Frequently Asked Questions

It is a collection of electromechanical systems that convert chemical energy (diesel, gasoline, etc.) into thermal energy, thermal energy into mechanical energy, and mechanical energy into electrical energy.

What are the Parts of a Generator?

Main Parts of a Generator;

• Engine
• Alternator
• Control Panel
• Carrier Chassis and Fuel Tank
• Radiator

Other Generator Parts;

• Battery
• Output Switch Panel
• Block Water Heater
• Cooling Fan
• Electric Starter Motor
• Exhaust Muffler
• Turbocharger
• Anti-Vibration Pads
• Lifting Eye
• Grounding Point
• Dry Type Heavy Duty Filter

Diesel:

Advantages:

• Fuel can be stored
• Easy to supply
• Fuel does not catch fire easily

Disadvantages:

Installing a large fuel tank increases the system price.

Natural gas:

Advantages:

• Fuel storage is not required.
• Environmentally friendly; it does not emit harmful gases.
• Lower noise level than diesel generators.
• Backup generator energy is always available when the grid power is cut.
• Electricity generation costs are much lower than other generators.
• Fuel source is unlimited

Disadvantages:

• No fuel supply in case of natural disaster (earthquake, etc.)
• Initial installation costs are higher than diesel.
• Cannot be used in areas without existing natural gas infrastructure.

Typical applications can be divided into four groups.

• Used in homes, stores, and clinics.
• Backup power for lighting and electrical appliances.
• Used in entertainment and recreational areas (camping, boating, parties), and mobile markets.
• Used in industrial areas (production facilities and workshops).

Aksa Power Generation provides generator sets with the power and features to meet the needs of all the above application areas.

AC 1100 = Aksa Cummins 1100 kVA
AC: Cummins
AD: Doosan
AP: Perkins
AJD: John Deere Series
ALP: Lister Petter
AMT: Mitsubishi (11-33 kVA with Mitsubishi engine)
ADG: Doosan/PSI Natural Gas Series
ALG: Lovol Natural Gas Series
APG: PSI and Perkins Natural Gas Series
APD: Aksa Power Diesel

• APD …. M (825-2500 kVA with Mitsubishi engine)
• APD …. C (Aksa Alternator - Cummins Series)
• APD …. A (Aksa Alternator - Aksa Series)

AAP (Portable): Aksa Power Series (Aksa Engine).
AB (Portable): Briggs &Stratton (Vanguard) Portable
ABG (Portable): Briggs &Stratton (Vanguard) Gas Portable

• Gasoline-Diesel Portable Generator Sets (1-10 kVA)
• Diesel Generator Sets (4-3,000 kVA) (50Hz / 0.4 kV – 13.8 kV)
• Natural Gas Generator Sets (8-2,500 kVA)
• Marine Auxiliary Generator Sets (4-1,000 kW)
• Hybrid Generator Sets (6-20 kW)
• Lighting Towers (4-20 kVA)
• Mobile Generator Sets
• Generator Set Accessories
• Sound-Attenuated Enclosures
• Synchronization Panels (Generator-Generator / Generator-Mains, Continuous or Transient Synchronization / Medium Voltage-High (Voltage) is present.

Devices that convert chemical energy into mechanical energy by burning fuel (gasoline or diesel) under high pressure and at high temperatures are called internal combustion engines, or MOTORS for short. Engines are power engines.

Power engines are machines that convert the energy of fuels (coal, gasoline, diesel, LPG) or natural energy sources (streams, wind) into mechanical energy.

Diesel Engine Definition (Internal Combustion Engine)
A diesel engine is a type of internal combustion engine. It is a set of mechanical parts designed to convert chemical energy into thermal energy and thermal energy into mechanical energy.
A more specific diesel engine definition is; It is an engine that operates on the principle that atmospheric air containing oxygen is compressed to high pressure and temperature, causing the fuel injected into the cylinder to ignite and explode.
Unlike gasoline engines, there is no need for a spark plug for ignition or a carburetor to create the fuel-oxygen mixture.

4-Stroke Engine Working Principle

1. Intake: The air and gasoline mixture is drawn into the cylinder by vacuum when the valve cover is opened.

2. Compression: The incoming air and gasoline mixture is heated and compressed as the piston rises, compressing the air and gasoline mixture.

3. Combustion: The compressed air and gasoline mixture is ignited by the spark plug, and the combustion phase occurs. This movement provides the engine with driving power.

