To prevent the internal components from being destroyed by the generator’s extreme heat output, continual cooling is required. All but a small number of generators use either natural gas liquid or air cooling. The generators are of two types; air-cooled and water-cooled. A generator’s cooling mechanism is crucial to its overall design and is often dictated by the generator’s size and the type of generator you are using.
Most generators are cooled using air systems, while bigger ones need liquid cooling. Electric generators generate a great deal of heat while in operation. Which is preferable when deciding between air and Liquid (water) cooling?
Generators must be cooled periodically to prevent damage and maintain optimal performance. We’ll compare and contrast air-cooled vs. liquid-cooled generators so that you can choose the best one.
Difference between air-cooled VS liquid-cooled generator
While in an outage, backup power keeps families and businesses safe, saves financial losses, and may enable the industry to stay open. During a power outage, an Automatic Standby Generator, also known as a backup generator, supplies the electricity. They “stand by” for a blackout. The generators automatically turn on and power the house or company—no need for human involvement.
Two primary categories of standby generators for households and businesses are air-cooled and Liquid cooled. Here we have discussed amazing facts related to these generators.
Read this article also why my generator won’t start, if you find difficulty while starting your generator.
Air-cooled Generators
What type of generators are air-cooled? In the event of a power outage, air-cooled generators can provide electricity to a sizable portion of a house and its appliances, making them a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
The generator temperature may be lowered using air-cooled systems by circulating the air throughout the system. To prevent overheating, a generator’s engine uses fans to circulate air over the engine and distribute it within.
Two possible configurations for an air-cooling system are open-vented or fully enclosed. In a system with an open vent, ambient air is drawn in for use, and the spent air is vented directly out into the surrounding environment. When a generating system is enclosed, the air that circulates through it is reused to cool the components located inside the system.
Generator sets and backup generators with outputs up to 22 kilowatts often use air-cooling systems. A common problem with air conditioners is overheating, especially if used continuously in hot environments, as is likely to be the case in Sarasota during the summer. As soon as this occurs, they will stop working correctly and no longer produce power. It might be expensive to fix a broken air-cooled system.
Air-cooled generators use one or two-cylinder engines under 1000cc. The engine operates both the alternator and cooling fan. It is effective and appropriate for use in mild climates where the temperature does not often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Liquid-cooled generators
Water-cooled generators are another term for liquid-cooled generators. To boost the boiling point of coolant over 212 degrees, water-cooled generators employ a mixture of coolant and water.
When the temperature of the generator’s internal components has to be regulated, a liquid-cooled generator will use oil or another coolant. This is very much like the mechanism that is seen in autos.
It takes a radiator and a water pump to implement liquid cooling. The hoses connect the pump to the engine block, where the cooling Liquid is distributed. The heat generated by the engine block is transmitted to the coolant, which then goes into the radiator to be cooled by the air there.
They often need a higher level of maintenance because of the increased number of movable elements. You must maintain a yearly maintenance plan with the person that services your generator to ensure that the device is in optimal working condition f it is required.
Liquid as a cooling medium is more common in generators with outputs of more than 22 kilowatts.
The cost of liquid-cooling systems is often higher than that of their air-cooled equivalents since liquid-cooling systems are usually more powerful.
The generator can run in hot areas where temperatures often reach 100 degrees and may even go considerably higher. Restaurants, shops, and even churches often use these models for their heating and cooling needs.
Learn also how to change the generator oil.
Air-cooled vs liquid-cooled generator
After knowing the difference between air-cooled and water-cooled generators, which do you think is better? It’s important to remember that every system has its advantages and disadvantages. Compared to liquid-cooled systems, those that use air as their cooling medium are less complicated and more affordable.
Air-cooled engines are often used for power outputs ranging anywhere from 8 to 20 kilowatts. Activities that are less intensive and hence need less energy. Generators with outputs between 25 and 60 kilowatts often include water-cooled engines due to the higher stresses posed by the increased power demands of bigger, primarily industrial, projects.
