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How Does A Backup Generator Work?

Backup generators play a critical role in supplying electrical power to commercial and industrial operations and projects in the event that the grid is down or too remote for access. Whether they are supplying industrial equipment, construction sites, boats and ships or concerts, and outdoor events, these machines deliver power safely, reliably and affordable. But how do they work?

Backup Generators

Despite their name, generators do not create energy – they actually convert mechanical or chemical energy into electrical energy that is then supplied to power commercial or industrial equipment. 

The main piece of equipment in a backup generator is the engine, which can be powered by diesel, biogas, petrol or other fuels. The size of the engine determines the amount of electrical power the generator can supply, which is why residential generators are so much smaller than generators used in mining or construction applications, or those used as backup power for data centers and hospitals.

The engine burns the fuel to create mechanical energy – the movement of the engine and related parts. This energy is transmitted to the alternator in the same process that takes place between your car’s engine and alternator. This causes a rotator inside the alternator to spin, creating a magnetic field inside a stator, a component made of metal coils wrapped around an iron core, which conducts electricity.

The electricity created by the stator is controlled by a voltage regulator which ensures that the generator is able to keep running even as power is drawn from it through the output facility and the industrial equipment connected to it. A single-phase generator is appropriate for home use, providing a single wave of alternating current at the same voltage as the grid would supply to a residence, while a three-phase generator is more suited to commercial application, as it offers a much higher voltage with three alternating waves of current.

Backup generators also have an exhaust system to remove the gasses that result from the combustion process that powers the engine. For this reason, it’s important to have your generator outdoors, as the fumes are poisonous and can be very dangerous in a confined space.

CAT backup generators – Supplying reliable electrical power in all commercial and industrial applications

Energy Power Systems Australia is a specialized CAT generator partner with a wide range of generators for all your standby or primary electrical power needs. In addition to supplying the mining and construction industry, we also supply a wide range of marine power solutions for leisure and commercial applications. To find out more about our backup generators for industrial equipment, please contact us today.





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