4. Exhaust: The piston rapidly descends with the force of the ignition, and as it rises again, the exhaust gas is expelled as the exhaust valve opens. Then, we return to Stage 1.

Working Principle

· The alternator's exciter rotor windings, which begin to rotate when the engine is cranked, are affected by the magnetic field created by the permanent magnetism present on the exciter stator.

· The rotating magnetic field, cutting the windings, induces an AC voltage at the ends of the exciter rotor windings.

· The diodes on the rotating diode plate convert the AC voltage induced in the exciter rotor to DC voltage to create a pole (N-S) in the main rotor.

· The exciter rotor voltage, converted to DC voltage, is applied to the main rotor windings. Consequently, an N-S pole is created on the alternator's main rotor, creating a strong magnetic field.

· The magnetic field generated in the main rotor causes voltage to be induced in the main stator.

· This ensures that the nominal voltage is obtained from the stator windings. This voltage is used as the alternator output voltage in the load supplies.

· The voltage induced in the main stator is also sent to the voltage regulator as the reference voltage.

· This reference voltage is compared with the regulator's set values (400Vac, 50Hz).

· The excitation voltage (Vdc) is applied to the excitation stator via the voltage regulator's excitation terminals in proportion to the difference.

· The magnetic field created by the voltage applied to the exciter stator causes AC voltage to be induced in the rotating rotor.

· And the process repeats itself.

Rotor
The main rotor is designed with salient poles. Damper cages are installed as standard on the main rotor for parallel operation and unbalanced loads.

The power required to magnetize the rotor is provided externally by another machine. This exciter is usually located on the same shaft and rotates at the same speed as the alternator rotor (exciter stator-rotor).

Stator
The stator is made of low-loss silicon steel sheet, supported by ribs, and anchored within the steel frame.

The stator slots are designed to minimize distortion in the waveform, and the main stator windings are arranged in short pitches to prevent harmonics that distort the waveform.

Voltage Regulator (AVR)
The process of simultaneously increasing the excitation voltage (increasing the excitation voltage, and therefore the current) to compensate for losses resulting from changes in load, thus maintaining a constant alternator output, is called regulation.

A regulating circuit, acting on the adjusted variable, operates on the system. This is a closed circuit. It constantly monitors undesirable changes occurring in the system and attempts to instantly correct any deviations by influencing the system.

Rotating Diode Plate
They convert the AC voltage induced in the exciter rotor into the DC voltage necessary to strengthen the magnetic field in the main rotor.

The Rotating Diode Plate is divided into two plates, positive and negative, and each plate contains three diodes.

Varistor

· A metal-oxide varistor connected between two rectifier plates protects the diodes from damage due to high reverse voltages in the stator winding.

· A varistor is non-polarized and, when measured with an ordinary ohmmeter, should show a value close to infinity in both directions.

· Varistors are designed to conduct a certain current for a certain time, acting as a short circuit, when the voltage applied to them is applied.

· Sudden changes in the load on the stator windings cause the magnetic field in the air gap between the stator and the main rotor to change, resulting in a transformer-type reaction.

· The energy generated by this change is discharged by the varistor, which creates an alternative path (on the rotor), preventing the diodes from failing.

Protection Classes
IP Code: This is a coding system used to indicate the degrees of protection provided by an enclosure against access to hazardous parts, ingress of foreign solid objects, and ingress of water, and to provide additional information regarding this type of protection.

Protection class example: IP 23 CH
IP: International protection.
2: 1st digit (0-6 or X)
3: 2nd digit (0-8 or X)
C: Optional additional letter (A,B,C,D)
H: Optional supplementary letter (H,M,S,W)

1st digit: Indicates the protection of the machine against parts.

· 0: Unprotected

· 1: Protected against accidental or accidental parts falling into live or rotating parts. However, not protected against the deliberate insertion of such parts. (>= 50mm) (With the back of the hand)

· 2: Protected against medium-sized particles. (>= 12.5mm) (With finger)

· 3: >= 2.5mm (With tool)

· 4: Protected against grain-shaped particles (>= 1mm) (With wire)

· 5: Protected against dust (With wire)

· 6: Dust-tight (Protected against access with wire)

Digit 2: Indicates protection against the ingress of water, the effects of which are harmful.

