Maintenance of electric generators: How to do it?

Acquiring a power generator requires the investment of a significant amount, however, the ROI is usually very attractive, since the equipment increases the power and performance of a company. To mitigate the probability of failures or problems in its operation, it is essential to implement a maintenance schedule for electric generators.

In fact, an electric generator provides more energy security both in terms of supply in remote areas, and in terms of security of contribution in the event of failures in the local distribution network.

Therefore, having a good team and performing frequent maintenance instances, in addition to providing reliable and uninterrupted electricity, also makes it possible to optimize the company's competitiveness.

In this article, we address the importance of maintenance for the good performance of the generators, as well as we indicate how to do it and what to prioritize when carrying out these instances.

Essentially, properly maintaining generators allows them to continue to work smoothly and, as a result, extend their useful life.

In fact, when we talk about maintenance, we can point out that the most effective in terms of economy and efficiency is preventive. But, in fact, what does it cover?

The preventive maintenance of electrical generators has as main objective to detect possible errors, failures and problems in the equipment to correct them in advance.

In this way, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of major damage that triggers corrective maintenance - more expensive, more time-consuming and the enemy of productivity.

With regard to preventive actions, it is important to check that the control does not set alarms. In the event that it occurs, it is recommended to contact the authorized dealer to make the correct diagnosis. Another important aspect is to check that the equipment is placed in the initial operation -automatic, stop or manual.

Considering the points indicated so far, it is easy to understand that the proper functioning of the generators depends directly on the performance of frequent preventive maintenance that, in fact, promotes the integrity of the equipment.

In short, taking care of the good conditions of the equipment considering this type of maintenance is interesting because:

·       It optimizes the invested capital by reducing the depreciation of this highly technically complex equipment and by increasing its useful life.

·       Improve customer satisfaction.

·       Reduce risks in general.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to invest in the maintenance of electric generators!

How to maintain electric generators

Now that you have learned more details about the importance of complying with a maintenance schedule, promoting a significant increase in the useful life of the equipment, it is interesting to focus attention on the main points that must be considered when carrying out this task.

Under this context, the activities inherent to maintenance are concentrated in 2 elements: the engine and the alternator.

1. Engine maintenance

Each generator has its particularities, for this reason, before starting the maintenance process, it is essential to consider the manufacturer's indications and specifications.

With that said, we are ready to describe the most important aspects of maintaining a team's engine:

·       Oil level check: To do this, the engine needs to be level on the horizontal. Then, using a dipstick, the oil level is measured - ideally, the oil should be between the MIN and MAX marks.

·       Change of filters and oil: It is recommended that these changes be done at the same time. But be careful, the oil must be the same as that recommended by the manufacturer!

·       Inspection of the air filter -and possible change-: If the engine has a visual system, the filter must be changed, when the warning appears on the element indicator.

For other equipment, it is recommended to change it every six months. In fact, if the concentration of dust and other agents is very high, replacement must be carried out more frequently,

Generally, how dirty the intake filter is is related to its size and the amount of dust in the air.

·       Auxiliary element strap adjustments: To verify its integrity, it is essential that it be checked while it is still hot. That is, after the engine stops running.

For this, it is recommended to loosen the screws, tighten the belts and check if they give 10 millimeters between the pulleys.

In the case of belts that work in pairs, they must be changed at the same time.

·       Cooling system check: It should be filled with a coolant that protects the engine against corrosion and freezing.

As anticorrosives tend to weaken over time, it is recommended to change it frequently.

·       Cleaning or changing the fuel filter: To check the condition of the filter, the fixings must be loosened, preventing any residue from entering the injection system.

If you just need to clean it, the ideal is to remove it from the equipment, wash it and let it dry.

When the time comes to install it, it is important to lubricate the joint with oil, screw on the filter, bleed the fuel system and discard the old filter - if there was a replacement.

Check the condition of the spark plug in diesel, gas or gasoline generators: After 20 hours of ignition, it is recommended to check that the spark plug remains clean. If during the verification, it is detected that it is dirty, the ideal is to clean it with a copper wire brush. After this maintenance, it is necessary to check this element every 50 hours, while it continues to work.

To perform this maintenance, the spark plug socket must be removed. With the help of a suitable key, the spark plug is removed, cleaned and then, to assemble it, the process is repeated in reverse.

2. Alternator maintenance

To perform alternator maintenance, it is important:

·       Check the windings: mainly if the equipment has been inactive for a long time.

To do this, the inherent resistance of the insulation to ground must be measured using a megger, since this can be affected by humidity or dirt in these elements.

In other words, when measuring the insulation, the winding situation is checked.

·       In the case of generators with brushes and slip rings, these structures must be inspected: The brushes can last the entire useful life of the equipment, however, they can often show wear of ¼ of their length. When it happens, the ideal is to replace them.

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