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A whole-home generator, also known as a standby generator, provides a steadfast solution to this issue, ensuring that your home remains powered during outages. Unlike portable generators, whole-home units are permanently installed and directly connected to your home’s electrical system. Upon detecting a power outage, an automatic transfer switch activates the generator, seamlessly supplying electricity to your home’s circuits. This process is nearly instantaneous, minimizing any disruption in electrical service.
Generator Supercenter of Peabody offers turn-key installation of whole-home generators for those looking to secure uninterrupted power. This means they manage every aspect of the installation process—from initial assessment and choosing the right generator for your needs to professional installation and ongoing maintenance.
With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home will remain comfortable and functional, regardless of the grid’s reliability. Whether for convenience, safety, or essential needs, a whole-home generator from Generator Supercenter of Peabody is a reliable and efficient choice for continuous power supply.
A whole-home generator is a device that uses the principles of electromagnetic induction to generate electricity locally. It uses a portable fuel source (usually diesel) to rotate a coil between the poles of a magnet, generating an electrical current.
Whole-home electric generators typically have a wide range of power output capacities and can easily provide enough energy to keep even the most demanding household appliances running. While diesel whole-home generators were the most common in the past, manufacturers now make options compatible with petrol, LPG, and natural gas for lower emissions and less pollution. You can also connect them to renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered turbines, wind turbines, and batteries.
All whole-home generators offer some level of portability, with some vendors supplying products with wheels and handles, allowing you to move them between locations. Traditionally, generators were noisy like truck engines. But technology is always improving and now homeowners can keep generators close by without noise pollution becoming a major problem. Engineers are also improving vibrating damping on their units, preventing annoying rumbling while in operation.
Practically all commercially available home electricity generators work on the principle of electromagnetic induction. While construction methods vary somewhat, basic physics remains the same.
Inside any whole-home generator is a conductor coil comprising a copper coil wound around a metal core. Engineers call this structure the armature. This component sits on an axle and then runs between the poles of a horseshoe magnet.
Without any external energy supply, the setup will not produce a current. However, when you rotate the armature using a motor, something magical happens—electricity tries to complete a circuit. The magnetic field lines between the two magnetic poles interfere with electrons in the conductor, inducing a flow of electricity and supplying enough energy for all your home devices.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the components of a home generator and how they all fit together.
All electrical generators require some sort of mechanical input to rotate the armature. You can achieve this directly using natural means, such as a windmill, but most whole-home generators prefer a graduated and reliable engine as a power source.
The size of the engine determines the generator’s energy output. The more mechanical energy the engine yields, the more electricity the entire generator assembly can produce. In general, home generators use smaller motors than industrial models.
In overhead-valve engines, the engine’s intake and exhaust valves sit at the head of the engine’s cylinders. In non-overhead valve types, these mount onto the engine block.
This distinction matters when choosing a whole-home generator. Overhead valve designs offer multiple advantages compared to non-overhead standards, including lower noise levels, fewer emissions, and a more compact design. However, the price is generally higher.
Cylinder linings in generator engines matter a great deal. Ideally, you want a cast iron sleeve lining as this reduces wear and tear and increases durability. But you will need to check this specification with the manufacturer. Not all generators have it.
A generator’s alternator has a similar purpose to your car’s. It takes mechanical energy from the engine and converts it into electrical energy you can use in your home. It comprises the armature assembly we discussed above, creating electricity via electromagnetic induction (and related processes).
The alternator is a critical component of generators, so buyers need to pay careful attention to it.
Alternators, for instance, come in a variety of housing materials. Plastic housings are inexpensive, but they run the risk of becoming deformed over time. All-metal versions come at a higher price point but usually last longer.
Alternators also come in brushed and brushless formats. Brushed versions use brushes to transfer electricity to a circuit, while brushless uses sets of rotors that spin together, transferring energy between them. Because of the absence of friction, brushless motors tend to be more efficient and reliable.
Lastly, you’ll also want to consider the alternator’s bearings. Needle bearings are cost-effective but do not last as long as traditional ball bearings.
The voltage regulator is another critical component of whole home generators. Its purpose is to determine the potential difference of the system, ensuring that all your appliances and fittings receive optimal electricity levels.
So what does this particular component do?
Well, the concept can be a little tricky to understand. But the critical thing to remember is that voltage regulation is a cyclical process that involves switching between electrical states to achieve equilibrium.
The voltage regulator’s first task is to convert AC voltage from the motor to DC. It then feeds this current into an exciter winding to produce AC. This out then passes through rotating rectifiers, converting it back to DC. This energy transfers to the armature to create a DC. The armature then converts this to AC voltage, completing the cycle.
As the generator spins up, its output increases and DC generation goes down. This process allows the generator to produce the precise type and intensity of current your home demands at any given time, just like mains power.
Modern-day generators contain many moving parts, including engines, which heat rapidly during operation. Therefore, just like cars and motorcycles, generators need cooling systems.
Some large generators use hydrogen as a stator coolant because of its high energy absorption efficiency. Loops connect it to a secondary cooling circuit containing distilled water, transferring heat away from the unit via traditional radiators.
In most domestic settings, however, standard radiators with fan attachments serve as the primary cooling system. Usually, there is no need for liquids, so these are considered air-cooled units, similar to motorcycle engines.
If a generator uses a liquid cooling system, owners should regularly check the condition of the pump and fluid. You should replace fluids after around 25 days of cumulative operation.
Given that home generators require air to transfer excess energy to the environment, manufacturers and regulators insist that you leave at least three feet of space on all sides.
When the generator’s engine burns fuel, it creates exhaust gases, just like a regular car engine. The exhaust system transfers these gases to a safe place in the external environment before releasing them. Allowing gases to enter any of your rooms could be potentially fatal since they contain carbon monoxide.
Generators typically exhaust gases through metal pipes through an external flue. The pipes should be freestanding and not supported by the generator itself. They should also be connected to the engine with flexible pipes that absorb vibrations.
Where you can place exhausts depends on local regulations, so check your plans with officials before you begin construction.
Modern generators all have control panels—interactive displays that provide readouts and controls for your unit. They offer functions such as start-up and shutdown, meters showing current, voltage, and operating frequency, and other controls for switching between manual and automatic power transfer.
An automatic transfer switch is a clever device that turns on your generator the moment the grid electricity supply to your home fails.
Here’s what happens in a simple, step-by-step process:
As you consider the advantages of a whole-home generator, remember that investing in a reliable unit like those offered by Generator Supercenter of Peabody provides immediate benefits during outages and enhances your home’s overall value and safety.
At Generator Supercenter of Peabody, we provide comprehensive services that cover everything from selecting the right generator for your needs to installation and maintenance. This turn-key solution ensures that you are equipped with a high-quality generator that is ready to operate when you need it most.
By understanding the mechanics and benefits of whole-home generators, you are better positioned to make an informed decision that secures your home’s energy independence. Visit Generator Supercenter of Peabody today to find out how easy and beneficial owning a whole-home generator can be. Prepare your home for the unexpected with a reliable source of power that keeps your life running smoothly, no matter what happens with the grid.
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