· 0: Unprotected

· 1: Against vertically falling water drops

· 2: Against horizontally falling water drops (angle 15° to the vertical)

· 3: Protected against horizontally falling water (angle 60° to the vertical), spray

· 4: Splash

· 5: Jet

· 6: Strong Jet

· 7: Against immersion (P and time specified), temporary immersion

· 8: Against deep immersion against (P definite, duration indefinite), continuous immersion

3rd Letter: Optional additional letter..
Hazardous parts,

• A: With the back of the hand
• B: With the finger
• C: With the tool
• D: With the wire

Protected against access. Letter 4: Optional supplementary letter..
Hazardous areas,

· H: High-voltage device

· M: Test conducted against the harmful effects of water ingress while the moving parts of the equipment (e.g., the rotor of a rotating ventilator) are in motion.

· S: Test conducted against the harmful effects of water ingress while the moving parts of the equipment (e.g., the rotor of a rotating ventilator) are at rest.

· W: Suitable for use in the specified weather conditions and provided with additional protective features or processes.

Insulation Classes
Class H Insulation:
Made of fiberglass fabric, asbestos, lacquered asbestos, and fiberglass material, and silicone impregnated material. The maximum permissible temperature is 180°C. (Operating temperature is 130°C)

Class F Insulation:
Made of fiberglass protection, mica, asbestos, lacquered asbestos, and fiberglass material, and polystyrene and polyurethane resin or silicone alkyd impregnated material. The maximum permissible temperature is 155°C.

You can determine the power you need from the calculation module on our website.

Standby Operation (Limited Time Operation);

• Used for variable loads in the event of a mains outage.
• Load factor: 80% (maximum 110% with a 2-hour daily limitation)
• Annual operating time: 500 hours.
• Application Areas: Places requiring backup power, such as business centers, hotels, hospitals, public housing, recreational facilities, and factories.

Prime Operation (Unlimited Time Operation);

• This is the maximum power obtained from the generator set for a variable load in an unlimited time period.
• Load factor: 90% (10% overload for 1 hour at 12-hour intervals).
• Annual operating hours: 500-700 hours (approximately)
• Application Area: Industrial and commercial facilities, heavy construction, cogeneration applications, rental and marine generators.

Continuous Operation;

• The power value that a generator set can deliver under continuous load for an unlimited period of time.
• Load factor: 100%
• Annual operating hours: Unlimited, continuous.
• Application Area: Areas where the main grid is completely unavailable.

The following factors should be taken into consideration when selecting the location of the generator:

IF THE GENERATOR IS TO BE PLACED IN AN ENCLOSED ENVIRONMENT:

- Sufficient space should be left around the generator, taking into account the layout, installation design, and subsequent servicing.

- The generator room must have a door large enough to allow the generator to pass through. The generator must be easily accessible and removable when necessary.

- The floor where the generator will be placed must be level and capable of supporting the generator's weight.

- Since fresh air is needed for generator cooling, fresh air inlets and outlets must be large enough to meet the generator's air requirements. Hot air exhausted from the radiator must be removed from the environment through a suitable duct.

- The generator room must be protected against external influences such as precipitation and extreme temperatures.

- It must be protected against harmful airborne substances such as abrasive or conductive dust, lint, smoke, oil smoke, steam, and engine exhaust fumes.

- Unauthorized persons must be prevented from entering the generator room.

- Mount the grounding rod at the closest point to the generator. Measure the propagation resistance (max. 1 kΩ). The contact voltage should not exceed 25 Volts and 30 mA leakage current.

- Precautions should be taken around the generator to prevent electric shocks and injuries.

IF THE GENERATOR IS TO BE PLACED IN AN OPEN AREA:

- It must be protected against impact from falling objects such as trees or poles, and from motor vehicles.

- There must be sufficient space around the generator to allow for service and maintenance.

- There must be no obstruction around the generator to the hot air coming out of the radiator.

- The generator must be installed inside a cabin/container.

- The internal grounding must be checked.

- Unauthorized persons must be prevented from entering the generator area.

- Install the grounding rod at the closest point to the generator. Measure the radiating resistance (max. 1 kΩ). The contact voltage must not exceed 25 Volts and 30 mA leakage current.

- Precautions must be taken around the generator to prevent electric shock and injuries.

The fuel used must comply with EN 590 or ASTM D975 standards.

The sulfur content in the fuel must be less than 0.5%. Otherwise, the carbon interacting with the liquid sulfur will cause scratching and corrosion of metal surfaces.

