Generator knowledge centre

FW Power provides a range of Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) from 20 Amps to 6,000 Amps. Automatic Transfer Switches, sometimes referred to as changeover
switches are required to switch the building supply from the utility to the generator.  How do ATS’s work – see our simple guide for more information.

Automatic Transfer Switches

Simplified Drawing of a System With and Without a Transfer Switch – Created by FW Power.

The main generator alternator converts the engine’s mechanical power into electrical output for the load. A separate battery-charging alternator, where fitted, maintains the starting battery while the engine runs. The manuals below cover the relevant equipment.

Newage Stamford Alternator Manuals:

https://stamford-avk.com/technical-resources/product-manuals

Stamford P0 P1 Alternator Owners Manual

AvK DSG DIG Generators Installation Service and Maintenance Manual

Makron BL105 and SL105 Alternators Manual

Stamford BC Alternator Manual

Stamford HC Alternator Manual

Stamford UC Alternator Manual

Leroy Somer Alternators and Manuals:

http://acim.nidec.com/generators/leroy-somer/products/industrial/lsa

Leroy Somer Alternator Manual

Meccalte Alternators Manuals:

https://www.meccalte.com/en/download-area

Woodward Easygen 3000 control panel manual:

Woodward Easygen 3000 control panel manual

Olympian PowerWizard Control Panel Quick Start Guide:

Olympian Powerwizard control panel quick start guide

Perkins engine serial number guide, find out what year of manufacture your generator is by following this link:

http://www.diperk.co.uk/_documents/engine_number_guide.pdf

CAT  Electric power white papers on generating sets :

 https://www.cat.com/en_US/by-industry/electric-power-generation/electric-power-industries/white-papers.html

Perkins engine O & M  manuals :

  https://www.perkins.com/en_GB/aftermarket/operation-maintenance-manuals.html

For all Cummins manuals visit :

https://www.cummins.com/manuals-and-technical-documents

Cummins QST30 Series Manual – 580 kW – 888 kW 50 Hz :

Cummins QST30 Series Engines

John Deere Engine Manual Downloads :

https://www.deere.co.uk/en/generator-drive-engines/standby-power/eu-stage-iii-a/

MTU Engine operating manuals :

 https://www.mtu-online.com/mtu/technical-info/operating-instructions/

How does a Diesel Generator produce electricity?

A diesel generator produces electricity by converting the energy stored in diesel fuel into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy. Here’s how the process works:

1. **Diesel Engine**: At the heart of the generator is a diesel engine. Diesel fuel is injected into the combustion chamber, where it mixes with compressed air. This mixture is ignited, causing a controlled explosion that pushes the engine’s pistons.

2. **Mechanical Energy**: As the pistons move, they turn the crankshaft of the engine. This movement is mechanical energy that will be converted into electrical energy.

3. **Alternator**: Connected to the crankshaft is an alternator, which is responsible for generating electricity. As the crankshaft turns, it spins the rotor inside the alternator. This rotor is surrounded by a magnetic field created by either permanent magnets or electromagnets.

4. **Electromagnetic Induction**: The spinning rotor induces an electric current in the stator windings (coils of wire) surrounding it through the principle of electromagnetic induction. This process converts the mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy.

5. **Voltage Regulation**: The electrical output from the alternator is typically alternating current (AC). Generators often have voltage regulators to ensure that the output voltage remains stable, regardless of changes in load.

6. **Control System**: The generator is equipped with a control system that manages various functions, such as starting and stopping the engine, monitoring performance, and ensuring safety measures are in place.

7. **Output**: Finally, the generated electricity can be used to power electrical devices, buildings, or can be fed into the electrical grid.

Overall, a diesel generator is a reliable source of power, especially in areas where grid electricity is unavailable or during power outages.

FW Power have a whole host of new and used diesel generators available. View our product pages:

New Diesel Generators

Used Diesel Generators

Please check out our sizing & installation guide for further information on how to size up a generator:

Generator Guide to Selection and Installation

When sizing up a generator that will be powering motors it is important to know the different start up types as this will affect how much power is required initially. This article is

a motor starting  comparison of DOL and Star/Delta :

http://www.quantum-controls.co.uk/faq/motors/how-do-direct-on-line-dol-and-star-delta-motor-starting-compare/

Even if you have a generator that is used as a standby power application we always recommend following a maintenance schedule so that your generator is always ready to perform. for standby generators we have compiled a basic checklist :

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST FOR A STANDBY GENERATING SET .1

Customer witness testing a 700 kVA Cummins Silent Diesel Generator :

Watch the FW Power video on YouTube

FW Power undertaking our 75 point service inspection and load bank test on a 145 kVA Cummins diesel generator.

Watch the FW Power video on YouTube

Watch this short video to see a glimpse into what it looks like when a generator is under ‘load’.  – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjLLDN7jVH0

Here we are doing a witness for one of our customers.

A generator of this size is no doubt a large purchase to make, so you’d want to ensure it runs and performs as it should before purchase? At FW Power we put all of our generators through a full load bank test prior to them leaving us and on this occasion our customers wanted to come down and witness the generator on load.

We put the generator under various loads working all the way up to 100 %.

This Cummins QST30G3 V12 water cooled, inter cooled, turbocharged diesel engine is a fantastic generator and performs with ease.

In the video we demonstrate how to navigate the control panel.

How much power does the UK use and when are our peak usage times  – read this article for further information:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/britainfromabove/stories/people/teatimebritain.shtml

List of UK power stations:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_power_stations_in_England

National Grid reserve services :

https://www.nationalgrideso.com/balancing-services/reserve-services

Frequently Used Power Generation Industry Terms:

Power Generation Jargon buster A-B

Power Generation Jargon buster B-D

Power Generation Jargon buster E-F

Power Generation Jargon buster G-I

How to find kilowatts, kVA, Horsepower and Amps using our Power calculator :

An obvious question when looking at buying a diesel generator is, how much fuel do they consume? Generators have a fixed RPM therefore we can work out how approximately how much fuel they will use across various load levels. The table on our guide outlines an approximation of the diesel generator fuel consumption per hour in litres. Please note this table should only be used as an approximate to give you an indication of fuel usage at various load levels. Actual usage may vary due to a number of factors.

Please click on the link to see FW Powers guide on Diesel Generator Fuel Consumption.  Diesel Generator Fuel Consumption Chart in Litres