The Effectiveness of portable solar-powered versus portable diesel-based generators : an explanatory-comparative study /
Ma. Danielle N. De Guzman, Zione Louise D. Diwata, Katherine Nicole T. Dy, Hazel A. Felas, Angel Nicole D. Noceja, Princess Keith O. Olivo, Veronica Anne F. Remigio, Cj R. Simon and Ryla Ysabel M. Valles.
- Fairview, Quezon City: Senior High School, FEU-NRMF 2021.
- 158 pages: illustrations, tables, photos; 28 cm.
Includes appendices and bibliographical references.
Abstract: Considering that our country is situated in an area prone to power interruptions and power outages due to different weather conditions, generators are among the most practical items that people consider having in their homes. The unavailability of electricity can certainly disrupt one's day-to-day routine and schedule. With that, an explanatory-comparative study aims to determine the level of effectiveness of portable solar-powered generators versus portable diesel-based generators as well as identifying the reasons why participants prefer diesel-based generators over solar-powered generators or vice versa. The research focuses on the generators about their household use or function. From the related literature generated, the generated themes are the following: Factors Affecting People's Choice in Buying a Generator in Terms of its Effectiveness. The Usefulness of Solar-powered Generators, The Usefulness of Diesel-based Generators, and The Level of the Effectiveness of Solar-powered Generator and Diesel-based Generator. The research designs used were the mixed-method approach and explanatory comparative research design. The population of fifty (50) and sample size of forty-five (45) consists of both generator users and professional electrical engineers. The data was gathered through an online survey questionnaire and an interview. The quantitative results were presented in the form of horizontal bar charts in which the majority of the respondents prefer portable solar-powered generators considering the factors such as their Purpose or Function, Efficiency, and Ecological and Environmental responses. The qualitative results presented in the table show that there are different positive and negative factors among the two generators. For the solar-powered generators, its advantage is that it needs less maintenance, it can run constantly to ensure that the household has enough electricity even at night time, it does not cause any environmental disruptions, and it does not necessitate regular servicing because it only needs to be cleaned once a month. For diesel-based generators, these types of generators can power essential appliances is easy to use with proper maintenance, is an efficient backup power supply, and it is durable. Diesel-based generators will not be affected when there is bad weather, however, power storage is highly important. Despite these, diesel-based generators should be refueled before they can operate at maximum as it relies on the fuel for its performance. Hence it is more expensive and harmful than solar-powered generators since it emits toxic fumes. Lastly, the results recommend people to thoroughly consider the following factors: purpose or function, length of service, reliability, efficiency, cost of operation and maintenance, ecological and environmental response, and durability when choosing or buying a generator since there is a huge difference between the aforementioned generators in terms of these factors.