The fuel must have a minimum cetane number of 40. For environments above 1500 m or below -20°C, a cetane number above 50 is recommended. The cetane number represents the ignition time of diesel fuel. In high-speed engines, the cetane number is between 50-65, and in low-speed engines, the cetane number is between 20-45.

Generators operate in parallel by combining with each other or the grid on a common busbar.

Reasons for Synchronous Connection of Generators:

- Increasing the capacity of the entire system.

- Ability to perform maintenance on any generator without interruption.

- Limited dimensions and weights of the machines that can be used.

- Increasing the reliability of the entire system.

- Increasing the efficiency of the entire system (ensuring that the generators operating in the system operate at full load and under optimum operating conditions, depending on the load status).

The standard contactors used by AKSA Power Generation are AC1 class.

§ AC 1: The current flowing through the contacts during switching is equal to the nominal load current. (Pf at least 0.95)

§ AC 3: These are contactors that should be used for starting loads. A starting current of 6xIn is allowed to flow during switching (such as a motor). Under normal conditions, In is used during breaking. Occasional breaking at 6xIn is allowed.

§ AC 4: This applies to intermittent operation and reverse-current braking applications of cage or slip-ring motors. The contactor opens and closes at a starting current 5…7 times that of the motor. (For example, wire-cable machines, intermittent machine tools, metallurgy, lifting, solenoid valves, clutches, etc.)

§ AC 6b: Capacitors cause high-frequency currents between 1 and 15 kHz, 180 times the rated current, and very short-duration currents during initial start-up. To limit these currents, a choke coil (inductance) is added to each phase to which the capacitor is connected, or contactors designed in this way are used. This increases the life of the contactor by 100%.

If antifreeze, not mixed with water outside the engine, is added before the water, pure antifreeze fills the heater, which is usually mounted at the lowest level of the engine block. Even after the engine is running, this antifreeze does not mix with the block water. The water pump circulates the water first, then the antifreeze, and so on. When the heater is running, the inside of the heater is filled with antifreeze, causing the temperature to rise rapidly, and sedimentation and slime formation begin.

Antifreeze filling ratios are as follows:

v for 0 – (-15) °C: 30%

v for (-15) – (-25) °C: 40%

v for (-25) – (-40) °C: 50%

- When purchasing, the appropriate operating mode (Standby, Prime, Continuous) should be selected. If the operating mode of the generator is incompatible with the intended use, the engine's lifespan will be shortened or serious engine failures will occur. For example, if a generator that is not suitable for continuous operation is used in continuous operation, the engine's operating life will be reduced.

- Generators installed in enclosed spaces within buildings must have adequate air circulation. Otherwise, the machine may be damaged or stalled due to high temperatures.

- In addition to generators used in extremely humid areas, equipment suitable for these operating conditions must be installed. Otherwise, the alternator, engine, and metal components will be damaged by corrosion.

- High ambient temperature and high altitude are the most important factors affecting generator performance. To ensure the smooth operation of the purchased generator, these conditions should be clearly stated at the time of purchase, and a survey should even be requested from the company.

- Choosing an underpowered generator is just as detrimental as choosing an overly large generator. Operating the generator at less than 30% power can cause serious damage to the generator engine.

- When choosing a generator, especially for residential homes, determining whether the electrical system is single-phase or three-phase and selecting the generator accordingly will prevent alternator failures.

- Using cheap and low-quality filters available commercially, not adhering to maintenance schedules, and using unqualified services other than authorized service centers are among the most significant factors affecting generator lifespan and operating performance. AKSA Power Generation recommends using professional teams for generator power determination, generator installation and assembly, and maintenance and repair services.

There are parts of the generator that make noise. These parts are:

- Exhaust Noise: Caused by the vibration and dispersion of exhaust gases.

- Mechanical Noise: Caused by the engine, alternator, and cabin components.

- Radiator Noise: Caused by the cooling air passing through the radiator fins via the fan.

- Structural Noise: Caused by vibration and loose installation.

- AKSA Power Generation optimally reduces these noise sources with sound-absorbing insulation and proper installation.

The first 20 hours are maintenance checks. Periodic maintenance is recommended every 6 months or 200 hours, whichever comes first. AKSA also trains its own personnel accordingly.

- Your generator will be out of warranty.

- The generator will not be able to maintain normal operation, and voltage and current values will vary.

