Ultimate Guide to Emergency Generators for Cyclone

Are Emergency Generators Important During Cyclone Season? 

In Australia, the hurricane season usually brings extreme weather, including strong winds, heavy rains, and floods, significantly impacting local infrastructure and residents' lives. Hurricanes often damage power lines and cause large-scale power outages.

For example, in April 2024, Tropical Cyclone Ilsa hit Western Australia, reaching its highest level of Category 5 when it landed. With gusts of up to 289 kilometres per hour, it caused significant towns such as Port Hedland to take emergency measures, port closures, and power outages for tens of thousands of users.

Emergency generators can provide backup power when the primary power grid fails, ensuring the regular operation of key facilities such as hospitals, emergency centres and fire stations. For example, during the hurricane season in Queensland in 2019, many communities suffered extended power outages due to hurricanes destroying power facilities. Local governments and rescue agencies rely on emergency generators to maintain the necessary power supply and ensure the continuity of emergency rescue and medical services.

In addition, in the Northern Territory, many businesses are equipped with emergency generators during the hurricane season to ensure they can continue operating in extreme weather conditions. It helps companies to maintain their income and provides necessary goods and services to residents.

In short, home emergency generators play a vital role during hurricane season. They are irreplaceable in ensuring the operation of critical infrastructure, maintaining the regular operation of homes and businesses, ensuring the safety of residents, and smooth post-disaster reconstruction.

Types of Emergency Generators for Cyclone 

During the hurricane season, strong winds and heavy rains may cause large-scale power outages, seriously threatening residents' lives and infrastructure operations. Australia's tropical cyclone season lasts from early November to the end of April, so the right emergency generator is crucial to ensuring public safety and reducing disaster losses.

Fuel Emergency Generator

Fuel emergency generators are usually powered by fuel oil or diesel and convert heat energy into electrical energy by burning fossil fuels to drive the generator set. This type of generator technology is mature and widely used in homes, commercial buildings, medical institutions, factories and other scenarios.

Working principle of fuel emergency generators

The working principle of ordinary emergency generators mainly includes the following steps:

Step 1: Startup

When the external power grid is interrupted or cannot provide stable power, the generator is started through the ignition system of the battery or diesel engine. During the startup process, fuel is injected into the engine combustion chamber and ignited by the spark plug, generating an explosive force that drives the piston to move.

Step 2: Energy conversion

After the engine is started, the chemical energy generated by fuel combustion is converted into mechanical energy. The motor drives the generator rotor to rotate through the shaft, and the magnetic field in the rotor cuts the stator coil. Then, voltage and current are generated in the stator by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Step 3: Voltage regulation

The emergency generator is equipped with an automatic voltage regulator to ensure stable output voltage to meet the needs of different electrical equipment.

Solar Emergency Generator

Solar emergency generators are environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and emission-free, which meets the needs of modern society for green energy. In addition, solar generators, like Jackery Solar Generators or Portable Power Stations, have a wide range of uses, especially for remote areas without electricity, field sites, mobile communication base stations, and meteorological stations.

Working principle of solar emergency generator

The working principle of solar emergency generator mainly includes the following steps:

Step 1: Solar energy conversion

Solar panels directly convert sunlight into direct current through the photoelectric effect. When sunlight shines on them, the semiconductor materials generate electron-hole pairs, thus forming an electric current.

Step 2: Power storage

The charge controller regulates the direct current generated by the solar panel to adjust the voltage and current to avoid overcharging the battery and then stores it in the battery.

Step 3: Power conversion

When electricity is needed, the direct current in the battery is converted into alternating current through the inverter, which is used by most household appliances.

What Size Emergency Generators for Cyclone Do I Need? 

Choosing an appropriate emergency generator for cyclone ensures that homes, businesses and critical infrastructure can maintain basic power needs during a hurricane.

For example, in Queensland, many homes install medium-sized generators of 5kW to 10kW during the cyclone season. In summary, before selecting the right emergency generators for a cyclone, determine your power needs:

Step 1: List the appliances you need to power the generator.

Start by listing all the appliances you plan to power with the generator and their starting and running wattages, including essentials such as refrigerators, heaters or air conditioners. Some appliances may have a starting wattage requirement, usually 2 to 3 times the running wattage.

Appliances typically have a wattage number on the bottom, back or nameplate. If your appliance does not list this information, you can check the user manual or browse the manufacturer's website to find the wattage of a specific product.

The following table shows information on some common appliances' starting and running wattage.

Step 2: Calculate the total power.

Calculate the total running power of all the devices you need to power, considering the device with the highest starting power. Add up the starting and running power of all the devices you need to power in step 1, and you will get the total power required.

Here is an example:

Suppose a refrigerator with a starting power of 1600W and a running power of 800W, four light bulbs with a running power of 75W, and a microwave oven are running together. How much power output is required for the emergency generator?

800W+ 1600W+ 75W*4+ 1000W= 3700W

After calculating the total power, please leave a certain margin to ensure the stability and security of the power system. (It is generally recommended to leave 20% of the total power as a margin)

3700W / (1-20%) = 4625W

So you need at least a 5kW emergency generator. Remember that the above data estimates are for reference only, and the actual power consumption of the appliances may vary.

