The modern world runs on electricity. It’s hard to get anything done without power, and portable generators are designed to provide electricity, even when you’re off the grid. Portable generators are found all over the world. They’re affordable, efficient and a highly effective means of generating electricity without a mains power connection. Even better, portable generators come in a huge variety of technologies that are suitable for every application. In this article we’ll go over the main kinds of portable 3 phase generators and how they’re commonly used in everyday situations.

1. Portable Generators

Losing power is inconvenient, but it can also be life-threatening. Places like hospitals and aged care facilities rely on a steady flow of electricity to keep people alive. To address the danger of power outages, these types of institutions have backup generators installed. These bulky, high-powered generators provide huge amounts of electricity, but they’re unsuitable for portable applications.

That’s where portable generators come in. Portable generators are lower powered, but they’re small and lightweight enough to be transported in a car. That makes them suitable for things like powering campsites, construction sites, homes and low-powered devices.

2. Inverter Generators

Inverter generators are a newer technology that provides efficient and stable electricity. Unlike conventional generators, which produce alternating current (AC) directly from the engine, inverter generators convert the initial AC power into direct current (DC) and then invert it back to AC.

Doing this ensures a consistent and high-quality power output that is suitable for sensitive electronic devices such as laptops, smartphones and medical equipment. Inverter technology also enables these generators to adjust the engine speed based on the power demand, resulting in reduced fuel consumption, quieter operation and improved energy efficiency. Portable inverter generators are a reliable choice as a backup power source, but they’re also suitable for powering your devices from day to day.

3. Petrol Generators

Portable petrol generators are the most common type of generator on this list. Petrol generators use small petrol engines to produce electricity. They range in size from small units that can power hand tools, to large units that can power your entire home. Because they’re so common, petrol generators are often the cheapest type to purchase, although they are less efficient to run and have higher operating costs.

If you need a portable yet high powered generator, petrol generators are the best option. They’re suitable for use around the home, on construction sites or they can even be carried in a vehicle for use while you’re on the road.

4. Diesel Generators

Diesel generators are the second most common type of generator on this list, although they’re often found in permanent installations, rather than portable units. Diesel engines are highly stable, long-lived and have low maintenance requirements, making them ideal for generating power. The only challenge is that diesel engines produce less power than petrol alternatives, so they’re less suited to compact, portable applications.

While it’s possible to find portable diesel generators, they’re often large, high-powered devices that are better suited to running entire homes, rather than small worksites.

5. Gas Generators

These types of generators are powered by natural gas. They’re typically less efficient than petrol or diesel generators. But, natural gas is readily available and easier to store than other fuels, so they’re a good solution if regular fuel deliveries are an issue. The main drawcard of natural gas generators is their low emissions. That makes them suitable for installation in enclosed spaces, such as in basements or vehicles. You’ll still need to vent the area, but they produce much less harmful emissions than the alternatives.

The drawback to natural gas generators is that they are prone to temperature changes. Natural gas is stored as a liquid and does not flow in freezing environments, whereas petrol and diesel generators will continue to work.

6. Solar Generators

Solar power has been a revolution around the home, but the sun’s energy is also fully portable! Portable solar generators are big batteries that can be connected to a set of solar panels. The batteries capture the sun’s energy and convert it into DC and AC electricity that’s used to power your electronics.

Portable solar generators usually don’t produce enough power for your entire home. But they’re a great solution for camping, or they’re perfect for powering things like caravans, campers and 4WDs.

7. Commercial Generators

Finally, the last type of portable generator are the commercial-grade options. These follow the same basic principles as the other generators on this list, but they’re bigger and much more powerful.

Most commercial generators run on diesel fuel. This makes them highly efficient and very good at generating high voltage, high current electricity. Commercial generators are commonly mounted in permanent installations, but they’re also available in portable versions. Commercial generators are so large that they typically need to be mounted to a vehicle trailer. These types of generators are very popular for things like events, farms and construction sites that need to generate lots of electricity for tools and other equipment.