Backup of power during a power loss is a significant factor that maintains comfort at homes and factories. Automatic Standby Generators are generators that provide power supply during a power outage automatically once they detect loss of power from the primary source. These Standby generators are of two types: Air Cooled and Liquid Cooled Generators. The word ‘cooling’ refers to the engine’s cooling after usage. Both types of generators are equally beneficial and competitive in their application domains.
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What are air-cooled Generators?
Air Cooled generators are standby generators that use air to cool down their engine. These generators have a system of blades on the outer surface that result in increased heat during their operation. As the generator starts, a fan draws air and distributes it to the surface of the fins, taking away the produced heat.
Advantages of Air Cooled Generators
The advantages of air-cooled generators include the following:
- The simplicity of these generators and the ease of use make these systems a choice for many people.
- They have very few components, reducing the mess electrical wireframes generate.
- Air-cooled generators are lightweight and easy to maintain.
- There is no risk of coolant leakage as no cooling system is equipped for this type of generator.
Challenges Faced by Air-Cooled Generators
Despite many benefits, air-cooled generators do face some challenges as well:
- Air-cooled generators may struggle to maintain high operating temperatures during continuous usage.
- The cooling efficiency of air is generally low. This means that there might be decreased performance in the events of high temperatures.
- These generators are very noisy due to the presence of fans required for cooling mechanisms.
What are Liquid Cooled Generators?
Liquid-cooled generators are automatic standby generators that use liquid coolants to cool the engine. This coolant is usually a mixture of water and antifreeze. This coolant is used to cool the system that is heated during operation and is circulated using a closed system, passing through a radiator and heat exchanger where the heat is released into the surrounding atmosphere.
Advantages of Liquid Cooled Generators
The advantages of liquid generators include:
- Liquid Coolant allows for more accurate temperature control.
- These generators are suitable for applications requiring high loads and extended usage periods.
- Liquid-cooled generators efficiently manage heat, which results in enhanced overall performance.
- Liquid-cooled generators do not produce noise as they are not dependent on fans for cooling the engine.
Challenges Faced by Liquid Cooled Generators
The common challenges faced by Liquid Cooled Generators include:
- Liquid-cooled generators are very heavy and bulky because of the additional components fitted inside the generators used in the cooling system.
- Maintenance is complex because checking for coolant levels and the entire cooling system is critical and needs regular inspection.
- Leakage of the coolant can be a safety concern and impact the environment.
Differences: Air Cooled Generator vs Liquid Cooled
| Differentiating Factors | Air Cooled Generators | Liquid Cooled Generators |
| Cost | Air-cooled generators are cost-effective. The initial investment and the maintenance charges are relatively low. | Liquid Generators are costly. The initial investment is high, and the maintenance cost increases over time. |
| Application | For light-duty devices, Air-cooled generators can be used. | For heavy load usage, liquid-cooled generators are preferable. |
| Load | They usually take low loads. | They usually handle heavy loads. |
| Portability | Air-cooled generators are more portable, compact, and light. | Liquid-cooled generators are relatively heavier and bulky due to the additional components equipped inside them. |
| Maintenance | Air-cooled Generators require low maintenance. | Liquid-cooled generators require high maintenance. |
| Noise Level | These generators are very noisy due to the fitted fans. | These generators are very quiet. |
Conclusion
The choice between air-cooled and liquid-cooled generators depends upon the requirements of usage, budget, use of application, quantity of load, and maintenance concerns. Each type of generator has its own set of advantages and challenges, and selecting the correct type of equipment is very important to meet the needs and demands of the specific usage.
FAQs about Liquid Cooled vs Air Cooled Generator
Q1. Which is better amongst air cooled vs liquid cooled generators?
Air-cooled generators are less expensive and simpler while a generator water cooled or liquid-cooled generator is more robust and effective. The choice of the cooling system depends on your specific requirements.
Q2. Are liquid cooled generators quieter than air-cooled?
Yes, liquid cooled generators bag the position when it is a question of air cooled vs liquid cooled generators in terms of sound production. They are usually used for larger homes and businesses.
Q3. Can I run a generator for 12 hours?
Yes, several generator models can run from eight to 12 hours to even multiple days. However, it is advisable not to run them for several days or weeks at a stretch as regular lubrication and routine maintenance is important too.
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