Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) | Renewable energy systems, industrial machinery | 5kW (Base) ▲ 7.5kW (Advanced) 400 RPM (ISO 2372) 240V (IEC 60038) Permanent magnet design (ASTM A354) 45 dBA (ISO 3095, quieter than a quiet room) | ▲15% higher efficiency vs induction generators Compact, low maintenance Clean power output | Higher upfront cost Requires precise RPM for optimal performance Sensitive to extreme temperatures |
Induction Generator | Industrial plants, grid-tied systems | 5–10kW (IEC 60034) Variable RPM 240V (IEC 60038) Squirrel cage rotor (IEC 60072) 70 dBA (ISO 3095, louder than a vacuum cleaner) | Robust design Lower cost Operates at variable speeds | ▲-10% efficiency vs PMG Larger footprint Higher maintenance |
Brushless DC Generator | Electronics, medical equipment | 1–5kW (IEC 60034) 1200 RPM (ISO 2372) 24V–48V (IEC 60038) Electronic commutation (IEC 60034-31) 50 dBA (ISO 3095) | ▲20% efficiency over brushed types No wear parts Smooth operation | Complex control systems Higher cost Limited scalability |
Conventional Diesel Generator | Emergency backup, construction sites | 5–50kW (IEC 60034) 1500 RPM (ISO 2372) 240V (IEC 60038) Combustion engine (ISO 8528) 90 dBA (ISO 3095, louder than a lawnmower) | Reliable fuel-based power Widely available Operates in harsh conditions | High emissions Fuel dependency High maintenance costs |
Synchronous Generator | Power plants, large industrial grids | 100kW+ (IEC 60034) 1500 RPM (ISO 2372) 415V (IEC 60038) Excitation system (IEEE 51) 80 dBA (ISO 3095) | ▲95% efficiency Stable voltage output High power capacity | Complex synchronization Expensive Requires grid connection |
Solar Photovoltaic Inverter | Residential solar, off-grid systems | 1–20kW (IEC 61727) DC to AC conversion (IEC 61000-3-2) 240V output 98% efficiency (IEC 61727) Silent operation | Renewable energy source ▲98% efficiency Low maintenance | Dependent on sunlight Requires battery storage Weather-sensitive |