Having a backup generator in your home can be a big benefit in the event that your main power source goes down. It can also help to reduce your expenses during times of emergencies.
Propane
Whether you are choosing a backup generator for your home or business, you will want to choose the right fuel. Propane is a cleaner burning, greener alternative to gasoline.
Propane is a clean burning fuel that does not produce toxic emissions, so it is not considered a greenhouse gas. It has a long shelf life, meaning it can last for years without having to be replaced. This makes it a better choice for an emergency backup power supply.
Unlike gasoline, propane does not evaporate. It is also much safer to use than gasoline, as it is not flammable.
It also does not contain harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide. Its energy density is impressive, as it provides up to twice the amount of energy of natural gas.
Compared to propane, gasoline does not provide as much energy, so you may not be able to run as many hours as you’d like. Nonetheless, it’s a reliable source of power. If you live in a cold area, it’s a good choice for your backup generator. It does have a downside though. It can gum up the inner parts of your engine, which can lead to problems with starting in extreme temperatures.
Battery
Whether you live in an area where weather extremes are common or you’re concerned about the environment, there are several benefits of using a battery backup generator instead of a conventional generator. For starters, the technology is clean, quiet and eco-friendly.
Most batteries are wall-mounted and have a small footprint. In addition to that, they can be used in conjunction with solar panels.
There are many good solutions on the market today. For a medium sized home, a system that includes both a battery and solar can cost between $10,000 and $20,000. A smaller system can supply electricity for a day or two.
Having a battery backup will help you avoid the stress of power outages. It can keep the lights on, run your phone, and allow you to charge your computer.
The batteries that are used in a home ESS are usually lead acid or lithium-ion. The larger lithium-ion batteries can be charged and discharged about 2,000 times.
Lead-acid batteries are a relatively cheap option. They can be replaced after 500 recharges. However, they will suffer a 10% capacity loss in cold weather. A lithium-iron phosphate battery, on the other hand, will only lose about half its capacity.
Inverter
Using an inverter as a backup generator is a convenient option if you’re looking for reliable backup power. An inverter is a power converter that converts DC power into alternating current. This alternating current is known as clean power, which is safer for your sensitive electronic equipment.
An inverter is a power converter, which means that it uses a combination of switches and rectifiers to change the current’s polarity and voltage levels. This means that the power produced is a filtered version of alternating current, which has the same characteristics as near-perfect alternating current from your utility.
Inverters are used to charge mobile phones, power lights, and even run appliances. They are quiet and efficient, producing less noise than conventional generators. They can be found in a variety of designs. They can also power your refrigerator, television, or hair dryer. Inverters are considered moderate-capacity devices, meaning that they’re designed to produce more power when needed and less when not.
Inverters are generally smaller and cheaper than traditional portable generators. They offer a higher fuel efficiency and have more efficient running times. They’re also easier to use. Their auto-shut features mean that they automatically begin and stop when the power is cut. They aren’t noisy and won’t disturb your neighbors.
Automatic transfer switch
Using an automatic transfer switch is vital if your business is dependent on having backup power. It helps to ensure that your equipment and processes stay online and avoid the costs of environmental damage.
There are several types of transfer switches to choose from. Some allow you to prioritize optional circuits. Others use time delay functionality, which prevents utility companies from sending false alarms. Some are designed to provide power to entire electrical panels. You can also purchase one for just a few critical circuits.
An Automatic Transfer Switch is an intelligent power switch that transfers power from the grid to another source. Normally, an ATS is a microprocessor-based device. It monitors the electrical parameters of the primary and alternate power sources, and switches them over when required. Most ATSs will connect to an alternate power source only when the main power source fails.
Generally, a transfer switch is installed before the backup power sources. During installation, it’s important to be careful about installing the automatic transfer switch near the utility line. If you’re unsure, contact a professional.