Until the technology behind Fuel Cells improves or better combustion technologies become main stream, there is still a place for diesel generators.
Factors behind the decision making process:
• When sizing a generator the peak power output of a generator can not be sustained. A 2.5 KW generator either would not be able to start or sustain a 2 KW angle grinder under load. • When a generator is used at its maximum, the fuel consumption peaks with a very low efficiency. Most generators provide a poor quality power at maximum utilization, frequency and voltage changes which shortens appliance lifespan and results in inferior performance. • Our inverters are rated at a continuous load maximum without losing efficiency or degrading the quality of the output. A 2KW inverter will start a 2 KW angle grinder. • The inverter allows for up to 200% for short periods of time to allow for start-up currents. • When comparing initial capital costs, the cost of a 10KW inverter should be compared to a 20KW generator. • The capital cost of a single Phase generator is still less than a single phase inverter. • The costs are much closer in 3 Phase systems. • Inverters generate almost no noise and no toxic fumes. In several cases the cost of building a soundproof and ventilated area is for a generator is more than the cost of the generator. • Inverters have no moving parts and require no servicing. • Especially the cheaper imported generators have a limited amount of machine hours before failure. • Fuel inside a generator has to be used from time to avoid failure. • Inverters are always ON, constantly monitoring and conditioning the ESKOM supply. • The inverter is set to condition the ESKOM supply to 230 V. If the ESKOM supply falls to 210V during peak demand the inverter will automatically add the additional power from the battery bank keeping it at constant 230 Volt. • Home owners with inverters will not notice failures or when power is restored. The system is fully automated and will automatically start charging the batteries once the ESKOM supply is returned. • Generators take up to 4 Minutes to come online and a warm-up period should be allowed for; a maximum load on a cold generator will shorten its life. • Automated changeover systems for generators are quoted separately and should be allowed for when comparing costs. • The fuel cost of a mid sized generator is about seven Rand per KW/hour. The cost of recharging the batteries from Eskom when power returns is a fraction of the cost of fuel. • When using an inverter for short blackouts 2-6 Hours at a time there is no reason for a generator. If the blackouts stretch to 24 hours, the cost of the additional battery becomes a factor and a generator can be included as part of an integrated solution. • GreenCon inverters have the built-in ability to manage a generator. If the Battery levels reach 50% the inverter will automatically start a much smaller and quieter generator, allowing it to warm up and start drawing power. The inverter will draw a constant current form the generator - the “sweet spot” is around 60% of its rated Maximum. On three phase systems this is very efficient as you can now buy a much cheaper single phase generator and have the Inverter manage the phase loads and supply 3 Phase power. • GreenCon inverters are “Green Ready” and you can choose to plug in solar panels or wind generators or even fuel cells immediately.
