theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I am no expert, but I have learned a lot about generator over the period of time I have been on earth so thought I would summarize it and pass it on. If I make any errors/omssions, hopefully someone will correct me
First, what we all call a generator is actually an alternator because it makes alternating current. The thing in your car does makes alternating current but what come out dict current. Confuse, then just ignore this !!!
Electricity and magnetism are very close cousins. You can't have one without the other. A magnet makes a magnetic field, which and invisible force that acts on steel and the electrons in the atoms of wire when the field or the wire is moving. Bigger field, more/better wire (copper is very good), more electricity. The generating head is the electrical-mechanical device that makes this happen. There are 4 different "styles" of generator head.
Brushed non-voltage regulator
Typically from a second set of windings on the rotor (the thing that is spinning) a small DC current is created and feed into the main winding via brushes. Voltage is controlled and frequency are controlled by engine speed. If the engine is running smooth, you get nice CLEAN 120VAC output. Never start with a load applied. Always wait a minute or two to be sure the engine is running smooth before applying power.
Brushed with voltage regulator
Same as above except a bit "extra" DC is created. A voltage regulator limits how is sent through the brushes back into the main winding. Both of these types of generator had make CLEAN POWER, assuming everything is working well. The one with the voltage regulator should do a better job keeping a constant voltage as the load changes. Even straight from the factory, voltage and frequency should be checked and adjusted.
Brushed generators should have the brushes check for wear occasionally and the slip rings cleaned. Depending on hours used, this could be YEARS !
Brushless
There is a lot of "magic" going on under the hood. Not requiring brushes reduces the parasitic drag on the engine. You are not saving very much money on not having brushes, but THIS IS THE DIRTIEST TYPE OF POWER !
Inverter
Most complicated/expensive (but cost have come at down) but CLEANEST type of power !
First higher voltage, 3 phase electricity is generated. Because the engine speed varies, so does the frequency. This des not mater because it is immediately converted to high voltage DC. This is feed to a "black box" that does two things. Converts it to 120 VAC @ 60 Hz and adjusted the throttle to make certain that the voltage stays constant.
If your engine is running smooth, you should have no problems. Stay away from brushless generators l
First, what we all call a generator is actually an alternator because it makes alternating current. The thing in your car does makes alternating current but what come out dict current. Confuse, then just ignore this !!!
Electricity and magnetism are very close cousins. You can't have one without the other. A magnet makes a magnetic field, which and invisible force that acts on steel and the electrons in the atoms of wire when the field or the wire is moving. Bigger field, more/better wire (copper is very good), more electricity. The generating head is the electrical-mechanical device that makes this happen. There are 4 different "styles" of generator head.
Brushed non-voltage regulator
Typically from a second set of windings on the rotor (the thing that is spinning) a small DC current is created and feed into the main winding via brushes. Voltage is controlled and frequency are controlled by engine speed. If the engine is running smooth, you get nice CLEAN 120VAC output. Never start with a load applied. Always wait a minute or two to be sure the engine is running smooth before applying power.
Brushed with voltage regulator
Same as above except a bit "extra" DC is created. A voltage regulator limits how is sent through the brushes back into the main winding. Both of these types of generator had make CLEAN POWER, assuming everything is working well. The one with the voltage regulator should do a better job keeping a constant voltage as the load changes. Even straight from the factory, voltage and frequency should be checked and adjusted.
Brushed generators should have the brushes check for wear occasionally and the slip rings cleaned. Depending on hours used, this could be YEARS !
Brushless
There is a lot of "magic" going on under the hood. Not requiring brushes reduces the parasitic drag on the engine. You are not saving very much money on not having brushes, but THIS IS THE DIRTIEST TYPE OF POWER !
Inverter
Most complicated/expensive (but cost have come at down) but CLEANEST type of power !
First higher voltage, 3 phase electricity is generated. Because the engine speed varies, so does the frequency. This des not mater because it is immediately converted to high voltage DC. This is feed to a "black box" that does two things. Converts it to 120 VAC @ 60 Hz and adjusted the throttle to make certain that the voltage stays constant.
If your engine is running smooth, you should have no problems. Stay away from brushless generators l