Hobbies And Interests
Purpose
The purpose of continuous and prime generators is to serve as a primary power source. For whatever reason a power source is necessary, continuous and prime generators run continuously to provide all necessary power to anything attached. Standby power is designed as an emergency back-up system when the primary power-source fails for one reason or another. Standby generators can be used in conjunction with continuous and prime generators or with existing power infrastructure like a municipal power grid.
Ideal Deployment
Ideally, continuous and prime generators are deployed wherever there is a need for power being insufficiently met otherwise. This includes remote locations, where access to normal electrical infrastructure isn't available. However, continuous and prime generators are also deployed when existing infrastructure like a municipal grid is insufficient for its user's power needs. Standby generators can be deployed anywhere that a constant source of power is crucial, whether it's a remote work-site or a metropolitan hospital. Standby generators are typically connected to switches to detect when primary power goes out, so it can immediately start up and start providing power.
Ideal Usage
Continuous and prime generators are best used when a regular supply of power is required, whether due to a lack of infrastructure or insufficient power availability. Standby generators are best put to use on a temporary basis as a back-up plan should primary power fail, and should not run on a continuous basis.
Output
Continuous and prime generators typically will provide 25 percent to 100 percent of their capacity for indefinite periods of time, running for as long as they are necessary. In the case of continuous generators, they always run at a constant load, while prime generators produce varying amounts of power based on demand. Standby generators run for short periods of time, producing varying levels of power based on system demand and their capacity. When primary power is restored, the standby generator is turned off and power output stops completely until it is next required.
Engine Cooling
Continuous and prime generators have large and robust cooling systems for their engines. Running constantly produces vast amounts of heat, which needs to be dissipated to prevent damage to the generator. Water cooling systems are typically employed, circulating water through the engine that absorbs heat and is then cooled with a radiator and fan. Larger generators may even require their own cooling tower to prevent overheat. Standby generators need minimal cooling by comparison, using smaller water-cooling systems and sometimes simple air cooling. Since these engines have time to cool down naturally and only run on a temporary basis, they don't require a larger cooling system.
Alternator Cooling
In continuous and prime generators, the alternator requires heavy-duty windings to withstand the constant flow of current. They also require cooling because they don't have a time of inactivity to cool down, and are typically restricted to temperatures no higher than 105 degrees Celsius. Standby generators have different windings and insulation since they aren't required to run continuously for long periods of time, and typically are only naturally cooled due to the temporary nature of their usage.
Air Cleaning
Due to their continuous operation, continuous and prime generators have heavy-duty air cleaners, air filters and air cleaner assemblies to deal with less frequent manual cleaning. Standby generators can be cleaned out regularly due to their frequent periods of inactivity, and require less rigorous air cleaning to maintain the internal parts and assemblies.