Do you know in which situations to use a single-phase or a three-phase generator? In a few words, we can say that the single-phase can be used in homes and domestic equipment that use single-phase voltage and the three-phase in large equipment.
But before mentioning the differences between them, we must remember that the first step in choosing a suitable generator is to know the total power to be consumed by the equipment that will be connected to it, to determine whether you need a mobile or portable generator, powered by gasoline or diesel.
Using a single-phase or three-phase will depend on the equipment connected to it since the single-phase is indicated for equipment with low power consumption and the three-phase for appliances with high-power motors.
When To Use The Three-Phase Generator
The three-phase power system is more indicated to ensure efficiency in large equipment, such as industrial equipment. The three-phase generator can supply electricity to more powerful machines and to those sectors that require a continuous and faultless power supply.
It is also more common to see the three-phase system in industries and other large systems because of the cost X benefit ratio of the electrical installation for each application. In the case of large loads, the three-phase network allows, among other advantages, to divide the total load into three conductor wires instead of one or two, allowing the use of a smaller gauge wire, circuit breakers and connections of lower capacity to cheapen the installation in general.
It is recommended to use three-phase generators for use with three-phase electric motors or for establishments where there is a three-phase electrical network installation, without direct relation to the size of the load, because it is mandatory to distribute the electrical current in all phases in a balanced manner, i.e., the power installed in each phase should be similar to the others.
If a three-phase generator is used in a single-phase installation, one of the phases will be left without any load, which can cause damage to the equipment.
When To Use A Single-Phase Generator
For low energy consumption, a single-phase generator is the most appropriate choice.
It is often used in households to supply power to household equipment that uses single-phase voltage, such as notebooks, lighting, and televisions.
Single-phase generators are most commonly used in low-load systems because it is unusual to find low-power three-phase systems. They are indicated for installations with no three-phase circuit installed. This reduces the chances of problems caused by load unbalance because the installation cost is lower in low load systems.
Main Differences Between Three-Phase And Single-Phase Generators
Three-phase generators need more wires in the stator because they have one more coil than their single-phase counterparts. The power generated is similar between the two types because the power factor must always be considered.
The three-phase power supply is made in three phases (Neutral, phase A and phase B), ensuring a continuous and faultless power supply for equipment with motors. On the other hand, the single-phase power supply is carried out in only one phase. In other words, three-phase power is characterized by three single-phase waves working together and single-phase power by a single wave.
It would help to use the KW value as a reference for sizing, not the KVA value. To define whether you need a single-phase or three-phase generator, it is necessary to know whether three-phase or only single-phase loads will be connected to it and whether it has a three-phase installation. And not least important, some types of generators can shorten the life of sensitive equipment such as televisions, notebooks, hospital equipment, etc. It is recommended to use only water-cooled generators or inverter generators, as these have low voltage variation and harmonic formation in the generated power.
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