What Can an Emergency Generator Power? 

During a hurricane, emergency generators can provide the necessary power support for almost all key appliances and equipment to ensure the regular operation of basic life and work. The following is a detailed introduction to what appliances emergency generators can usually power in Australia:

For example, what appliances can be powered by a 6.5 kW emergency generator?

A 6.5 kW emergency generator can usually power a wide range of appliances. Here are some examples of appliances that a 6.5 kW emergency generator can power:

• A refrigerator usually requires 1,000 to 2,000 watts of electricity, so a 6.5kVA generator can easily power it.
• A water heater: If it is an electric water heater with less than 5,000 watts, you can quickly run it with a 6.5kVA generator.
• A 6.5kVA generator can efficiently run low-wattage appliances such as hair dryers and microwaves.

However, a 6.5 kW generator in Australia makes it difficult to power an entire house. If you need to use a generator for a short period, a 6.5kVA generator is sufficient because you can choose which appliances to use.

Avoid Electrical Overloads

When powering electrical equipment with an emergency generator, you must pay attention to electrical overloads. Electrical overloads can cause serious consequences such as equipment damage and fire. Here are some tips to avoid electrical overload:

• Before connecting the load, ensure it has the rated power and current. The load's total power demandshould not exceed the generator's rated capacity.
• Avoid connecting all loads at the same time.
• Power monitoring equipment should observe real-time factors such as current, voltage, and power to ensure the load is within the tolerance range.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Cyclones

A portable power station guarantees you will never be left without electricity. Some can power an entire home for a few hours during a blackout caused by cyclones in this hurricane season.

Jackery is a well-known maker of high-quality solar products, including portable power stations, solar panels, and solar generators. Jackery Portable Power Stations have higher capabilities for powering home appliances for hours or days.

Jackery Portable Power Stations use lithium batteries to deliver reliable and constant power to essential appliances. By connecting Jackery Solar Panels to Jackery Portable Power Stations, the Jackery Solar Generator maximises solar energy utilisation.

These power stations use a sophisticated pure sine wave inverter and battery management system to protect charging gadgets. The Jackery Portable Power Stations are 30% lighter than comparable items with the same capacity, making them ideal for cyclone preparedness.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus

When storm damage results in the loss of electricity, a Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station serves as a home backup power supply, with 1.25 to 5 kWh expandable capacity, guaranteeing that essential appliances can continue to operate.

The Jackery 1000 Plus guarantees the safety of all your electrical appliances by delivering a pure sine wave and a constant voltage. It boasts a ten-year longevity with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery. The innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power output safeguard against potential equipment damage.

Utilise the cutting-edge power of Advanced IBC Technology to get a speedy solar charge in just 4.5 hours (with four SolarSaga 100W). Our whisper-quiet, emission-free technology provides the utmost tranquillity. Join us in revolutionising sustainability as we proudly present the industry's first 100% eco-friendly packaging. With Jackery, you can elevate your energy solution.

Review from Our User:

It functions as promised and is quieter than a large generator, though we rely on the larger unit during overcast or rainy conditions. We have moved beyond our dependence on the power company. After our experience in the mountains following Hurricane Helen, this brings us a wonderful sense of relief and tranquillity.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus

For those assembling reliable cyclone emergency supplies in Australia, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus offers powerful, eco-friendly energy to keep essential equipment functioning when it matters most. Its capacity and versatility make it vital in any emergency preparedness kit. 

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus has a powerful 2 kWh starting capacity, but it can be increased to 12 kWh with additional battery packs. This versatility allows you to continue using vital appliances such as lights, refrigerators, and communication devices during prolonged outages. The Explorer 2000 Plus even supports heavy-duty devices with a power output that reaches up to 3000W, ensuring nearly all critical home appliances stay operational.

Review from Our User:

I purchased this because of the regular power outages. We recently had the opportunity to use it, and it was impressive! It provided power to my well pump, my freezer, and my living space for 2 days! Everything was fully charged after the power was restored in under 3 hours. I haven't used the solar yet, but it's all ready.

These emergency generators for cyclones are entirely safe for indoor usage, as they are noiseless and emit no fumes. Unlike gas or alternative fuel generators, portable power stations rely exclusively on an inverter to generate electricity. This avoids potential threats at home during cyclone season.

Consumers can choose a Jackery Portable Power Station with capacities ranging from 12 kWh to 300Wh for a portable power system based on their energy needs. The formula for calculating the operational hours of appliances powered by Jackery Solar Generators is as follows:

Working Hours (H) = [Jackery Solar Generator Capacity (Wh)*0.85] / Appliance's Wattage (W)

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can power a 100W radio for 10 hours (1264Wh x 0.85/100). This calculation helps determine the hours when appliances can operate in a cyclone. 

How to Choose an Emergency Generator for Cyclone Season?

