Industry Blog

Common Faults Of Generator Sets

Allianpower

一、启动故障(Starting Problems)

1. **电池故障(Battery Failure)

– The battery of the generator set may be dead or have a low charge. This can prevent the starter motor from turning over the engine. Symptoms include a clicking sound when trying to start the generator, as the solenoid engages but the motor doesn’t have enough power to rotate the engine. – Corroded battery terminals can also cause starting issues. The corrosion creates a high – resistance connection, reducing the flow of electrical current from the battery to the starter motor.

2. **Fuel System Issues(燃料系统问题)

– A clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine. As a result, the engine may crank but not start. There will be a lack of fuel reaching the combustion chamber. For example, in a diesel – powered generator, if the fuel filter is blocked with debris or contaminants, the fuel injector won’t receive an adequate supply of diesel to initiate combustion. – Air in the fuel lines is another problem. When air enters the fuel system, it can disrupt the proper fuel delivery process. The engine may run erratically or not start at all. In a gasoline – powered generator, air bubbles can prevent the carburetor from mixing the correct ratio of fuel and air.

3. **Starter Motor Malfunction(启动电机故障)

– The starter motor itself may be faulty. The brushes inside the starter motor can wear out over time. When the brushes are worn, they may not make proper contact with the commutator, leading to a loss of electrical connection and preventing the motor from turning the engine. – The starter solenoid can also fail. The solenoid is responsible for engaging the starter motor with the engine’s flywheel. If it doesn’t work properly, the starter motor won’t receive the signal to start or won’t be able to engage with the flywheel to crank the engine.

二、运行故障(Running Faults)*

1. **Overheating(过热)

– A generator set can overheat due to a variety of reasons. One common cause is a malfunctioning cooling system. For example, a blocked radiator in a water – cooled generator can prevent the coolant from dissipating heat effectively. The fins of the radiator may get clogged with dirt, leaves, or other debris, reducing the air – flow through the radiator and causing the coolant temperature to rise. – Another factor is a lack of coolant. If there is a leak in the cooling system and the coolant level drops below the recommended level, the engine will not be cooled properly and will overheat. In addition, a faulty thermostat that doesn’t open and close at the correct temperatures can also lead to overheating.

2. **Under – voltage or Over – voltage(欠压或过压)

– The voltage output of the generator can be incorrect. Under – voltage may occur if the generator’s excitation system is not working properly. The excitation system is responsible for creating the magnetic field in the generator’s rotor. If there is a problem with the field winding or the voltage regulator, the generated voltage will be lower than the rated value. – Over – voltage, on the other hand, can be caused by a malfunction in the voltage regulator. A faulty voltage regulator may allow the generator to produce a voltage that is higher than the specified limit. This can damage the electrical equipment connected to the generator.

3. **Unusual Noises(异常噪音)

– A knocking sound in the engine may indicate a problem with the pistons or connecting rods. For example, if the piston rings are worn, there may be excessive clearance between the piston and the cylinder wall, leading to a knocking noise during the combustion process. – A squealing noise can be a sign of a loose or worn – out belt. In a generator set, belts are used to drive accessories such as the alternator or cooling fan. If the belt is loose, it can slip on the pulley and produce a high – pitched squealing sound.

三、输出功率故障(Output Power Faults)

1. **Low Power Output(低功率输出)

– One possible cause of low power output is a problem with the fuel supply. If the fuel injector is clogged or not functioning properly in a diesel generator, it won’t be able to deliver the right amount of fuel to the combustion chamber, resulting in reduced power output. – A malfunctioning governor can also lead to low power output. The governor is responsible for controlling the engine speed and, consequently, the power output. If the governor is not calibrated correctly or is faulty, the engine may not run at the correct speed, and the generator will produce less power than it should.

2. **Power Fluctuations(功率波动)

– Electrical load changes can cause power fluctuations. If the connected electrical equipment has a large and sudden change in load demand, the generator’s speed and voltage can be affected. For example, if a large motor starts up suddenly, it can draw a significant amount of current from the generator, causing a momentary drop in voltage and a fluctuation in power output. – A problem with the generator’s internal components such as the rotor or stator winding can also lead to power fluctuations. If there is a short – circuit or an open – circuit in the winding, the magnetic field and the electrical output will be unstable.