Renting vs Buying a generator

 Once the sizing of the generator is done, the next big question is whether to buy a new generator or take one on rent. Well, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. In this article, we will discuss the factors to consider before making a decision. After considering all the points, you can decide which one is the most suitable option.

Advantages of renting a generator:-

•   Renting a generator takes only a fraction of the cost of buying a new genset. If you have a limited budget, then renting is the best option.

• Rental providers take care of the maintenance and repair of generator throughout the rental period. Therefore, no maintenance hassles and minimum risk of downtime. 

• It offers the flexibility of generator size. Once a particular project is over a different rating of a generator can be chosen for the next project. 

• Rental generators are designed as a plug and play option. It does not require detailed installation planning as the permanent installations do.

• Renting is a good option if the generator is needed for a short duration. If long periods of renting are required, better to calculate the renting cost beforehand. If the total renting cost approaches closer to the purchase cost, then buying will be the better option. 

Advantages of buying a generator:-

• The prime reason for buying a genset is the need for long term use. Here are the major advantages.

• You will own the asset and not bind by any rental agreement. You can resell your asset anytime.

• In large projects where generator requirement is for many months, the rental cost of a big commercial generator will reach the purchase price quickly. Obviously, in such cases, buying may be the right option.

To summarize, a sufficient amount of homework and calculation has to be done before making the decision of buying or renting a generator. Choosing the right vendor is also an important decision to make. Do check the background of the vendor and check the customer feedback. 

Mahindra Powerol is in the business for more than a decade. We can help you in making the decision. For any query, you can call us at 1800-419-1999 or visit our website at:- www.mahindrapowerol.com

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Generator sizing

One of the most important decisions that needs to be made in a factory or unit is the determination of the diesel generator size. Will it be used for continuous power supply or will it serve as a standby source? While you will be consulting an expert, who will recommend a size, this article aims to give you a basic understanding about the factors you need to consider for generator sizing.

1)    Generator Ratings

Diesel generator ratings are either continuous, prime or standby.

Ø  Continuous Rating is when a dg set is expected to work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Ø  Prime rating allows some fluctuation in the load, and

Ø  Standby means the backup running time is up to 200 hours per year.

2)    Performance Classes

Generators are divided into the below classes as per their performance: 

a)    Class G1 is for general purpose loads, example lighting.

b)    Class G2 is meant for public electricity supply, pumps and fans. 

c)    Class G3 is used for telecommunications and thyristor-controlled loads.

d)    Class G4 is used in data processing or computer systems where the demands are stringent. 

3)    Start-up times

You can also choose your diesel genset on start-up times. 

A.    Manual starting for generators without a specified start-up time.

B.    Automatic start-up – Long Break: - A generator started from stationary on grid failure.

C.   Automatic start-up – Short Break: - When power is disrupted for only a few milliseconds while the electrical transfer takes place. 

D.   Automatic start-up – No Break: - A continuously running electrical machine providing an uninterrupted supply in the event of power failure. 

4)    How much power do you need? 

It is a myth that smaller dg sets can be used for standby requirements since they will not be used all the time. This thinking can lead to generator damage and other assets connected to it and create unsafe situations. 

5)    Assess your needs 

While it may be tempting to visit your nearest dealer and pick up the cheapest generator available, it won’t make good business sense. You should study and understand your power requirements before you go shopping for a generator. 

6)    Make a list

ü  Start with listing all units that will need to be powered by the diesel generator.

ü  The next step is to list the starting and running wattage of items.

ü  Finally, you should calculate the total power requirements. 

To know more about Mahindra Powerol, visit www.mahindrapowerol.com or call

1-800-419-1999

How does a generator work?

Remember the age old joke. A professor asked an engineering student. How does a generator start? The student replies, “Drrrrrrrrrrr”. We still trip on this one. This is a blog for those who want to know how the ‘Drrrrrrrrr’ happens. Read on.

Fundamentally, a diesel generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. What it does it is converts the energy from motion into power. So basically, it is important to understand that a generator does not actually ‘create’ electrical energy. It uses the mechanical energy supplied to it to create a movement of electric charges in the wire of its windings through an external electric circuit. This flow of electric charges is now called electric current constitutes the output supplied by the generator.

The generator of today works on the principle of electromagnetic induction discovered by Michael Faraday. Faraday discovered by moving an electrical conductor in a magnetic field creates electric charges to flow, thus generating electric current.

The main components of an electric generator are

Engine
The engine is the source of the input mechanical energy to the generator.

Alternator
The alternator produces the electrical output from the mechanical input supplied by the engine.

Fuel System
The fuel system keeps the generator operational (move the engine).

Voltage Regulator
This component regulates the output voltage of the generator.

Cooling & Exhaust Systems
Continuous usage of the generator causes components to heat up. It is essential to have a cooling and ventilation system to cool the heat down. Exhaust fumes emitted by a generator contain highly toxic chemicals that need to be properly managed. Hence, it is essential to install an efficient exhaust system to dispose of the exhaust gases. 

Lubricating System
Since the generator comprises moving parts in its engine, it requires lubrication to ensure durability and smooth operations for a long period of time.

Battery Charger
The start function of a generator is battery-operated. The battery charger keeps the generator battery charged by supplying it with a precise ‘float’ voltage.

