Liquid-cooled generators are an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months.
These units have been around for years but have recently become popular due to their high efficiency and quiet operation.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the benefits of best liquid cooled whole house generator systems so you can decide if it is suitable for your needs.
Here’s a sneak peek of the reviewed products.
What is a Liquid-cooled Generator?
Liquid-cooled generators work by removing the heat from the generator and transferring it to a tank containing an environmentally friendly antifreeze solution.
The hot fluid is then cooled in coils submerged in water, so your home stays cool even if you lose power for several hours or more even after a major storm or natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy.
How Does Liquid Cooling Work?
Liquid-cooled generators operate by using two separate engine systems that are connected.
The first system is the traditional gasoline-powered generator, which generates electricity and heat to power your appliances during an outage or emergency.
The second system uses a cold water source (from a standard whole house ventilator or HVAC unit) to cool down the heat created by the first engine via a radiator system.
The cooled water is then pumped back into the second generator to complete this cycle.
Common types of generators for homes
Factors that Affect How Long a Liquid-cooled Whole House Generator Will Last
Some of these include:
- Distance from your home’s electrical panel
- Age of the unit
- Number
- Size of appliances in use at any given time
The more you run your generator, the faster it will require maintenance or repair work to be done on it.
Most powerful solar generator for refrigerators
Why Use a Liquid-cooled Generator?
There are several benefits to using a liquid-cooled whole house generator system. These include:
- Increased cooling capacity: Because the generator system has to produce much more power in a smaller amount of time, it produces heat that is not effectively dissipated in a standard unit.
- Increase efficiency: A liquid-cooled whole house generator will run at peak performance and overall increased efficiency compared to traditional units because there is no chance for overheating due to extra cooling capacity and extra running time.
- Increased Reliability: As we mentioned above, liquid-cooled generators are much more efficient than standard units due to greater power output and increased run times, leading to less chance of overheating or failure over the generator’s lifetime.
- Quieter operation: Liquid cooling has been shown to reduce noise levels by 20 decibels or more over standard whole-house systems.
- Easier installation: Installation is easier because you do not need to install a separate cooling tower and duct system. The internal heat exchanger pump can be used as an optional second power source to run other appliances during extended electric service disruptions.
electrical problems and solutions in petrol-powered generators
How Reliable Are Liquid-cooled Generators?
Liquid-cooled generators are very reliable and operate at much higher efficiency than standard units.
These systems run for more extended periods, which allows them to reach maximum power output that can be up to ten times what a traditional unit produces.
An added benefit is that liquid-cooled generators use an environmentally friendly solution as their heat transfer medium instead of water,
which reduces the chance of leakage and system failure from frozen water lines.
Back feeding electricity: How to prevent
Best Liquid Cooled Whole House Generators
1. Generac RD04834ADAE Protector Series, 40kW Liquid Cooled Standby Generator
The Generac Protector Series 40kW Liquid Cooled Standby Generator has an attenuated sound enclosure and a True Power Electrical Technology.
It also includes a two-line LCD Multilingual Digital Evolution Controller with an external viewing window to easily indicate generator status and breaker position.
This unit comes with a five-year limited warranty and a smart battery charger which will keep your batteries fully charged even if you lose power. This unit is available in English/Spanish/French/Portuguese
Natural gas generators for home
2. Guardian 04723 20,000 Watt Liquid Cooled Emergency Automatic Home Standby Generator
This Guardian 04723 20,000 Watt Liquid Cooled generator is CARB compliant and has a four-point grounding system to protect your generators from surges.
It also comes with a 100-amp automatic transfer switch, air-cooled condenser for protection against the elements, shut down the control panel.
It can be used as an additional power source in case of a prolonged outage or other emergencies such as blackouts during winter months,
and it can even be programmed with a delayed start for winter months.
