Differences in design appearance

Close-frame Generator

Open-frame Generator

In terms of appearance, in order to achieve noise reduction, inverter closed frame generators usually covered a fully enclosed shell design. This design can not only reduce the propagation of noise, but also play the roles of dust, rain, and sun, safeguarding the internal components from the influence of the external environment and extending the service life of the generator. Moreover, with the continuous increase in market demand and the continuous advancement of technology, the design styles of inverter close frame generators have become increasingly diverse, and their appearances are more aesthetically pleasing. Some manufacturers also support color customization. HZC Power offers both style and color customization options. We are committed to providing buyers with the most satisfactory product purchasing experience.

On the other hand, inverter open frame generators usually exhibit an industrial style. There are relatively fewer choices in terms of color and style compared to inverter close frame generators. Without a fully enclosed shell, the inverter open frame generator structure is simple, and its main components, such as the engine and the generator, are directly exposed to the outside, which makes heat dissipation and maintenance more convenient. However, the exposed components make inverter open-frame generators weaker protection and can protect against extreme environments such as dust and rain. It’s usually necessary to take additional protective measures and avoid using them in harsh environments.

Differences in noise

In terms of noise level, for inverter close frame generators: Usually, a variety of noise reduction measures are adopted, such as installing more efficient mufflers, using fully enclosed soundproof casings, and pasting soundproof materials inside. The noise is blocked and absorbed layer by layer, so its propagation range is relatively small, and it attenuates quickly. At a distance of 7 meters away from the generator (the common testing distance for the noise of a generator is 7 meters), the impact of the noise on the surrounding environment will be significantly reduced.

On the other hand, inverter open frame generators do not have a dedicated soundproof enclosure, and components such as the engine are directly exposed to the outside. Various noise sources propagate directly into the environment, resulting in a wide propagation range and slow attenuation. Even at a distance of 7 meters (the standard distance for noise testing), the noise from an open-frame inverter generator can still be clearly heard, significantly impacting the surrounding environment.

Differences in durability

Inverter close frame generator

Advantages:

Just as we mentioned before, the inverter closed-frame generator has a fully enclosed shell. Just like an eggshell protects the yolk, the fully enclosed shell protects the engine inside to avoid the dust, rain, and sun, reducing the risk of internal components being eroded and damaged. It typically comes with an advanced vibration-damping device to reduce the vibration of the unit during operation, minimize the wear and tear of components, and extend the service life.

Disadvantages:

However, due to the complex structure of the fully enclosed shell, the maintenance is more challenging. Moreover, some of the soundproof materials and noise reduction components may age and be damaged, and they need to be replaced regularly; that will increase the maintenance cost and workload. Additionally, when the enclosed shell operates under extremely high temperatures, environments, or working a long time under high loads, it may not dissipate heat in time, which will affect the performance and lifespan of the machine.

Inverter open frame generator

Advantages:

The open-frame design exposes the engine and other components of the generator directly to the outside. Because of its simple structure, it has good ventilation conditions, which can effectively prevent the components from being damaged when working under high loads that lead to high temperatures. It’s convenient for maintenance personnel to conduct inspections, maintenance, and repairs, improving the durability of the generator and giving it an advantage under high-load working conditions.

Disadvantages:

The protective performance of inverter open-frame generators is weaker than that of inverter close-frame generators.Due to their frame structure, the main components, such as the engine and alternator, are directly exposed to the outside. Without the protection of a fully enclosed shell, they are easily affected by dust, rainwater, and sunlight, which may lead to the rusting, clogging, or short-circuiting of components, and it will reduce the engine performance and durability of the generator. Moreover, in the absence of good vibration damping, the vibrations during operation might cause loose connections of the components, accelerating wear and tear.

Differences in Portability

In terms of portability, inverter closed-frame generators, due to their enclosed soundproof casing and the additional materials and structures used to achieve effective noise reduction and vibration damping, tend to be relatively heavy. Moreover, because of the wrapping of the silent enclosures, their external dimensions are relatively larger, occupying more space, which may cause inconvenience in some places with limited space. Even though some inverter closed-frame generators may be designed with handles or rollers for easy handling, their heavier weight and enclosed shell are still inconvenient for a single person to move. Even if two people work together, they still can’t find suitable handholds to lift. However, their relatively regular appearance also has certain advantages during the handling process. Whether they are packed in cartons or wooden boxes, they are easier to secure and stack. The fully enclosed appearance also reduces the risk of damage caused by shaking or collision during transportation.

The inverter open-frame generator has a lighter weight due to its open-frame design. Some inverter open-frame generators may be equipped with simple transportation functions, such as handles on both sides or wheels at the bottom, which makes short-distance movement convenient, making it easier for a single person to carry. With the help of the wheels, you can just push it directly to wherever the place you want. Even for generators with a larger power, for example, an 8KW model with a net weight of 80kg, two people can lift it by the handles and push the wheels easily. It is important to note that, because of the lack of a protective enclosed shell, extra care must be taken during transportation to avoid collisions with main components such as the engine and electric motor to prevent damage.

Differences in cost

Inverter closed-frame generators, as their noise-reducing function, require more complex technologies and materials to achieve it. These include installing high-quality mufflers, using vibration-dampening materials, and optimizing engine design, all of which increase production costs and consequently lead to higher prices.

On the other hand, the structure of the inverter open-frame generator is simpler. Without extra devices such as silent enclosed shells, inverter open-frame generator designs focus on practical heat dissipation, reduce the need for extra materials and manufacturing processes, which lowers the cost and makes them more cost-effective. For users with limited budgets or those who do not require high levels of noise reduction and protection, offer excellent cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

The choice of which generator to select depends on the budget and specific needs: the exterior design of inverter open-frame generators prioritizes practicality and efficient heat dissipation, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction and protection are not essential. However, they fall short in terms of aesthetics and noise reduction performance compared to silent generators.

Users who are willing to pay a higher price for better performance and long-term use can consider inverter closed-frame generators. For users who focus on cost-effectiveness and have low requirements for noise and short-term use, inverter open-frame generators are a cost-effective choice. That’s all; understanding these differences will help you choose which type of generators you need. If you still have any questions, you can click the link to our website to see more articles, or you can contact us online. Our goal is to provide professional and customized service to our customers, and offer high-quality products.