Industrial diesel generator is a combination of diesel engine and electrical generator that can provide continuous, efficient power up to 6 Megawatts. Used as an emergency power supply, diesel generators are usually separated from power grid lines and function as independent sources of electricity.
Advantages of industrial diesel generator
Diesel powered generators deliver the same output but consume less fuel than gasoline powered generators. Industrial diesel generator uses a diesel engine usually of high efficiency. Fuel is injected by using an injector and the air is compressed by the engine. The compression ratio of the fuel and air is much higher than gasoline engine and this increases overall engine efficiency. In gasoline engine, air and fuel are placed into the engine together and then compressed. The air and fuel mixture limits compression and affects the overall efficiency of gasoline-powered generators.
Industrial diesel generator does not use sparkplugs and carburetors and therefore requires less maintenance and limits the need for parts replacement. It also reduces the risk of fire as the oil is less flammable than gasoline or natural gas. Regular oil change is required for the generator to run smoothly.
Although diesel costs moderately higher than gasoline, diesel unit has longer life compared to the former one, due to the latter’s higher burning temperature that significantly shortens gas unit’s life.
Drawbacks
Diesel powered generators are usually noisier and give off more smoke. During winter or cold weather, a diesel engine also takes time to start and may require ‘pre-heating’ before operation. It can be also be more expensive than electric generators especially if a well-known brand is to be purchased.
Solutions
Manufacturers of diesel generators and engines recently produced liquid-cooled generators for noise reduction and a more controlled temperature. Being more economical both in use and maintenance makes it a better option than other types of fuel powered generators.
Uses and Applications
Due to its high-energy capacity, these generators are widely used by many industrial applications. Blackouts and energy failure are big disruptions for businesses and emergency power supply is necessary to keep operations going.
Industrial diesel generator is used mainly as standby backup power in case power grids failure. Diesel powered generators are used in different industries such as marine, mining, hospitals, agriculture, and telecommunications to name a few.
Millions of people ride trains everyday. Sudden power failures will interrupt and disturb train commuters unless power is get backed-up. Industrial diesel generator is typically used to eliminate such disturbance. Buses, trucks, ships, and airplanes have been using diesel-powered engines for decades. Newer automotive diesel engines have superior fuel efficiency and are easier to operate, which make them more cost-effective.
Hospitals and datacenters require electricity back-up systems especially during emergency like hurricanes and other natural disasters. Because of the large energy levels required to keep the whole building and establishment running, industrial diesel generator is used because of its high energy output and longer life.
In a nutshell
Diesel generators are the favorite choice for most industrial applications due to their fuel efficiency and safer operation and maintenance. Science is looking for a way to find more environmentally friendly sources such as vegetable oil instead of crude oil without the loss of life and efficiency.
