Will Air-cooled Generator Replace The Regular Ones?

Why are air-cooled diesel generators becoming more popular? Will they replace the regular ones!

A diesel generator converts diesel’s chemical energy to electrical energy. It does so by using the AC generator and the diesel engine together in a synchronous whole. The diesel generator usually comes with a fuel tank to put in the fuel. Also, a control panel helps in controlling the functioning of the generator. A radiator takes care of the temperature of the generator.

Air-cooled diesel generators are becoming more and more popular in the market. Its demand is rising since the manufacturers introduced them. So the question arises why they are becoming more popular. And whether they are efficient enough to replace the regular generators or not?. But first, we want to know what an air-cooled diesel generator is.

What Is An Air-cooled Diesel Generator?

An air-cooled diesel generator is one that uses air to cool its internal mechanism. It uses the chemical energy of diesel to power. The tool of the generator is then used to produce electrical energy. The capacity of an air-cooled diesel generator is usually below 10kVA.

The air-cooled diesel generators come in two usual configurations. i.e., The Open Ventilated (OV) ones. And the Enclosed Water to Air Cooled (TEWAC).

As the name implies, the OV uses the outside air of the surroundings to cool the generator. For this purpose, the generator has built-in filters to clean the air. The air enters the generator through filters. It cools the generator. Then it gets discharged to the surrounding environment.

Construction Of The Air-cooled Generators

The construction of the air-cooled generator is the same as other ones. The generator requires a DC source to magnetize the rotor. We call this current source an exciter. Depending on its design as OV and TEWAC, the components vary in several subsystems. All these components work in harmony to operate as a systematic whole. This helps process the complete functioning of the generator.

A built-in facility inside the generator makes sure to regulate the flow of air. This facility is adjusted with the control panel installed in the generator. The facility makes sure that the flow maintains the cool of the generator.

Why Are Air-cooled Diesel Generators Becoming More Popular?

Air-cooled diesel generators are becoming quite popular these days. This is due to the following factors:

1. Perfect for household use:

The range of power output that an air-cooled diesel generator provides vary. Generally, the capacity of 10kVA can provide energy to (Lastao, 2019):

• One Refrigerator
  • One Microwave
  • 6 Lights
  • 2 Televisions
  • 1 Coffee maker
  • 2 Air Conditioners (10000 British Thermal Unit BTU)
  • 3 Laptops
  • 1 Monitor
  • 1 Printer

This makes this generator a perfect fit for ordinary households. That’s why people prefer buying a standard-sized air-cooled generator with a capacity of under 10kVA.

2. Ideal for recreational purposes:

This standard size generator is perfect for you if you plan for some recreation and need a generator. It is ideal for (Yanmar, 2020):

• Camping
• Fishing
• Boating
• The Caravan
• Motorhome and RV

It can fulfill all your sensitive power requirements. This includes your electronic accessories such as:

• Laptop
• Tablet
• Video gaming system
• Mobile phones
• Television
• Coffee maker
• Portable fan
• Stereo system
• Microwave Oven of wattage almost up to 650 Watts

Also, if you need to run a slow cooker, the air-cooled generator comes to rescue you.

3. One-size-fits-all generator:

It is not an exaggeration to label a 10 kVA air-cooled generator. A one-size-fits-all generator. Due to its high power provision value, we can use it for industrial and construction purposes. They generally include:

• Agriculture for watering purposes
• Telecommunication huts
• Constructions site sheds
• Mining camps
• Expensive Aquariums

4. Efficient power management system:

The modern-day air-cooled generators come up with some cool new and exciting features. The efficient power management systems transfer the power source from the grid to the generator.

The generator ‘automatically’ does this when the power supply is cut off (ET, 2019). So don’t have to get up from your bed and turn the generator on when the grid’s power gets cut off.

5. Distinctive control system:

The air-cooled generator comes with an advanced built-in control system. The control system does wonders by providing a broad range of analysis data. This helps in putting in various ways and means to further increase efficiency.

The control system displays warning messages in case of low fuel in advance. This happens in moments of other performance issues too. This helps in getting away with the main points before it starts to disturb its performance.

6. Unique cooling system:

As evident from the name, the air-cooled generator uses the surrounding air to keep its average temperature. It has to rely on the environmental atmosphere to carry on its cooling functions. This prevents the generator from getting burned out from long time work.

While other generators need liquids and other complicated functions. To remain at an average temperature. The air intake system in the air-cooled generator makes sure. That you don’t need an extra part. to keep the generator temperate to room level.

7. Easy maintenance:

The air-cooled diesel generators often need careful maintenance. Although the manufacturer tells of the service interval. It usually needs servicing after 250 to 500 hours. But you don’t need to worry about the maintenance. As it is not a complicated process for an air-cooled diesel generator.

It requires that you do:

• A thorough check-up of the generator to find issues.
• Change the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter.
• Replace old diesel oil with a fresh one.
• Replace some of the snapped belts. The belts include such as the radiator fan belt and the charging alternator belt.

And that’s it. You are good to go with a generator ready to provide you optimal performance for the next 500 hours.

Always remember that maintenance is an essential part of the whole work of the generator’s use. Because this ensures that the generator can provide the needed electrical energy.

Will Air-cooled Diesel Generators Replace The Regular?

Air-cooled diesel generator has made its place in the market due to its versatile capabilities.

• They are perfect for household use, general industrial and agricultural needs, and ideal for recreational purposes.
• They do not go hard on your pocket when you need to do maintenance. Because they are easy and simple to maintain.
• Its cutting-edge control and performance management system put the burden away from you of turning it on and off at times.
• They are small and compact which makes them easy to carry.
• They are highly resistant to varying environmental conditions.

Conclusion

All these qualities made the air-cooled diesel generator a unique one and demanded of by the clients. Its one-size-fits-all features have made it a valuable product in the market. So we can say that such a value-providing generator with remarkable quality but also drawbacks. It’s the cooling of the air, the structure, and the under-10kva outpower that limit its ability. So if you ask that, will there replace the regular ones? At least, under-10kva is no problem. and then It depends on the load of your need and the standard of products. What do you think of it?