In Australia, the strong winds and heavy rains from cyclone season often lead to power outages. For example, in January 2024, Tropical Cyclone Kirili hit Queensland, causing widespread power outages and damage.

Therefore, when cyclones are frequent, an emergency generator ensures life can operate normally. In addition to power demand, the following are several additional factors to consider when choosing an emergency generator for cyclone season:

Geographic location and environmental conditions

The climate and wind speed characteristics vary from region to region in Australia, especially during cyclone season. The selection of emergency generators should consider local environmental such as wind speed and temperature. In addition, the installation location of the generator set should also be selected in a well-ventilated place to avoid water accumulation, extending the service life of the equipment.

Easy operation and maintenance

An easy-to-operate emergency generator can save a lot of time and labour costs in emergencies. Before purchasing, you can ask the manufacturer about the product's installation and commissioning process to better plan and use the generator.

Stability and reliability

A stable power supply is essential during cyclone season. Choose an emergency generator that can operate stably in various weather conditions and ensures high reliability and low maintenance costs. Well-known brands are usually more guaranteed in terms of quality and after-sales service and can provide more stable power output and longer service life.

Automation function

Automatic start and switching functions are particularly important for emergency generators in cyclones. When the main power is interrupted, the generator can start quickly and automatically switch to the load power supply to ensure the continuity and stability of the power supply.

Noise and vibration level

During hurricane season, residents' and businesses' everyday lives and work may be disrupted. Therefore, emergency generators with lower noise and vibration can reduce interference with the surrounding environment.

Budget and cost-effectiveness

Choose the appropriate generator type and brand according to your budget, and don't ignore the installation and maintenance costs. Try to comprehensively compare generators of different brands and models and choose the most cost-effective product.

Safety Tips for Using Emergency Generators During a Cyclone

Australia's cyclone season usually brings intense storms and destructive rainfall, resulting in power outages and unstable supply.

In December 2023, Tropical Cyclone Jasper landed in northern Queensland as a Category 2 tropical cyclone. It caused continuous heavy rainfall in Cape York and nearly 40,000 homes and businesses to lose power. Emergency generators become essential equipment in such emergencies to keep critical services and homes running normally. Here are some tips for using traditional and solar generators during hurricanes to ensure safe and efficient access to electricity.

Tips for Using Fuel Emergency Generators

Here are tips for using traditional emergency generators during hurricane season:

Tip 1: Before the hurricane arrives, check whether key components such as the engine, belts and generator coils are standard. In addition, enough fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, must be stored safely.

Tip 2: To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, use the generator outdoors and keep it away from windows, doors, and vents.

Tip 3: To prevent overload, connect the necessary devices first and avoid connecting too many high-power devices simultaneously.

Tip 4: Regularly clean and lubricate the generator, replace worn parts, and ensure it is always in good working condition.

Tips for Using Solar Emergency Generators

Here are tips for using solar emergency generators during hurricane season:

Tip 1: Check whether the battery is fully charged and ensure no dust or debris on the solar panel's surface.

Tip 2: Install the solar panel in a position where it can fully receive sunlight and ensure that it is stable to avoid being blown away by strong winds

Tip 3: Use an intelligent monitoring system to view the solar power generation system's power output and the battery's charging status in real time.

Tip 4: Regularly check the working status of the solar panels and energy storage batteries and replace damaged parts as soon as possible.

Emergency Generators for Cyclone FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about emergency generators for cyclones:

1. What harm will cyclones do to Australia?

When a cyclone strikes, it usually causes widespread and severe damage to many aspects of Australia.

• Infrastructure damage
• Floods and storm surges
• Economic impact
• Resident health and safety threats
• Environmental impact
• Psychological impact

2. Can solar generators be used during cyclones?

Whether solar generators can be used during a cyclone depends on the hurricane's intensity and impact on the local environment. Clouds and rainfall brought by cyclones can reduce solar radiation and the efficiency of solar generators. In continuous rainy weather, solar panel power generation may drop significantly, affecting the stability of the power supply.

Therefore, the solar power generation system should be disconnected before an intense cyclone is forecasted to ensure safety. However, a portable generator such as Jackery Portable Power Station can be used as an emergency generator even on rainy days since it can be recharged quickly by wall outlets or carports.

3. What dangers should you know when using solar generators during cyclones?

During a cyclone, the natural environment becomes extraordinarily harsh and unpredictable. Therefore, the following aspects should be paid attention to when using solar generators during cyclones:

• Avoid areas with strong winds
• Waterproof and moisture-proof
• Make sure your line connection is secure
• Avoid electric shock

Final Thoughts

Although tropical cyclones can occur in Australia at any time of the year, the vast majority occur between early November and late April, when conditions in the southern hemisphere are more favourable for cyclone formation. Cyclones frequently strike Australia, causing severe damage.

For example, Cyclone Martha caused heavy damage to the eastern coastal city of Yeppoon in Queensland, destroying 1,800 cables. Therefore, during cyclones in Australia, emergency generators can support various appliances and equipment, ensuring that basic living and working order can be maintained during a power outage or emergency.