Overcoming energy hunger: TOP 5 diesel generators

The power of 5.5 kW is enough for a simultaneously connected air conditioner and microwave, or a rotary hammer and a drill. The alternator of the device is 100% made of copper, which, according to the manufacturer, contributes to high energy efficiency, as well as the absence of overheating of the engine even during prolonged operation. At full load, the generator is able to work 2000 hours before the first scheduled revision. Unfortunately, the number of hours worked is not displayed on the generator.

The unit is equipped with a standard voltmeter showing the output voltage. To charge the car battery, there are two terminals with a DC output of 12 V. And thanks to the AVR (automatic voltage regulation) function, the generator is able to produce high-quality voltage without surges, to which computer equipment is very sensitive. The oil and fuel level indicators will notify the owner of the fuel shortage in time.

The generator is equipped with its own proprietary anti-vibration system, which ensures a stationary position during operation. And the presence of four wheels allows even one person to move the generator, and it weighs a lot — 101 kg. Also a disadvantage is a fairly large fuel consumption of 1.87 liters per hour. However, these disadvantages are compensated by the relatively low price of the unit.

The German-made device is designed for long-term operation in conditions of complete or partial absence of electricity. Its main advantage is a long working time on one tank — 15 hours at 50% load. At the same time, the generator consumes only 1 liter of fuel per hour. Such economical consumption makes it in demand for cottages and country houses as the main source of electricity.

The manufacturer has prudently equipped the unit with an automatic voltage adjustment function AVR. Thanks to it, you can not be afraid of voltage surges (sometimes due to rotation of the rotor) and damage to sensitive equipment. And the oil and diesel control indicator will not let them end unexpectedly for the owner of the generator. The Konner&Sohnen KS 6000D model is equipped with a much-needed 12V output for motorists to charge the battery. There is no hour counter here, so the generator resource will have to be calculated independently.

The generator has its own anti-vibration system. It is represented by rubber gaskets, between the device itself and the frame, unlike its older model Konner&Sohnen KS 6000DE , the presented generator has not an electric, but a manual starter. This complicates the launch of the unit in winter, and also creates difficulties for the female (it is difficult to start). Four wheels simplify the transportation of devices. According to consumer reviews, the unit is durable and reliable. Also a plus is the price of less than a thousand dollars, which is quite inexpensive for a 5.5-kilowatt diesel model.

The Kipor KDE6500E generator is suitable for the organization of backup power in single-phase networks (230 V). Among other things, you can simultaneously turn on an electric kettle, a microwave oven and a lighting system for several LED lamps. And thanks to the voltmeter, you can always see what the output voltage is. By the way, the advantage is the AVR system (automatic voltage regulation), which stabilizes the voltage, eliminating the possibility of surges.

The generator is equipped with two 12 V DC terminals for charging the car battery. A 13.5-liter tank will last for 9.5 hours of operation, provided 75% (3.75 kW) of the unit load. Users note that the generator is able to work for about 4000 hours before the first repair — this is quite a large resource for models of the average price category. It's a pity there is no hour metre to constantly monitor this indicator. In addition, the Kipor KDE6500E can withstand high outdoor temperatures (up to 35 °C) without shutdowns, which is very useful in the summer.

Four wheels are responsible for transportation, which can be dismantled if a stationary installation is planned. However, it is possible only outdoors or indoors with an additional ventilation pipe, since the device "gives off" a lot of exhaust gases. Optionally, you can install an automatic start system so that the device starts when there is a power outage in the general network or for periodic operation of the heating boiler.

The Daewoo generator is equipped with two large wheels and handles to make it convenient to transport. They are made of solid rubber with a metal base (in some configurations, the base is plastic), so they are not afraid of punctures and do not need constant pumping. At the same time, instead of the other two wheels, there are two rubberized legs that ensure the stability and immobility of the device during operation (the vibration from it is decent). The device has a protection class IP23, which protects the cooling system from stones and small branches.

A fuel tank of 14 liters is enough for about 13-14 hours of operation with 50% of the generator load. The manufacturer also claims that compared to competitors of similar capacity, fuel consumption is reduced by 15%. In the event of a short circuit, an increase in the temperature of the alternator (synchronous motor) or a high load (above nominal), the motor will automatically shut down, protecting itself from breakage. The hour counter will prompt the user when it is necessary to make a scheduled revision. And the oil level indicator will always allow you to maintain the required amount of fuel. Car owners will undoubtedly like the DC output at 12 V (8.3 A) and the presence of a cable with two "crocodiles".

The unit is equipped with an automatic start-up system ATS, which will turn on the device when there is a power outage in the general network. It also allows you to configure the generator so that it turns on at a certain time, for example, at night to start the heating system. And the AVR function will provide a stable voltage without surges throughout the entire operation of the generator. The manufacturer has equipped the device with an air plug removal system, which eliminates the need to constantly pump the fuel line before starting. The engine starts well even at subzero temperatures (at -20 °C it will need to be warmed up with a manual starter).

The model is equipped with a branded Korean Hyundai D400 engine with a power of 5.5 kW. It can act as a backup power source for a private house or provide a team with electricity at a construction site. At the same time, users note that the generator works stably even when the total load is exceeded by 1 kW (it is not recommended to overload for a long time). But you can't call it economical — the consumption is 2 liters / hour, regardless of the load of the unit. Therefore, it works for a maximum of 7 hours with a full tank.

The generator casing is made according to the IP23 standard, so that pieces of concrete and cement do not fall into the working body. Such protection is very useful when dusty work is carried out on a construction site. The 12V output will allow you to recharge the car battery. The two wheels that come with the kit help move the generator around the construction object or house. It is worth noting that his weight is not small — 114 kg.

The AVR automatic adjustment function will provide a "high-quality" voltage without jumps for each electrical appliance connected to the generator. And the oil and fuel level sensors will not allow fuel "starvation" to occur. The generator is equipped with an hour metre, so you will always know how long your "hard worker" has served. These data, as well as voltage and current load, are displayed on the display. There is an "emergency" shutdown button on the side of it, which will allow you to stop working if suddenly the automatic engine shutdown function does not work during overload.