Noise of AC Generators:
- Constant changing of the electromagnetic field.
- Movement of slip rings.
- The coolant mechanism. (Janda.2012)
The ‘coolant mechanism’ devise in the AC generator to prevent it from over-heating. When this coolant comes in contact with other parts of the AC generator, it produces noise.
Can we reduce the noise of the AC generator?
Yes, you can do something about reducing the noise.
AC generators have become an essential part of households. Whether you’re planning to go camping somewhere or want to travel to distant places, the generator should always be at your disposal. It can fulfill your electricity needs anytime and anywhere. But you would never want to disturb your serene moments with the noise of the AC generator. The solution then is as follows.
How to reduce the noise of an AC Generator?
1.Clarify your need:
Before buying an AC, Generator makes sure to calculate roughly
- The power requirements for your personal use.
- The frequency of power shortages.
These two things will help you out in identifying the exact power required. Because sometimes it happens that one buys a massive modeled AC generator. This causes more disturbance. As the thumb rule is simple, the more power you need, the more noise the AC generator will produce.
2. Direct the exhaust pipe away from you:
The placement position of the generator is significant. To reduce the noise, you should always place the generator away from your usable area as far as you can. Always direct the exhaust pipe away from yourself. Better keep the exhaust pipe upwards so that the noise may disperse in the air.
Some models do not have this facility of a muffler whose direction can change. So better check this before buying a new one. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy a spare muffler to do so.
3. Ensure the placement of the generator is soft:
If the generator place on a hard surface like concrete, asphalt, etc., it will increase the noise level. When placing the generator, ensure that. It is always put on a soft and damp surface like grass, dirt, etc. These quiet places act as a noise cushion. To dampen the noise level of the generator.
4. Build an enclosure box to put the generator inside it:
Another option to reduce the noise of your AC generator is to build a customized box. That would enclose your generator. The preferable material should be non-flammable or plywood. (Doran, 2020) Because these materials are famous for absorbing their surrounding noises.
The benefits of the enclosure are that:
- This would help in protecting it from the external environment like rain, thunderstorm, etc.
- The box will ensure that the material absorbs the noise. Resultantly, this will lessen the noise of the generator.
Tripping of an AC Generator:
Ever wondered why your AC generator keeps on tripping or shutting down? This definitive guide has the answer to this question.
Tripping of AC generators has become a common thing due to the presence of all types of qualities. First, we need to understand why an AC generator shuts down.
Why does an AC generator shut down? And how to prevent your AC generator from shutting down?
Several parts of AC generators work in harmony. Convert the mechanical energy to electrical energy. They include conductor-coil, slip rings, carbon brushes, etc. The wearing-out of even a single part can put all the machinery to a halt.
It is always advisable to consult a professional. But a few simple things should check before the thorough analysis. This will help you hold on to your machinery and save you a lot of money. The common reasons for shutdown of AC generators are:
1.Fault in spark plug:
Spark plugs use to start the generator. With a matter of time, they become worn out. If your AC generator has tripped, see if it had made any ‘cracking noise’ before shutting down. The cracking noise is a sign of the faulty spark plug. If that’s the case, then change your spark plug, start it again and enjoy it.
Things you should keep in mind that you should not change the plug every time you hear a cracking noise. Sometimes the plug needs a good cleaning for proper working. So try cleaning it before rushing towards changing it.
2. Overloading of the generator:
Prevent dangers, suitable generators design to shut down whenever they get overloaded. So when your generator gets tripped, check whether it is bearing enough load or is overloading. Then adjust the bag to prevent it from tripping again.
To better understand the generator’s capacity. It would be best if you did thorough research of your appliances. This will help you know your power need. And further help in preventing the tripping of the generator.
3. Low fuel level and closed fuel shut-off valve :
Occasionally, one forgets to add more fuel to the generator when working for quite some time. So when your AC generator gets tripped, check three things:
- Whether the required fuel level is enough or not.
- See whether the fuel shut-off valve is open or not.
- Check if the fuel has gone stale or not.
If the fuel level is not enough, then add more fuel.
Make sure to open the shut-off valve ‘again’ because sometimes one forgets to open it after removing it from the closed storage. This results in the turning-off of the generator after a few minutes after it starts running.
Likewise, if you have taken the generator out after quite some time from the cold storage, the reason for tripping might lie in the stale fuel. Clean the carburetor and remove all the old, stale fuel from there. Now supply some fresh oil to the carburetor.
4. Incomplete choke position:
Choke use in the generator to regulate the flow of oxygen. When the generator turns off, it means that the oxygen amount is not enough.
So when the generator gets tripped or is not starting. First, turn the needle towards full choke and then begin. After some time:
- Shift the hand to half choke.
- Fix that to run-position after a few minutes.
- Repeat that procedure whenever the generator gets shut down.
Be cautious that if you don’t regulate the choke as mentioned above. There might occur a moment when you’ll have to consult the professional to resolve the tripping issue.
5. Low oil level:
Although the low oil level does not shut off the generator, it can be a cause. Using a generator at low oil levels, the engine gets damaged due to wear and tear, which occurs while working at full throttle.
To prevent such permanent damages to the generator. A few companies provide the option of a “low oil shut-off sensor.”(SolaRevolution, 2012) This sensor turns off the generator when the oil level falls below a certain point. So, this prevents damage to the machine. So you should check the oil level as this might be the reason for the tripping. If this finds out to be the case, add oil up to the required level, and the generator is ready to use.
6. Rusty air filter:
For its optimal functioning, the generator requires fresh air. It should be free from dirt or any nearby rust caused due to dampness. The engine gets shut down when it fails to receive the required fresh air.
Proper cleaning or replacing the air filter with the new one can help overcome this problem. Yet, the replacement should not be done whenever the air filter is dirty. You should buy a new one only when you are sure that its cleaning would serve no purpose.
Conclusion
All you need to know about an AC generator’s noise and ripping problems: we’ve covered everything. Let us know much more in the comment box below if you have a unique query on these issues.
We hope you have a great buying and using experience with your AC generator.
