Power Plants versus Generators: Knowing the Difference Could Save You Money

Generators and power plants have one thing in common: they’re both capable of producing electricity for on-the-job use.

The difference is in how much power each component can generate.

Generators are much like inches while power plants are like yards. With 36 inches in a yard, it is possible for power plants to include multiple generators within their construction.

Let’s explore the similarities and differences of generators and power plants to better understand which of the two you need.

The Similarities of Generators and Power Plants

There are a number of traits that generators and power plants can share.
Power plants and generators can both be portable. You may find that having a portable power plant in Edmonton facilitates your needs for power work equipment, portable offices, and countless other projects.
They both require a certain amount of maintenance to continue operating at optimum efficiency. Larger equipment will typically require more maintenance.

The last major similarity is the fact that both generators and power plants can utilize a variety of sources for generation. They will most commonly utilize gasoline, kerosene, and other combustibles. They can also utilize coal, wood, water, wind, and solar power to produce electricity.

The Differences Between Power Plants and Generators

The largest difference between these two methods of power generation is the scale at which they operate. Generators are the basic building blocks of generating electricity. They can be wired together with power loading and transformers to transmit large amounts of electricity.

The next difference pertains to the way they generate power. Generators tend to be ideal for simple power generation for small-scale jobs. Power plants can use multiple sources of electricity to keep power generation efficiently.

The last major difference is in how power generators and power plants generate. Generators tend to be limited to converting matter into electricity, while power plants may convert matter into electricity, steam, or kinetic energy.

Making the Choice Between Generators and Power Plants

Generators are designed for small-scale and simple operation while power plants are designed to supply significantly larger amounts of energy.

To decide if you need to purchase a generator or a power plant, consider the amount of power and the type of energy you will need. Portability, the cost of investment, and your current power production infrastructure are factors that should come second.

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How Much Electricity Does a Home Need?

A household and business greatly depends upon electricity. From morning rituals such as making coffee, taking a hot shower and relying on the alarm. Moreover, electricity provides central air and heat plus power for many devices such as a cooking stove, a computer and entertainment like the stereo or TV.

In truth, the average household consumed 10,908 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually in 2013. That is an average of 909 kWh per month. To give you an idea, kilowatt hours are a measure of electrical energy equal to a power consumption of 1,000 watts for 1 hour. For example, a single 100 watt light bulb used for 750 hours (1 month) will use 75 kWh. And on your electrical bill, you are charged by the kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Now—what if you had to go without electricity for week?

Suppose there was a natural disaster in your area, such as massive floods or a tornado. For instance, a flood can take out many power lines and literally close or wash out all the roads for safe transportation. Floods or tornados can happen in an instant, leaving many without electricity for a week or so. In this case, the lucky have a back-up generator that provides electricity for everyday needs such as a hot shower and stove. But unfortunately, many people had no means of providing warmth and food for their families if the electricity goes out.

Never depend on luck; the best way to prepare for a natural disaster is to invest in a power generator in case of an emergency. Also, electrical outages can happen any time. A power blackout can be caused by an overload of electricity mains, errors at a power station, a short circuit or damage to electric transmission lines from natural disasters like floods or lightening.

For example, in December 2013 the Greater Toronto area had an emergency alert due to widespread power outages caused by freezing temperatures. There were 10 and 30 millimetres of ice accumulation that brought down power lines and trees. Near 200,000 Toronto customers were without power with no hope of restoration for at least 5 days. There were 53,000 without power in New Brunswick, 12,000 in Nova Scotia and about 80,000 in the greater Toronto-Hamilton area.

This year, weather forecasts for Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia are predicted to have record lows. More than likely, power outages will be happening often. Needless to say, many can avoid the inconvenience and possible life threat with a power generator. It’s the best preparation you can take.

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Cleaner Fuel For a Healthier Industrial Economy

Natural Gas is a cleaner alternative, and also provides greater economic opportunity via increased variety of fuel options. Natural gas is being adopted quickly by companies like Caterpillar. Natural gas engines represent a new wave of innovative technology that benefits all industries.

The upside to going with compressed natural gas as the main fuel choice for motors are vast and many. The savings start with the environment. Natural gas burns cleaner than the crude oil exports, releasing about 25% fewer greenhouse gases and other pollutants than crude oil.

Also, one form of the natural gas is sustainable. Biogenic methane is a gas that comes from bugs – the kind that live near cow dung. Since 2003, The United States Department of Agriculture has organized over 100 projects to collect biomethane. These projects have saved about 8 million gallons of fuel.

The other savings come in the form of cash. Natural gas is much cheaper than oil. The more horsepower an engine provides, the greater the savings from the fuel source. This means the device is perfect for generators and vehicles that would normal be expensive to operate and difficult on the environment.

A caterpillar natural gas engine is one example of an engine already on the market in industrial services. This engine powers some of the larger machinery that would normally demand a high amount of horsepower to get the job done.

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How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Project

Industrial-strength generators are a frequent necessity for back-up power, emergency power, and heavy-duty construction site power. Choosing the right generator for the job at hand, however, is not always easy. There are many variables: fuel type, size, cost, voltage output, cycle-type, phase-number, type of cooling system, etc. The best option will vary with the type of business involved, the physical location of the site, and the long-term or short-term nature of the project.

Gas-powered models, like 1000 kW cat generators, for example, have a number of advantages. Gasoline is a readily available fuel and is a little cheaper than natural gas (propane). These engines are quite efficient as well. The main drawback is that the fumes make it best not to use them at hospitals and in mixed zoning.
Natural gas powered generators have in their favor easy fuel storage ability. Large tanks, above or below ground, make it easy to keep them constantly fueled. This fuel is, however, more expensive, and the generators themselves are also more expensive than other types.

Diesel-fueled generators are the most common variety. They are often made portable by attaching them to semi trailers or other devices. Diesel fuel is much easier on rubber and metal engine parts than gasoline and produces less odor. It also has a lessened explosion risk. However, diesel generators do create a large amount of smog.

Industrial generators are commonly put to use by hospitals, small businesses, mining companies, telecommunications centers, and by home owners during a blackout. The cost of renting or purchasing a generator vary greatly as does the cost of running one. The benefits and risks associated with each type of generator tend to favor the usage of the one under one set of circumstances and of another in a different situation. It is best to contact experienced professionals to help explain to you in detail all of the factors that will go into making an informed decision.

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We Buy Used Power Generation Equipment

Power generators are very much a hot commodity. If you are looking to get rid of your used equipment, consider selling us your equipment. Power generators are in demand, especially in Edmonton. RLN Energy Services is now accepting used power generation equipment for qualified models.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for high-quality used Edmonton power generators. Equipment maintenance is documented by service logs, which will affect the value of the equipment. The generators must fall within a designated series in order to be accepted. If the basic requirements are met, we will make an offer and schedule transport.

What do we check for?
Getting rid of your used equipment has never been easier. RLN has worked to make the buying process simple for our customers.

We may begin by taking all of the photos, logs and any other information on the used equipment you have available. Then, we evaluate the quality of the equipment being considered. The equipment will be inspected to determine whether or not there are any repairs that should be made.

We will also review any liens or encumbrances on the equipment to make sure that the title is clean. We will then assign a value and make a formal offer for the equipment. In some cases, we may accept damaged or discontinued equipment.

What happens after accepting the offer?
After all of the arrangements are made, we will handle all of the final details such as the transport process of your equipment. The arrangements will be made to pick up the machine. At the time of pickup, payment is issued.

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