Electrical generators are used to produce electricity by converting mechanical energy (energy created by a motorized or automated system) into electrical energy. So as to power up some device that relies on electricity; power generator is the more generic term used for any system that uses some mechanism to create power.
Many power generators make use of diesel in order to maintain their mechanical process; this generates a great deal of pollution and is also not a readily accessible option in different parts of world, where diesel and other fuels are too costly, or too difficult to gain access to.
Diesel remains an industry standard though because it comparatively cheap, does the job effectively especially when considered in light of its cost, as well as the low fire hazard it poses, such reasons are exactly why petrol is very rarely used. Typically, all internal combustion generators produce major volumes of carbon monoxide, an extremely toxic gas as well as being rather noisy.
Fuel cells are now beginning to make a major push in the market as a result of their innovative design. Fuel cells differ from normal power generators in a major way, in that they produce power by producing electrons directly, (thus achieving the end result of electric energy without the need for mechanised, kinetic energy process.)
This poses a number of advantages, they produce almost no noise, and require much much less maintenance because of the reduced number of mechanical pieces. Best of all, they do not require any oil or fuel at all!
In a bid to find a more environmentally friendly, eco-conscious and effective way of producing power, a great deal of money and research has been committed to so call “renewable energy sources”. Some of the more readily known examples include the likes of solar powered generators as well as wind turbines, with wind-powered generators currently a firm favourite.
So how do these wind powered generators (also known as turbines) actually work then? Well, they make strategic use of natures very own resources: the wind, as well as the sun. The sun, heats our atmosphere in a very disorganised and random manner, meaning that different layers of the atmosphere are warmer, others cooler.
The segments of the atmosphere that are warmer begin to rise and climb in altitude, and as they make their ascent, the cooler parts of the atmosphere then begin to also move to take their place. This creates the sensation we know as the wind.
The wind powered generators are designed like a giant fan on a large “stalk”, as the wind blows the propellers of the fan, this kinetic energy is then converted into electrical energy which can be used to power any sort of electrical equipment.
A major drawback to this method of power generation is that it requires areas that are predominantly windy anyway, so apart from coastal areas, and plains as well as higher altitudes, such generators are not much use. However, solar power energy is steadily being worked upon and finessed, and has also resulted in a major increase in awareness for the need for renewable energy supplies.
By: John Hinkley
Archive for the ‘Articles’ category
Small Power Generators
April 29th, 2010Understanding How Wind Turbines Generate Power
April 28th, 2010
Wind power is considered a renewable energy source because it will be with us as long as the sun beats down on the planet. Wind is a creation of heat produced by objects warming up under the relentless rays of the sun. Certain objects warm up faster than others. When this occurs, wind is created. As hot air rises off the hotter objects, cooler air rushes in to fill the gap. This rushing process is, of course, wind.
Wind power has long been of interest to scientists and energy companies. It is relatively cheap and can easily be tied into the current utility grids that feed power to nations. The question with wind power has always been how to generate enough energy from wind power to make it feasible. The entire discussion comes down to wind turbines.
Wind turbines are the devices that catch the wind and convert the inherent energy into electricity. The process works exactly like a hydropower dam. As the wind hits the turbines, the blades catch it and spin. The spinning motion then cranks a turbine, which kicks out electricity. The only difference between the two processes is we are talking about wind instead of water.
A single hydropower dam can produce a lot of electricity, but a single wind turbine cannot. Why? Well, the water rushing through a dam is condensed under the weight of itself. When it is released into the generator shutes, it also runs at a near vertical angle to maximize the speed of the water and generator cranking output. With wind, both of these factors are non-existent. One cannot really harness the wind to really power up a wind turbine. Instead, one has to install dozens and even hundreds of turbines to generate significant amounts of electricity. As you might imagine, this can cause problems.
