Author: Josie

What Controls Voltage Regulation?

Proper voltage output protects the generator and anything it is powering.

WINCO specifies voltage regulation on all of our spec sheets. This voltage regulation is steady state, meaning it has a fixed load and accounts for bigger variations during motor starting and other large loading situations.

Expected ranges:

  • +/- 1% for both 120 and 240V (AVR)
  • +/- 5% for both 120 and 240V (Capacitor)

VOTAGE REGLATORS

Automatic Voltage Regulator

An AVR electronically regulates voltage, usually less than 1%, providing a more constant and reliable power supply. The AVR constantly adjusts the strength of the rotor field to control the output voltage.

Capacitor Voltage Regulator

Capacitors are used in brushless rotating field generator designs. They are an inexpensive way to regulate voltage while eliminating brushes and slip rings.

Transformer Voltage Regulator

In transformer machines the amount of current draw on the generator alters the strength of the field adjusting voltage. Transformer regulated machines generally have superior motor starting characteristics.

When an AVR is combined with an engine equipped with an electronic governor, you will achieve the most accurate regulation. Whereas, a mechanical governor with an inherently regulated system will have the least accurate voltage regulation. You can learn more about engine governors here.

While you are looking at the right generator for your application, make sure you have verified what range of voltage your equipment requires.

What is Total Harmonic Distortion?

AC voltage follows a sine wave. A perfect sine wave is shown below on the left. The position of the winding groups and other factors in the generator end determines the generator’s output voltage sine wave. Since the generator end is not prefect there are variations in a mechanically produced since wave from “perfect.” This variation is called Total Harmonic Distortion or THD.

Perfect Sine Wave

Variant Sine Wave

The diagrams above show a perfect sine wave (left) without any THD, and a sine wave with variations (right). All of Winco’s current product offering has THD of less than 6%. This is suitable for most applications.

WINCO Has Struck Oil!

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We have partnered with a nationally recognized oil company (we can’t say who because it normally costs more) to give you a high quality, WINCO branded, full synthetic oil. This is the same oil we put in each engine at the factory allowing you to continue using the oil we trust to keep everything running smoothly.

5W-30

Part number: 300515-31
MSRP: $12.00/quart

5W-40

Part number: 300515-425
MSRP: $71.00/2.5 gallons

When you add on a maintenance kit to your generator purchase, don’t forget the oil!

– BIG DOG

The New DR90

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When looking through our products, you may have noticed the DR90 looks a little bit different. Well, it is. Our ongoing journey of updating and improving has brought the DR90 to a new design.

WHAT IS NEW

What you probably notice first is the new color. We believe the gunmetal gray looks tough and will look great next to any building. Let’s just say this Big Dog is glad we didn’t go with tan – don’t tell anyone I said that! An industrial unit should look tough.

Beyond changing the color, we narrowed the door swing and added lift out panels. This means you can plan installation closer to walls while maintaining full access for service. Speaking of the foot print, we extended the base allowing for more fuel in the tank before it has to stick out past the base. If your application will have the generator installed inside a building, you can get a DR90 in an open skid design.

WHAT’S INSIDE ALSO COUNTS

Even though this is a redesign, don’t be worried that we cut back on any key components. WINCO’s generators are known for their longevity and dependability. That is because we have cultivated strong partnerships with top manufactures like FPT and Stamford. The DR90 is engineered with an FPT 4.5L, Tier III engine and an industrial Stamford generator end. Add to the mix the DSE7310 digital controller and Square D circuit breakers, you have there a fine piece of machinery. Long story short, you are getting all prime components, but the EPA only lets us sell it for standby applications.

  • FPT N45
  • STAMFORD UC27
  • DSE7310
  • SQUARE D
WHAT IS COMING UP NEXT

The DR45 and DR65 are coming up next in the redesign world. These two units will share the same tanks and footprint as the DR90. How easy is that?!

Take a look here to quote and learn more about the DR90.

– BIG DOG

Briggs & Stratton – Moving Forward

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KPS Capital Partnership LP finished their purchase of Briggs & Stratton on September 22, 2020. This brings Briggs & Stratton out of Chapter 11 with a stronger, healthier balance sheet allowing the company to continue to build upon their 100+ year history. All warranties from before Chapter 11 are in full force and will be honored by the new owners.

As you know, WINCO has been building generators with the Vanguard engine on some of our most popular air-cooled generators. We value our partnership and appreciate the quality and durability of their products. We will continue manufacturing generators you depend on using these industrial engines. We love the fact that all of our Vanguard V-Twin engines are produced right here in the US!

Check out our popular air-cooled generators that feature the Vanguard engine!

– BIG DOG