6.OPERATIONAL LIMITS OF THE GENERATOR
Electric appliances normally have rating levels showing the rated voltage, frequency, power consumption (input power), and other things. The power consumption specified on such a label is required to drive the appliance. However, when an appliance is connected to the generator, the power factor and starting current should also be taken into account.
Incandescent lamps, electric heaters etc. can be run on the generator having a capacity equivalent to the total of the respective appliances. Each of these appliances normally has a power factor of 1.0.
Example: The generator having a rated voltage output of 1000 W can provide enough power to operate up to ten 100 W lamps.
Fluorescent lamps and mercury lamps normally have a low power factor, and accordingly, the generator is required to generate approximately 1.2 to 2 times the power consumed by each loaded appliance.
Example: With the generator having a rated voltage output of 1000 W, six to ten 80 W mercury lamps can be operated.
Generally, motors require a large starting current every time they are started or begin rotating. The motor starting load supplied from the generator becomes the largest when starting a normal operation mode. The rates of power supply, which the generator is required to produce for motor loads, are categorized into two cases, depending on the types of the motor used and load condition at the time of starting.
(1)Motors (mainly rectifier motors) used for electric drills and similar devices:
Normally, the motors used for electric drills and similar appliances require the generator to produce approximately 1.2 to 3 times the power consumed at the time of starting.
Example: To drive a 300 W electric drill, a generator with a maximum output of about 400 W to 900 W or more is necessary.
(2)Motors (mainly induction motors) used for pumps and compressors:
As pumps and compressors have loads even when they are started, the generator is required to produce 3 to 5 times the power consumed during normal running.
Example: To drive a 200 W submersible pump, a generator with a maximum output of 600 W to 1000 W or more is necessary.
Sometimes, the rating panel of an electric appliance does not carry its power consumption, but only shows the mechanical equivalent to the power consumption. In this case, it is necessary to