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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