Now that you know how the generator functions, check out some really cool ones at www.mahindrapowerol.com

Choosing the right partner (Generator)

Power cuts are not something you can avoid. You counter it by picking and installing a generator that meets your need. However buying the right generator can be a daunting process. Most technical buys are dependent on the influencer, in most cases that being the seller. A wrong buy would not only would lead you to losing money, but getting stuck with a product that makes you spend more in repair and adjustments. So we thought, this blog should be about a checklist, which you could use to choose the correct generator.

1.     Determine wattage needs

Determine how much power you need for the items you care about. Get a professional, trained electrician to help you arrive at this figure.

2.     Choose the right location

Locate your existing electrical service panel and gas line to target any potential problems before buying a generator. The wiring and the placement should be done keeping in mind the above mentioned elements.

3.     Perform product comparisons

         Compare power outputs, run times, and prices, along with what’s included in                 those prices, such as accessories, warranties, support and installation.

4.     Determine financing options

        Some retail stores/websites offer financing options for generator purchases. Check          www.mahindraemall.com for financing options.

5.     Consider included items

        Check whether the generator comes with warranty or maintenance package.                   Check for ancillaries and accessories like a power cord, oil and wheels.

6.     Consider additional costs

        Check the cost of installation by a qualified professional

7.     Establish your budget

       Generator prices fall across a wide range, so determining how much you’d like to           spend is important.

Check out our generators on http://www.mahindrapowerol.com/

GENERATORS- AN OVERVIEW

The generator evolved from the work done by Michael Faraday along with Law Joseph Henry, who in the 1820s discovered the operating principal of electromagnetic generators. This principle is now called Faraday's. Once these two inventors discovered and documented the phenomena of electromagnetic induction, it lead to experimentation by others in both Europe and North America.

Diesel powered generators, or electrical generator sets, are used in countless industrial and commercial establishments. These generators can be used for small loads, such as in homes, as well as for larger loads like industrial plants, hospitals, and commercial buildings. They can either be prime power sources or standby/back-up power sources. They are available in various specifications and sizes. Diesel generator sets rating 5-30KW are typically used in simple home and personal applications like recreational vehicles. Industrial applications cover a wider spectrum of power ratings (from 30 kW to 6 Megawatts) and are used in numerous industries throughout the world. For home use, single-phase power generators are sufficient. Three-phase power generators are primarily used for industrial purposes.

There are two types of generators: permanent and standby. The permanent ones run on an existing fuel source – either liquid propane or natural gas and are capable of generating enough wattage. The portable generators are smaller and can be wheeled around. Their primary source of fuel is gasoline. Generators are reasonably safe as long as the safety precautions are met and no misuse takes place. Generators are best used outdoors where it is well ventilated as the carbon monoxide that a generator releases can prove fatal if inhaled over a period of time. Generators have a low voltage system along with economic benefits and low operating costs and maintenance costs. The systems are extremely compact with a simple design. 

Benefits of Diesel Generators.

People have been using generators for ages as they serve as the perfect backup solution in case of power failure. These generators are used for a wide range of applications including telecom sites, hospitals, residential complexes, offices etc.

Generators may run on petrol, diesel, gas (CNG, LPG) or bio-diesel, but diesel generators are still the most preferred choice for off grid power solution in almost all commercial as well as domestic applications today.

To arrest the noise of diesel engines a sound attenuated enclosure, also known as Canopy, is used. Generator with Canopy is also known as silent generator.

Diesel Generators benefit greatly primarily from the source of its fuel i.e. Diesel

·         Diesel is the most abundantly found fuel among all other fuels. Therefore it is the more suited option for factories located in remote areas.

·         Diesel contains more energy than petrol, that is why diesel engines are more fuel efficient than petrol engines. It consumes less fuel and delivers superior performance.

·    Diesel is relatively less expensive as compared to other liquid fuels available in the market and hence is commercially more viable for industries.

·         Diesel fuel is safer than petrol or gas as it is less flammable.

Apart from these diesel generators have several other advantages:

·         Diesel generators can operate perfectly in extreme cold climates with the use of Glow Plugs.

·         Diesel engines are simple in design and built ruggedly. Due to their robust built, diesel engines are extremely stable and can withstand heavy load.  They can be resold at a high market price even after 5 years.

·         Diesel Generators can remain operational for long periods of time and have very low probability of breakdown. To ensure a long-lasting function, the generator should be installed in a proper manner and basic maintenance plan should be adhered to. Diesel engines generally run 10000 hours before it needs any service beyond basic maintenance.

·         Basic maintenance of a diesel engine is less expensive and simple, like changing Oil, Fuel, Air filters and periodic change of Oil and Coolant. On the other hand with Petrol or Gas engine one has to deal with tune ups, carburettor adjustments, distributor burns, spark plugs which requires periodic cleaning and replacement.

·         The glow plugs used in diesel engines have better running life than spark plugs.

·         A diesel engine consumes less lubricating oil compared to other engines, thus saves money.

For any further questions, please visit our YouTube page to explain proper installation and commission of the diesel generator. www.youtube.com/mahindrapowerol

This post is brought to you by Mahindra Powerol, leading manufacturers of diesel generators, industrial engines and home ups inverters and batteries. www.mahindrapowerol.com/ www.mahindrapowerolhups.com