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October 29, 2020
Backup Generators vs Backup Batteries
By Dazy Shuu
So, which one is best for you, the answer is based on your requirements and environment
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These days life has become dependent on technology and gadgets; sudden power cuts are a significant problem. Users not only face difficulty in using gadgets like television and Wi-Fi, but the unavailability of crucial gadgets like CCTV cameras, and refrigerators, make a mess. Also, when such power cuts happen in factories and offices, the loss is even more as the whole production process stops, and in offices, the working gets disturbed. A continuous supply of electricity is a must for seamless working, and for that dependence on regular electricity is not right; an alternative source should be there for better production and experience.
And for dealing with power outages, you have two options: batteries and power generators. Both have their pros and cons, rather which one you should go for will be decided by requirements and budget. Here are a few points which will help in selecting one out of the two.
# The requirement of a backup:
A backup system is a backup for the situation when regular electricity gets cut off. It supplies power to your premises and connects with all-electric gadgets and lights even if the electricity is not there. In case of a power cut happens, the system will take charge and will keep all devices charged up until the power is back again. Such systems keep your life running even in the absence of regular grid electricity. And with the increase in population and usage as well as dependence on electricity, the world should look out for some alternative sources so that the non-renewable one can be preserved.
# How does a Backup battery work?
Batteries usually serve many benefits; some of them are so advanced that they attach to solar devices and the regular grid electricity. It stores all the power gained from panels or regular electricity. And in the situation of a power cut, the battery will shift the devices from the grid to battery power. It makes it very easy to use and understand as everything is automatic once you install the system.
# Working of a power generator:
They use various inputs like diesel, petrol, gas for supplying electricity to equipment in-home or commercial spaces in case of a sudden power cut. The generators also shift the load from grid electricity once the main power is off. Among all other generators, diesel generators are the best because of many benefits and cost-efficiency.
Let's have a look at major distinctions among the two options.
1. Dependence:-
Although both batteries and generators have their significance and what matters for reliability is your need. How much usage you have will decide the suitable one of them for you. If there is heavy power consumption, then the generator is undoubtedly a better option. Especially if your area experiences power cuts often and for a more extended period, then generators indeed have an advantage over batteries. Batteries mostly come with limited storage capacity and may not be suitable for commercial purposes.
2. The Input:-
Diesel generators have an advantage over other fuel generators as it offers efficiency and produces more output per liter of fuel. On the other hand, batteries, particularly solar batteries, will automatically get charged even if there is no power but abundant sunlight. But generators will have to be fueled and overcoming this problem of refueling using diesel generators is the best option because of its excellent efficiency.
3. The Environment:-
Batteries cause minimal harm to the environment, in comparison to fuel generators. But diesel generators have an advantage here also as their smoke emission rates are within limits and thus do not harm the environment. Especially for commercial purposes, the environment has to be catered because of heavy and continuous usage, and a diesel generator is perfect for such use. Taking care of the environment is now of great importance as it has been heavily damaged and now the measures should be taken for preserving it.
4. Budget:-
The central decisive element is cost. There are multiple elements in cost itself, and each needs to be looked at before selecting one.
The first one is an essential cost. Diesel generators have meager cost in comparison to batteries and also require lesser repair and maintenance than other fuel generators. Batteries, solar ones that are must for continuous supply, cost way higher than a diesel generator both for commercial and residential purposes.
Next is fuel cost. Although diesel generators have an additional cost of diesel fuel but setting up solar panels for solar-powered batteries is still more expensive than refueling diesel at least for a few years.
Maintenance cost in the case of batteries is negligible in comparison to other fuel generators. But since diesel generators do not have spark plugs, they require very little maintenance also there is no need for regular annual maintenance.
5. Output Requirements:-
Another major consideration is the range of output. Batteries can generate enough power to run a single household, too, with limited devices. But when several gadgets are to be used or when power usage is very high generators are the best options. It makes diesel generators the only and the best option available for commercial uses in offices and factories. Diesel generators have a wide range of output which ranges from enough for a single household to a big manufacturing unit.
# Conclusion-
So, which one is best for you, the answer is based on your requirements and environment. If you require more power supply that too high voltage for running machines in factories or several gadgets in your home, then a diesel generator should be the obvious choice. Especially when your premise is in such an area that experiences regular power cuts for long periods then also a diesel generator is best.
Also, the generator has many other benefits like simple design, sleek design, flexibility to move, silent working, shockproof casing, etc. And in a scarce case, if your power requirement is very less limited to a few devices for a few hours, then a battery would also be beneficial for your needs.