Power Generation

For at least 120 years, electric power generation has been powering human technologies from a variety of energy sources. The first power plants were run on wood, while today we rely mainly on natural gas, petroleum, coal, hydroelectric and nuclear power for power generation. Increasingly, as power demands are beginning to outpace available resources worldwide, alternative sources of power generation are being actively sought and researched.

The demand for electric power generation can be met in different ways. The primary method thus far has been for public or private utilities to construct large scale centralized projects to generate and transmit the electricity required to fuel growing economies. Today, electric power generators are increasing in number, type and popularity as either secondary or emergency backup (standby) sources of power generation. Generators, using principles of electromagnetic induction first discovered by Michael Faraday in the 1830's, are machines that convert mechanical energy into electric energy. Today, generators are available in a wide array of types and sizes to meet the gamut of energy needs both at home and at work.

Rotating turbines attached to the generators produce most commercially available electricity. Turbines may be driven by using steam, water, wind or other fluids as an intermediate energy carrier. Residential and recreational generators for power generation are often run by engines and can be fueled by natural gas, liquid propane or diesel They are available as small portable units, larger built-in to your electric panel systems, or huge construction site, trailer mounted units. The latest models are smaller, lighter and quieter, and many generators produce voltage which is smoother and more consistent than commercially available power resources. Power generation generators are a reliable, convenient and safe source of electricity whether you are at home, at work, driving your RV, camping out or cruising on your boat!

Concern for alternative sources of electric power generation in the wake of rapidly growing demand, environmental concerns over polluting emissions, as well as blackouts caused by inclement weather worldwide (storms, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc.) has led to the quest for alternative sources of clean power generation. Generators such as solar power generators which utilize photovoltaic technology (PV), wind generators that harness the air's natural resources, marine generators that draw upon tidal wave forces, and hydrogen generators are but a few of the more recent innovations in power generation technology.

To provide the reassurance of a power plant at your fingertips, take good care of your power generation equipment. Make sure the power generation unit is kept clean and in good running condition at all times, as to be ready for immediate use. Accumulated dust and dirt may affect performance. Also, always follow installation and maintenance instructions in the user's guide. Many generators need to be professionally installed. Regularly scheduled "warm-ups" or "exercise" are also advised in order to keep your power generation equipment working properly.