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.