Common Uses of Industrial Generators
Generators are used in almost every aspect of industry, government and daily living. They are used as primary sources of power, secondary sources of power and also as stand-by or emergency sources of power. They can also be towable or portable and be taken to a place where they are needed, for example, a construction site. They are also used for many various purposes including supplying power to mission-critical institutions like hospitals, entertainment facilities like amusement parks, mining operations, agricultural operations, manufacturing, military operations, theater productions, concerts and much more.
Residentially they are also used as back-up and emergency power if for some reason the home is taken off the power grid.
Technically, generators are not really the sources of power. Instead, a more proper term for them would be a power converter. They convert power from fuel sources into electrical energy. The primary fuel sources for generators are diesel, gasoline, solar energy, hydro energy (water), wind power, natural gas and propane.
It is unusual to find units that are used as a primary source of power in industry simply because operating one can be so much more expensive than using a direct power supply. The main function of most generators is to simply provide an alternative power source when the main power source fails.
Having one in place to substitute for a lack of power can mean the difference between life and death. Common uses include:
- Supplying an uninterrupted power supply so that surgeries being conducted in hospitals are not sabotaged by a lack of electricity.
- Keeping devices such as ventilators, monitors, lights and life support systems working in hospitals.
- Keeping sophisticated television monitoring and security systems powered at banks and other high security institutions in the case of a power outage.
- Making sure that people who work in mines have access to light, water and communication.
Other facts concerning generators include:
- Those who work in aerospace industries often rely on them as a primary source of power.
- Industrial sites that deal with hazardous materials also rely on them to keep in production and keep the plant safe
- Research and development teams in remote areas without power also often require electrical generators to keep them warm and alive
- Units are used to back up essential systems like lights for highways and signal lights so that accidents do not occur
- Other units are used to supply warmth and heat to homes and businesses in cold climates where it is possible to die from being exposed to cold temperatures.
Generators are a necessary and long-term investment in which excellence is not just a sentiment; it is absolutely required.
