A generator set is an electrical generator located near the end user, used as an extension to an existing grid or off-grid power source. It can be integrated with an existing electrical grid, providing backup power during outages. Cogeneration plants can capture excess heat and convert it back into electricity. However, routing excess energy back along a commercial grid can pose problems for utilities. Generator sets have practical applications and are becoming more widespread due to the growth in electricity demand and liberalization of utilities.
A generator set, or distributed generator system, is an electrical generator, such as a solar panel, gasoline generator, or windmill, located in close proximity to the end user rather than in a central location, as used by energy suppliers commercial. This system can be used as an extension to an existing grid system or as an off-grid power source, depending on the user’s needs. Generator sets are often used by hospitals and other industries that rely on a constant power source, as well as in rural areas where there is no access to commercially produced electricity.
In a model where the generator set is integrated with an existing electrical grid, the user can consider one system or the other as a backup electrical source. Typically, users rely on their own generated energy before turning to a commercial utility network. Often, a system creates more energy than it actually consumes, and this energy can be redirected to utility, a process known as ‘back metering’. When the public grid is inaccessible during an outage, the generator set can provide for the user’s power needs. One can also be used in rural areas and underdeveloped countries to provide a stable source of electricity to a home or business user.
Many systems involve cogeneration, the simultaneous production of electricity and the use of the heat created as a by-product to heat a plant with excess power billed to a utility provider. Many cogeneration plants can also capture heat and convert it back into electricity as well. For large companies, this is an effective cost-cutting measure and a method to dispose of waste products such as wood chips, paper or excess heat.
Generator sets that route excess energy back along a commercial grid pose some problems for utilities. Sometimes, a section of the network needs to be isolated for work and it is difficult to ensure that power to that section is turned off if a distributed generation is in progress. Distributed generation can also affect the overall power quality in the grid, making it difficult for a commercial utility company to control. With an increase in distributed generation, utilities will need to more actively manage their electricity grids to prevent outages that could result in higher costs for consumers.
A generator set can have a large number of practical applications, mainly because it has been developed to be cheap, easy and safe to install even at home. With the rapid growth in electricity demand combined with the liberalization of utilities, the use of one of the systems has become much more widespread and the amount of energy generated through them has only grown.
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