generators will give you the greatest bang for your dollar if you need raw power.

In comparison, inverters are relatively new. The main difference is that the electricity is converted via a power inverter, which produces significantly cleaner energy. This is especially critical for sensitive electronics like cell phones and PCs. Another consideration in the design is keeping the inverters small and silent. These features raise the price, but if you care about saving energy and reducing noise, these are the machines for you.

Get in touch with our showroom in Geelong and our Australia wide freight  service.

Ph 1300 88 45 66