The amount of electricity that you need will have a significant impact on the sort of generator that is going to be most suitable for your requirements. The reliability and performance of a system are both increased when Liquid cools it. Your cooling system will likely meet your demands.
Cooling systems by air are reasonably competent for the operating range they are used in. The noise produced by these generators is not loud. Most household generators will not have any issues being cooled by air even if the surrounding temperature is high, provided that it is not an extremely cold environment.
The best liquid-cooled home generator
The operation of a liquid-cooled generator is similar to that of an automobile’s engine, which is protected against overheating by using radiator fluid. The output range of these generators is 22–150 kilowatts. Their worth is estimated to fall between $7,000 and $25,000. The increased value is comparable to that of air-cooled mirrors of their power and sturdiness.
Several manufacturers produce liquid-cooled generators; familiarity with each is necessary before purchasing. About $11,000 is the price for this generator from Kohler, also known as a backup generator.
Its advantages include:
- A quiet, neighbourhood-approved activity.
- Simple installation.
- A rapid re-establishment period of just ten seconds.
Generac generators with liquid cooling cost around $10,000 and can maintain a modest level of activity. The Generac 7043 22 kW Generator can produce 22,000 operating watts at its rated capacity. It has a continuous output of 22 kW. The 7043’s engine can spin the generator’s alternator while carrying the full rated load. It must also provide a strong beginning current for large loads like air conditioner motors. When it first kicks on, an air conditioner with a 5-ton capacity may use as much as 20,000 watts.
They furthermore have a modest speed, resulting in little impact. Mechanical motors that Liquid cools are a speciality of Yanmar. Their Minimax design allows them to run with less vibration because of their first-step stool-shaped chamber layout. In addition, they provide a range of diesel loaded with liquid technology.
If you are looking for a generator that can operate on diesel and is easy to use, your best bet could be to go with one of those options. These devices typically have a power limit of between 2,000 and 6,500 watts and can operate for around ten hours.
Finding a nice liquid-cooled generator for sale is a fantastic thing to do. Use your favourite search engine to see these and other brands online.
For example, you may access yanmar.com to learn more about Yanmar. Sites such as Yanmar offer a section of their websites that will search for local sellers on your behalf to help you find a local vendor. Select your desired item and enter your postal code to get nearby results.
Advantages of air-cooled vs. liquid-cooled generator
Compared to its liquid-cooled counterpart, an air-cooled generator has fewer moving parts, a smaller engine, and a lighter overall weight. The price is low due to the smaller engine and capacity. It is easily transported by cart. The generator can be installed in a day with two persons. It may be placed on the ground or, for an extra fee, on a concrete pad designated as a Generator Pad.
The time and money needed for installation are lowered. Fuel efficiency is higher in air-cooled generators than in those cooled by Liquid. Most companies recommend no more than 18 inches of clearance between an air-cooled generator and a structure.
Generators that need liquid cooling might be three to four times as heavy as their air-cooled counterparts. To relocate and install the generator, they need to use power tools. Due to its heavier design, the generator has to be placed on a sturdy bed or pedestal.
Compared to liquid-cooled generators, air-cooled ones are more convenient in terms of size, location, and installation cost. It is recommended to provide at least five feet of space between the appliance and the structure when using a liquid-cooled type. The bigger generators take up twice as much room as air-cooled units, so they don’t blend in with the garden as well. Spacing from the structure requires more landscaping work and greater plumbing and electricity bills.
If you find that your generator is not working properly, it means it requires some maintenance and service.
Air Cooled VS Liquid Cooled Generator – FAQs
Conclusion
We have given you a detailed comparison between air-cooled and liquid-cooled generators. It depends on your personal preferences regarding which generator you choose. For household appliances, air-cooled generators are best. But if you want more backup power during the outage to run your factory, you should use the Liquid cooled generators.
