What is a Diesel Generator and How Does it Work?

Diesel Generator

Diesel generators are handy machines that are used to power devices everywhere, including the home, office, factories, hospitals or any other installation that requires electricity. Diesel Generators produce electricity by burning diesel fuels and are an excellent choice when requiring a greater source of power.

Using a combination of a diesel engine and an electric generator, they essentially work by converting chemical energy stored within the diesel fuel, into mechanical energy through combustion.

With many workplaces reliant on uninterruptible sources of power, unpredictable outages and failures can potentially disrupt business operations if the right applications are not in place.

Diesel generators, as well as generators that run off other fuel types, are effective standby power sources and ideal choices to power installations reliably. In particular, diesel generators lend themselves to larger industries looking for a power that is more efficient and reliable.

How Do They Work?

Diesel generators require two key elements in order to function correctly. The first is a clean supply of fuel. Good quality diesel will reduce the risk of filters being blocked and prevent any potential downtime from poor engine performance and break-down.

Secondly, the unit requires a sound supply of cool air for combustion and engine cooling. Air supply comes from the rear of the set and is drawn through the whole of the unit. A lack of air running through the unit could potentially cause the engine to overheat and shutdown, damaging the engine and alternator.

Diesel generators work by propelling air into the system until it compresses, followed by an injection of diesel. These two processes work together, generating an intense heat that then triggers the fuel to ignite.

The combustion of the diesel starts the generator, making the central shaft move, transforming the mechanical energy into electrical power with the aid of an alternator.

Generator Set-Up

Diesel generators consist of five major components which are typically set up to include:

Control Panel – Electronic controls / instrumentation panel and output breaker
Engine – 1500 RPM, 50 Hz Industrial diesel engine
Alternator – Brushless, 50 Hz, 3 phase alternator
Base Frame – Steel base frame with anti-vibration mounts
Radiator – Mechanically driven cooling package to keep the set at optimum temperature.

Generator Load

The load of a diesel generator is the amount of power being consumed by the unit. A generator that is light on load or is not loaded correctly, will certainly have an impact on the machine in the long run. Malfunctioning generators can prove costly and without regular maintenance will only shorten the lifespan of the machine.

A diesel generator that is used in standby mode must have the load considered. As a standby generator is not an infinite source of power, unlike the supply from the Utility Grid, it is sensible to ensure the load is managed properly. In general, the more load a generator has, the more diesel it will consume.

Underloading a generator can cause several issues, including carbon build-up, excessive wear and tear, as well as oil leaks. Aiming to run a diesel generator around 60-75% of their maximum rated load, is a solid guideline to adhere to.

Smaller generators, typically below 100kVA, have a greater load acceptance capability in the region of 70 to 100%. Larger machines up to 2.5mVA have less capability on first step acceptance in the region of 50 to 65%.

With the introduction of load control, stepping the load on a standby generator at 50% of its output power, should not present any operational issues. Essentially, it is important to schedule regular servicing and maintenance checks, helping to decrease downtime, fuel costs and general wear and tear.

General Maintenance

Diesel generators have the advantage of being more economical and ideal for organisations looking for a fault-free power supply. Heavily relied on in many industrial sectors, where efficiency and reliability are central requirements, a diesel generator is very often a more suitable choice than other fuel types.

With the added advantage of running uninterruptedly for longer periods, sometimes up to weeks at a time, diesel generators lend themselves to heavier industrial use. The diesel generator is a very efficient machine, offering a cost-effective solution for many larger industries.

However, with this comes the additional need for that extra level of attention. Suffering less wear and tear than petrol-run models, regular generator maintenance to any unit will ensure that all components are in full working order.

Weekly, monthly and quarterly maintenance checks are recommended to ensure your generator remains in good, operational order.

Generator Installations

There are various considerations to take into account when deciding which type of installation method to choose from. From logistical considerations, such as access for installation and maintenance, to industry-standard noise levels and the cooling requirements to ensure cross flow ventilation, there are various factors that need to be decided upon before it is installed.

A diesel generator’s installation method may include an external canopied generator set, external drop over enclosed generator set (for special noise applications), external containerised generator set and plant room installation.

When it comes to the type of installation, cost, lead time, practicality and future maintenance all play significant factors.

WBPS Diesel Generators

At WBPS, we believe your diesel generator is at the heart of your operations. Suppliers of critical power solutions for 40 years, we are also UK’s largest distributor of Kohler-SDMO generators and well-equipped to help you with all your generator requirements.

Suppliers of a wide range of generator services, including for hire, sale and maintenance packages, we can ensure whichever package you choose we will help keep your unit in good working order. From single generators rated at 6kVA to 4500kVA, all the way to large-scale multi-synchronous packages, we can select and install the right generator into your current business process with minimal disruption to the daily running of your site.

To keep your diesel generator running in full working order, WBPS also provide a range of diesel generator maintenance contracts to suit all businesses and all budgets. All of our maintenance projects are undertaken by teams of experts, including Engineers, Project Managers, Consultants and Logistics Coordinators, all of whom are directly employed by us.

To find out more about the services we provide, speak to one of our experienced team members today and see how we can help you and your organisation.

WHAT IS A DIESEL GENERATOR AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

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