How to tie down a portable generator
3. Generac QT04854GNAX 48 kW Liquid-Cooled Automatic 3-Phase Standby Generator
This liquid-cooled automatic 3 phase standby generator is designed to provide peace of mind in households at risk for power outages.
It comes with easy “Start” and “Stop” pushbuttons, low oil shutdown protection, long run time, run up to 10 hours at half load, and start at temperatures as low as -13°F.
This generator is also CARB compliant, meaning it meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning
Maintenance of Liquid-cooled Generators
Liquid cooling systems are much more efficient than standard units.
If you have a generator that goes into standby mode with up to 70% load, it is most likely because your unit has reached maximum power output and needs maintenance if it is still under warranty.
These types of generators also need less routine maintenance. The only things you will need to replace are the filters and oil every couple of years,
which is much easier than changing an entire engine or other parts that require more work on your part.
Buying Guide for The Best Liquid Cooled Whole House Generator
If you are looking for high quality and durable generator that will keep your family safe, then consider buying one of the mentioned units.
They have been tested in some of the worst conditions, including hurricanes. They can be trusted to provide power during an outage or emergency.
When it comes time to purchase one, there are some things you will want to look for:
- Price. Liquid-cooled generators are more expensive than traditional units, but they offer better protection and efficiency, so it is worth the investment for peace of mind
- Warranty. Look at how long your product will be covered under warranty in case anything goes wrong or you need to replace parts
- Size/weight. Make sure that the unit is small enough to fit in your desired location but also heavy enough that you can quickly move it if necessary
- Fuel supply. Liquid-cooled generators provide more efficient fuel use, so they are less likely to run out of power with an average tank size relative to the number of watts produced by the generator
- Surge protection. Liquid-cooled generators have better surge protection, so in the event of a power spike or lightning strike, your unit can keep running.
- Power capacity. Ensure that your generator has enough power to provide electricity for desired appliances during an outage or emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions on Liquid-cooled Generators
1. Can I Install a Liquid-cooled Whole-house Generator Myself?
In many cases, yes, you can. If your home is already equipped with a standard whole house ventilator or HVAC unit, all required for installation is to purchase the appropriate sized liquid-cooled generator. Purchase an outdoor unit if you do not already have one, and connect the two units.
2. Do Liquid-cooled Generators Require Water?
Yes! Liquid cooling requires a constant source of cold water to function correctly. If your home is equipped with a standard whole house ventilator or HVAC system, it can be used as an optional second power source to run the generator’s internal heat exchanger pump.
3. Are Liquid-cooled Generators Expensive?
Due to advanced technology and increased efficiency, these systems are less expensive than standard whole house generators over their lifetime. They operate at peak performance for more extended periods, thus reducing maintenance requirements. This also lowers downtime and improves overall generator reliability.
4. How Much Power Do Liquid-cooled Generators Produce?
A standard whole house generator will usually produce between three to four kilowatts of continuous power. In contrast, a liquid-cooled unit can generate as much as eight to ten kilowatts of constant output, depending on the size of your home’s electrical system.
This means that you can use more appliances at the same time and for more extended periods.
5. How Much Power is Required to Run a Standard Generator?
The amount of electricity needed varies depending on each home’s individual needs. Still, most homes will require between two and five kilowatts (kW) per hour to function correctly during an outage.
6. Are Generators Noisy?
Most standard whole house generators are far quieter than the average lawnmower. However, they can sound like a truck or other large vehicle driving past your home when in use.
Since most homeowners do not run their units constantly, the noise is usually only noticeable during start-up and shut down. Liquid-cooled generators are often quieter since they use oil to cool the internal components rather than a fan.
Liquid-cooled generators are the most efficient whole-house backup power solution on the market today.
If you are tired of dealing with routine maintenance work and prefer a hassle-free system, then look no further than one that does not require as much attention on your part.
References and Citations:
The National Archives and Records Administration ; Federal Register: Safety Standard for Portable Generators-https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/11/21/2016-26962/safety-standard-for-portable-generators
