A diesel generator at its core is a generator that generates electricity powered by diesel as well as an electric generator. The diesel generator segment can be used in a time of emergency such as during a power cut.
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How Diesel Generators Work
The basic functioning of a diesel generator can be explained as the production of electricity by burning diesel fuel. The chemical energy that is contained within the diesel fuel is converted into mechanical energy during this combustion process. As compared to other fuel or gas engines, diesel generators have the highest thermal efficiency as it uses the compression process to burn the fuel that is located in the injection chamber. So, diesel generators work on fuel energy and air compression. Air is first blown into the generator to be compressed after which the fuel is injected to trigger the combustion. The produced mechanical energy is then used to turn a crank that converts it into electrical energy. The electric charges are induced in the circuit as the wire that is wound around the crankshaft is moved throughout the magnetic field between two polarized magnets. The diesel generator’s output power can be manipulated based on the variation of the MG or microgrid load.
Diesel generators are used mainly in engine rooms and work in pairs. The two diesel generators are placed near one another with the required care and protection for each. The construction and setting up process is done cautiously and in a way that ensures the failure of any component or one of the generators does not end up in an entire system malfunction. In case of a malfunction or any kind of damage, an alternative supply route is built in for each of the generators to make sure that not a moment goes by where there is no electricity being generated. There are two main ways that DG sets can be incorporated into a system. The first and more common method is one where the diesel generator only supplies the load directly and fills in the difference when the power demand exceeds the power generated by the batteries and turbines. The other way that a diesel generator can be incorporated into a system is one where it not only supplies energy to the load directly but also charges the batteries. This method is used when higher fuel efficiency is a requirement as it can operate at full load.
About Diesel Generator Sets
A diesel generator is often constructed in combination with a diesel engine and various other ancillary devices. This kind of combination is known as a DG set, a generating set, or a ‘Genset for short. Some of the ancillary devices it comes with include a base, a canopy, circuit breakers, sound attenuation, jacket water heaters, control systems, or starting systems. They come in a wide range of sizes that fall within 8kW and 30kW for homes or small shops, and within 8 kW and 2000 kW for larger shops or even office complexes.
Gensets that are mounted on large trailers are termed power modules. A combination of a few of these power modules can be used to power small power stations while a larger combination of these power modules is used for complete synchronized power plants. These DG sets are not only used in case of a power cut or other emergencies, they are also often used to feed power to utility grids especially during peak demand hours of the day.
Pros and Cons of Diesel Generators
The technology of diesel generators has been being developed over the years by the diesel generator manufacturers in India, with the modern models have overcome a myriad of disadvantages the previous models used to have. Aside from these, there are still a few disadvantages that come attached with modern diesel generators as well. One of the pros of a DG includes the fact that they are more or less low maintenance as it doesn’t have many parts that make up the generator thereby reducing the number of repairs and replacements required. Another advantage is the high durability of these diesel engines as they do not wear and tear easily even in a harsh environment
As compared to generators that use fuel or petrol, diesel generator manufacturers in India make sure that these diesel generators are safer and are capable of handling larger power loads at lower risks. Apart from being more reliable and fuel-efficient, diesel generators also come with some cons. One of these disadvantages is the fact that the price of diesel continues to rise. These generators also produce a lot of noise pollution and are not as mobile due to their bulky and heavy construction. Diesel generators also need to be kept dry so that they don’t rust or corrode quickly.
