How are generators classified, what is a kW?
Generators are classified by the “combustion” system and their rated electrical output. Combustion refers to whether an IC engine, microturbine, gas turbine, or fuel cell is used to convert the fuel to mechanical energy. It is in quotes because while most of these technologies use a combustion process, fuel cells use a chemical process without combustion. The electrical output or capacity is the number of kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW) of power generated. A kilowatt or megawatt is a measure of the rate of energy use or production. How much energy is consumed or produced is measured in kilowatt- or megawatt-hours. One kilowatt is equal to 1000 watts. A 100 watt light bulb has an electrical load of 0.100 kilowatts; if the bulb is left on for 10 hours it consumes 1000 watt-hours or 1.0 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Generators are classified by the “combustion” system and their rated electrical output. Combustion refers to whether an IC engine, microturbine, gas turbine, or fuel cell is used to convert the fuel to mechanical energy. It is in quotes because while most of these technologies use a combustion process, fuel cells use a chemical process without combustion. The electrical output or capacity is the number of kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW) of power generated. A kilowatt or megawatt is a measure of the rate of energy use or production. How much energy is consumed or produced is measured in kilowatt- or megawatt-hours. One kilowatt is equal to 1000 watts. A 100 watt light bulb has an electrical load of 0.100 kilowatts; if the bulb is left on for 10 hours it consumes 1000 watt-hours or 1.0 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