- Frequent malfunctions may occur.

- It causes wear and tear on mechanical parts. It will shorten the engine's service life.

A waiting procedure called preservation must be implemented. Contact AKSA SERVICE and YEDEK PARÇA A.Ş. at 444 4 630 and expert AKSA personnel will be happy to serve you.

- Within the official borders of the Republic of Türkiye, generators that have undergone periodic maintenance by authorized AKSA service centers within the warranty period are considered covered by the warranty.

- If either the 2-year or 2000-hour limit expires within the official borders of the Republic of Türkiye, your generator is considered to have expired its warranty period.

When you contact AKSA SERVICE and SPARE PARTS INC. at 444 4 630, expert AKSA personnel will be happy to serve you.

When the mains (city) power goes out or the mains voltage falls outside the specified limits, if your generator has automatic operation equipment, the equipment (Control Card) detects that the mains power has been cut off or has fallen outside the specified limits, automatically starts the generator, and provides electricity to the building. This period lasts a maximum of 8-10 seconds.

If the mains power returns or returns to normal limits, after a short monitoring period (after ensuring that the mains voltage is healthy), the control card automatically transfers the load from the generator to the mains. It then operates idle for 3 minutes, cools down, and then stops.

Selecting a Portable Generator

- Determine the devices and appliances you want to operate with the generator.

- Write down the wattage (wattage) of each device and appliance from the labels on each device and add them together. The required power will be calculated.

- Check Aksa Power Generation's nominal power ratings and select the model with the appropriate power.

- The nominal power output is given for an altitude of 100 meters and an ambient temperature of 25°C. Power decreases by 3.5% for every 300 meters and 2% for every 5.5°C.

- When purchasing a generator, the starting power of the motor is important. For example, appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and compressors with electric motors draw 2-3 times the power labeled power when starting up. This feature should be taken into consideration when determining generator power.

Note: Generator selection requires professional testing and calculations. The AKSA Power Generation team will assist you with your purchasing process free of charge.

In addition, it is advisable to consider several factors when selecting a generator. These include:

• How to use the generator
• Noise level
• Fuel efficiency, type, and operating time
• Energy/voltage quality

· Portable or fixed-site operation

• Easy start-up and commissioning
• Reliability and quality
• Service and spare parts

Portable Generator Usage

- Be sure to read the user manual. (http://www.aksa.com.tr/kullanim-kitapcigi) Failure to comply with the instructions specified in the user manual will void the product warranty.

- Determine the required power for the devices you want to operate. Overloading the generator may cause the fuse to blow and cause malfunctions in the devices you are operating.

- Do not operate the generator in completely enclosed spaces (rooms, garages, apartment buildings, etc.), even if ventilation is provided. Opening doors, windows, or using a fan will not prevent carbon monoxide accumulation in the environment.

- Connect the devices you want to operate directly to the generator. Use cables with the appropriate cross-section when doing so.

- Do not operate or leave the generator in wet environments; you may receive an electric shock. Never touch the generator with wet hands.

- Wait for the generator to cool before adding fuel. Attempting to add fuel to the generator while it is running or hot can cause fire and injury.

- Check the oil level every time you refuel.

- Aksa Power Generation recommends using SAE10W-30 oil in portable generators.

- Use 95 octane unleaded gasoline in Aksa gasoline portable generators. Since the engine is a 4-stroke engine, NEVER MIX OIL OR ANY FOREIGN MATERIAL WITH THE GASOLINE.

- Be sure to close the fuel valve when stopping the generator. Otherwise, the generator may be damaged.

- Portable generators should be operated continuously for a maximum of 5 hours. After this period, the engine should be allowed to rest for 1 hour to cool down.

- In battery-powered models, if the generator is not operated for a long period, the battery may be discharged. The generator should be run weekly to ensure engine lubrication, longevity, and battery charging.

- Do not use portable generators to operate welding equipment.

- On-site service is not provided for portable generators. The customer is responsible for transporting portable generators to service centers. Aksa Power Generation Service (444 4 630) can provide on-site service for a fee.

- Before connecting the generator to your electrical system, use a 2-pole mains/generator selector switch for single-phase generators and a 4-pole mains/generator selector switch for 3-phase generators.

- Operating life support units and medical devices (respiratory devices, etc.) with portable generators is dangerous. The generator can damage these devices. Never connect these devices to a portable generator.