The biggest problem with wind power is the number of turbines needed to produce enough electricity. While the turbines have grown more efficient and larger, one still needs significant numbers to produce enough tangible energy. The two primary solutions are old and new. The old solution is to find great swaths of vacant land for the turbines. With growing populations, this is still relatively difficult and expensive. The new solution is to build wind farms at sea. This makes much more sense since the wind on the ocean is nearly constantly there and the “land” isn’t costly.
At the end of the day, experts estimate wind power will account for upwards of 20 percent of all our energy needs in the next two decades. With further refinements and the use of offshore platforms, the number could be much higher.
By: Richard Chapo
Superchips – Power Programmers and Tuners Brand Review
April 27th, 2010
England may not have the most flavorful foods, but it sure can make spicy sports cars. Jaguars, Lotuses and MGs are just a few of the big time thoroughbreds in the UK’s stable, but what really gets their motors running is a Superchips programmer. You see, stock engine computer settings prevent your motor from functioning at peak performance. The Superchips power programmer resets your vehicle’s brain/computer to unleash maximum horsepower, torque and efficiency.
Of course, it takes plenty of experience and know-how to get all the engine settings working in perfect unison for optimal performance, and Superchips has just that. Since their founding in 1983, Superchips has been tinkering with computer-controlled vehicles. Over the years, Superchips has learned the intricate ins and outs of properly proportioning airflow, timing and other settings. In fact, racecars tuned by Superchips have captured the checkered flag at countless international races.
Now, this track-tested technology is available for your vehicle. Best of all, you can pick up your Superchips programmer for less when buying from online parts and accessories stores.
Below are some Superchips product and brand reviews that I was able to find searching online:
“The Superchips gave me more power. I feel it when I am going up hill or when I am passing an other vehicle. The response when I hit the accelerator is really quick. When you install the chip you will notice the difference from stock. Try it for your self.”
“2006 300C 5.7 hemi, I never bought a tuner before, i read a lot of great reviews and bad reviews about this one. there is not alot of control with this tuner mostly turn items off or on. on 87 octane you see only shifter changes nothing on engine performance but at 91 octane it does wake up the performance of the 5.7 hemi and i think the engine does run smoother with 91 v 87 they say to run in owners manual. Overall it’s a little pricey but i think it’s worth it.”
“i have a hypertech, kept reading about superchips, took a chance got it, better than the hypertech, changed shift points hypertech doesn’t do, felt bigger difference in power, worth every penny”
“I purchased a Superchip for an 06′ Chevy Tahoe Z71 4×4. I never did like the start 1-2nd gear, doggy. The chip made a bid difference, I can get up and go and not have to look back…”
“This is the second Flashpaq I have bought and used within the last year. The first was used on a 2005 Ford F250 pickup with a 5.4 gas engine. The reason I purchased this Flashpaq was I was towing a 29 ft. trailer (RV) and the vehicle simply was not powerful enough to pull the trailer without shifting into passing gear (3500 rpm) going up small hills and at times just keeping up with traffic. I purchased the tuner hoping that I could tow without the truck screaming half the time I was towing. While the tuner did help somewhat it really came down that the engine was not large enough to pull the trailer. Soooooo out with the Ford gas engine and we purchased a 2006 Chevy Silverado 6.6 diesel engine. This vehicle had more power than I would ever need but I felt I could improve the miles per gallon since I was paying up to .30 cents per gallon over gasoline and although the gas engine could not be helped powerwise I did like the difference in shifting and smoothness while accelerating. I purchased the Flashpaq for the diesel through AutoAnything (where I bought the first tuner, they’re price was just the lowest I could find on both occasions.) After reprogramming the diesel I was amazed at the power and smoothness of the engine, it seemed effortless in acceleration from a stop or while passing. I also picked up a shade over 2 mph in town. When towing, the truck had no problem on hills, passing or starting out from a stop, what a world of difference. In short if you have a vehicle that is capable of towing and you want more power, better running and improved miles per gallon buy the Flashpaq.”
By: Andrew Bernhardt
