A Generator and its Control Panel: The Special Relationship
Any complex machinery needs an efficient, yet simple user interface to be able to monitor its performance, check for efficiency, and intervene when needed. Machines, generally, speedup, slow down, and overheat though they differ in terms of performance. Weather conditions, fatigue, and wear & tear of parts and components are only some of the factors that affect its overall service.
Generators, like all other electrical machines, go through changes, as well. These varied changes compose an electrical signal. Modern generators, have sensors that have the ability to detect modifications in all types of parameters. These, in turn, could be used to control this complex machine with the use of a control panel.
What Is A Control Panel?
On its visual aspect, a control panel is composed of sets of displays, which indicate various parameters’ measurements such as frequency, current, voltage, meters, as well as gauges. These gauges and meters are made of metallic bodies, often times, corrosion-proof, so as to protect it from the effects of snow or rain. The panel could be positioned right on the generator itself.
In larger industrial generators, this could be separated completely from it, and huge as well as stable enough to stand on its own. Units like these could be wall-mounted or shelf-mounted right next to its generator. To be able to promote functionality, control panel manufacturers group the gauges and switches according to use or purpose.
How Do Control Panels Work?
Control panels are becoming more complex with the existence of microprocessor that are able to manipulate several inputs from different sensors to send back feedback to the generator. In industrial machines, control panel functionality is much more critical. The microcontroller or microprocessor is embedded in its circuitry inside the panel itself and is especially programmed to receive sensor inputs as well as react to it with the use of pre-programmed control guidelines.
There are control panels that could be combined with ATS or Automated Transfer Switch to be able to maintain the electrical power’s continuity. ATS can detect power outages, specifically when the local grid fails. The ATS’ main function is to switch generator power so you could, once again, use electricity. This is what makes the control panel very useful even in residential properties.
What Do Custom Control Panels Have?
This complex machine is often produced as well as designed by control panel manufacturers. Most of the available generators these days have built-in control panels which are embedded in the product’s interior.
A few of the most common things that control panel these days have included: shutdown controls, local and remote stop/start capabilities, wiring harnesses, personalised message options, set points, oil pressure sensor, water temperature sensor, running time display, LCD large-charactered screens, as well as digital readouts.
You might have a special set of requirements beyond the above-mentioned features like specific monitoring parameters, additional meters and gauges, LCD indicators, automation requirements, and some other factors that are not typically provided by a control panel manufacturer.
In this case, you could have a custom control panel fitted and designed for your own generator, only.