LESSON 10:

STANDBY GENERATORS
FOR FARM APPLICATION
_________________________
Learning Outcomes:
1. Enumerate and describe the different types of standby
generators
2. Compute the size of a standby generator required to
power the farmstead.
INTRODUCTION
What is a GENERATOR?

• Generators are machines that converts

mechanical rotational power and torque into
electrical power.
• They produce electricity when the magnetic line is
cut off by a rotating wire at a higher speed.
• The faster the rotation the more current is
produced.
Standby Generator

•Standby generators are electric power

producing device used for emergency when
electric power from the grid is not available.
 Importance of Backup Generators
• Backup power generators are necessary for the success of automated
farms and other businesses involved in agricultural production.
Investing in a backup farm generator is just as critical as carrying
general insurance policies that cover farm buildings, production
equipment and living assets.
• Electrical
power interruptions will cause immense grief to plants and
animals being raised in human-created artificial environments.
• Defending crops and livestock from power loss is a top priority for
responsible farmers. In fact, no farm incorporating an automated
production system should be without an auxiliary power generator.
Importance of Backup Generators
Generator Types
Types of Generators
As to power drive
1. Tractor
2. Engine
As to fuel
1. Gasoline
2. LPG or bottled gas
3. Diesel
As to set-up
1. Stationary
2. Portable
Portable Generators
• They are designed to be used with appliances with
chord connected to them.
• They can be convenient to use in remote location.
• Light small appliances can be plugged directly
into outlets into this type of generator.
• They are not generally designed to be connected
to home or any building wiring.
Portable Generators
Fixed/ Stationary Generators
• Generallythey are
connected to
building wiring to
provide standby
power during
emergencies and
power outages.
Sizing a Standby
Generator
General Requirement
• Generators must provide the same type of power at the
same voltage and frequency as that supplied by power lines.
• Usual voltage is 120/240 volt, single phase, 60 cycle
alternating current.
• For generators larger than 15 kW, and aircooled engine is
necessary.
• Two to 2-1/2 hp engine capacity with the proper drive
system must be available for each 1000 watts of generator
output.
Generator Selection
• Determine the “constant wattage” – Generators usually
operates in limited number of appliances and lights. Choose
items you want to run with the generator and add up the
wattage the use. The total is your “constant wattage’, or the
energy you will need on a constant basis to keep these items
running.
• Determine the “startup wattage” – Appliances with motors can
require 2 to 3 times their normal wattage when motor start up.
The generator you pick must have a surge rating that meet or
exceeds your added “start up wattage” need. To determine the
“start-up” wattage, identify the appliance with motors that you
will run with the generator. Double the constant wattage of
these items then add up the totals.
Generator Selection
• Match Voltage Ratings – Most appliances are
rated 220 volt. Portable generators maybe rated
110 volt or combination of 110 and 220 volt. Make
sure that the generator you choose matches the
voltage rating of the items you want to run.
Installation
• Wiring and equipment must be installed in accordance with the
Philippine Electrical Code, local ordinances, and the requirement
of the power supplier.
• It is very important to have the proper equipment for
disconnecting the generator from public utility lines.
• Installation are usually of a double-pole, double throw transfer
switch or its equivalent.
• Check with power company representative for installation
instructions and inspection.
 Generator Transfer
Switch Options:
Manual Vs. Automatic
Manually Operated Generator
• Manual transfer switches require someone on-site to turn on and turn off the
generator as needed.
• A transfer switch is used to supply power to an electrical circuit from multiple
sources. The only type of generator that does not require a transfer switch is a
small portable back-up generator that relies on an extension cord to provide
electrical signals to appliances.
• Manual transfer switches are more affordable and simplistic. But, someone must
be on-site to operate the generator, starting it and turning it off. That means it
won’t turn on automatically when the power goes off.
Automatically Operated Generator
• The completely automatic transfer switch monitors incoming voltage from the utility line,
around the clock.
• When utility power is interrupted, the automatic transfer switch immediately senses the
problem and signals the generator to start.
• Once the generator is running at proper speed, the automatic transfer switch safely
shuts off the utility line and simultaneously opens the generator power line from the
generator.
• Within seconds, your generator system begins supplying electricity to the critical
emergency circuits of your home or business. The transfer switch continues to monitor
the utility line conditions.
• When the automatic transfer switch senses the utility line voltage has returned at a
steady state, it re-transfers the electrical load back to the utility line and resumes
monitoring for subsequent utility loss. The generator will continue to run for an engine
cool-down period of several minutes while the entire system stands ready for the next
power outage.
Thank you!
JANE M. TECSON
Instructor , ASSCAT
09105518728