A portable device for converting from any form of energy such as, electrical energy, mechanical energy, bio-energy, or electrical energy into electrical energy. The generic term for all portable devices used to power homes and businesses is a power generator. This particular device draws power directly from the source it is plugged into. These types of devices are often referred to as “battery powered devices.”
There are two basic types of portable electrical generators: gasoline-powered and electric generators. Although they run on either gasoline or propane, there are differences between the two. The differences stem from the way in which each type of power generator converts energy.
Gasoline-powered power generators work by compressing and storing natural gas in an internal combustion engine. When this happens, the pressure inside the engine causes the gas to be forced into an extremely hot steam form. The steam is then converted into electricity through what is called a magnetohydrodynamic effect. A small magnetohydrodynamic engine can actually provide enough electricity to power most residential homes.
Electric generators are designed to use a direct current (DC) input and a voltage output. In most cases, the DC output is what powers the lights in your home. Your power generator will convert AC voltage output to DC voltage output by utilizing what is called a variable-speed generator. This is different from the rotational speed that is used by a magnetohydrodynamic power generator. The difference in the output voltage and potential power produced allows electric generators to have varying voltages.
Many people use a backup generator in their home to avoid an outage affecting their electrical power distribution. Often times, a backup generator is an added protection for the home security system. For instance, if you have a home security system with three separate entry points, you could actually have one generator powering the main entrance and one backup generator powering another entrance if an outage were to occur. The power distribution companies would send out a repair team to your home and have the outage brought under control before any injuries or property damage occurred.
A backup power generator for the sump pump is often used when a sump pump backup is not installed properly. A backup sump pump is designed to automatically start working in the event of an outage. Unfortunately, if it does not start working as scheduled, there is a good chance that your home’s water supply will be ruined. You can save yourself from a costly disaster by having a sump pump backup installed by a professional.
Power generators are designed to work using mechanical energy. In order for electricity to be turned into mechanical energy, a generator must be connected to a generator set up to convert it to electrical energy. You can use the available electricity in your electrical system to power a generator through connection to your home’s existing electrical wiring. Alternatively, you can just hook up a direct current (DC) electrical device directly to the generator.
Generators can operate using alternate electrical sources as long as they remain protected from the elements. However, you may want to protect your generator against a storm by having it run only on non-flammable fuels. These types of generators also prevent your generator from suffering damages when exposed to fire. This ensures that your electrical equipment will continue to function normally.
To prevent your generator from being damaged by extreme temperatures, install it in a location away from heat vents and where it cannot be harmed by electromagnetic induction. Magnetic generators and piezoelectric generators use electromagnetic induction to work. The former uses a dynamo to generate a field which induces charged particles into a magnetic field. The latter uses the movement of a diaphragm inside a ceramic plate to create an induced electric current.
Although most residential generators provide enough electrical power for a single household, larger generators are needed in case of large scale electricity use. If you want to have a generator that provides both electrical power and heat for your entire house, you should buy a generator that includes both of these features. The size of the generator you need depends on how much electricity you need to power your entire home. Homeowners who do not use a generator for all their electrical power requirements can just buy a small refrigerator-sized portable generator to cater for the occasional home emergencies.
Generators that work on wind power are better options than those that run on solar power. The latter’s efficiency varies according to the location where the generator is. Portable generators include both electrical and non-electrical generators. There are also devices called “smart generators” that work on the principle of kinetic energy which allow them to power small electronic gadgets and other electrical items when they are plugged into the electrical grid.