Electricity has become an essential part of everybody’s life. From a home to a business, nowadays without electricity no work is possible.With the increasing dependability on electricity it is necessary to recognize the importance of having a backup generator. It can keep your business running or keep your home in a comfortable condition during power outage or similar crisis.
In today’s world, where fuel prices are rising as a consequence of increasing demand and decreasing supply, you need to choose a cost-effective fuel to meet your needs.
WHAT IS A DIESEL GENERATOR?
A diesel generator is a combination of a diesel engine with an electric generator which converts chemical energy into mechanical energy through combustion.This mechanical energy then rotates a crank to produce electricity.Electric charges are induced in the wire by moving it through a magnetic field.The crankshaft of diesel generator is covered with wire, which is placed in the magnetic field. When the diesel engine rotates the crankshaft, the wires are then moved throughout the magnetic field,which can induce electric charges in the circuit.
TYPES OF DIESEL GENERATORS
These are available in various sizes, models and designs. Different companies manufacture different types of generators. Here are the different types of generator that you should know about:
- INDUSTRIAL OR RESIDENTIAL
Industrial generators, as the name suggests, these are generally used in industries where power demand is high.These are very large and can provide power for a longer period of time. Residential generators are small in size and provide power upto a specific range. They are generally used in households, small shops and offices.
- AIR COOLED OR WATER COOLED
Air cooled generators use an air intake system which provides air for the cooling function of the generator.Water cooled generators rely on water for cooling and comprise a separate system for achieving this function. Water cooled generators require more maintenance than air-cooled generators.
- POWER OUTPUT
The power output range of diesel generators is very wide and can be classified accordingly. A 3 kVA diesel generator can be used to run power tools or appliances such as ACs, computers, multiple ceiling fans, etc. They are suitable for use in small offices, shops and houses. Whereas a 2000 kVA diesel generator would be suitable for use in big industries or places with high power demand.
How are diesel generators used?
The diesel engine spins the alternator creating an AC electrical current.This is used to power electrical equipment. It can be used either as the main source of power or in case of power failure. When generators are used as standby, they have a device that stops the generator being connected to the load at the same time as the mains power supply.
When the mains power is present, connecting a generator at the same time needs to be done with special controls to run them in parallel. Serious damage can occur without this control which can even lead to fire.If the mains supply has failed, and connecting a generator without isolating it from the mains can lead to back-feeding the grid – potentially killing someone working on restoring the mains supply and probably damaging your generator when the mains returns.When the generator is used as a main source of power, then more power is required as multiple smaller units can be connected together in parallel, by using process known as synchronising.
USES OF DIESEL ENGINES
These are generally used as mechanical engines, power generators and in mobile drives.They are commonly used in locomotives, construction equipment, automobiles, and countless industrial applications.Industrial diesel engines and diesel-powered generators have construction, marine, mining, hospital, forestry, telecommunications, underground, and agricultural applications. Power generation for prime or standby backup power is the major application of today’s diesel generators.
ADVANTAGES
- CHEAPER– Diesel fuel is cheaper than petrol meaning diesel powered generators are cheaper to run.
- DURABILITY– Diesel engines are quite tough in the workplace, so they will hold up through much wear and tear in a variety of environmental conditions.
- SAFE FUEL– It is a safer fuel with less risk of ignition when compared to petrol.
- LOW MAINTENANCE– Diesel requires less maintenance as diesel engines do not have spark plugs or carburetors.This means no need to replace spark plugs or rebuild carburetors.
- POWER OUTPUT– Diesel generators are capable of handling larger power loads and will run for longer durations than other types of generators available.
DISADVANTAGES
- NOISE LEVEL- Diesel engines are louder than petrol engines, so they are placed away from the workplace
- COST-Setting up a diesel generator can cost more on the outset than other generator types.
- REGULAR MAINTENANCE- Diesel generators require regular maintenance to keep the generator working.
- HEAVY- Diesel engines are made from large and heavy components.
