Design features of diesel power generators: what should you look at when choosing?

A diesel generator is a device that is used as a power source for a wide variety of consumers: industrial equipment in workshops and on construction sites, refrigerators, household appliances in country houses, etc. When choosing a diesel installation, it is very important to know the features of its design and the main operating parameters. This will help you find the most efficient and reliable device.

Prince of diesel power plants

Fuel, burning inside the engine, gives impetus to the generation of mechanical energy, which rotates the crankshaft. Then the motor makes the rotor of the electric generator move, which, in turn, excites an electromagnetic field that generates alternating current in the generator winding. This current enters the network connected to the device and can be used to power various devices and equipment.

What a diesel generator consists of

The design of any power plant includes:

• engine with cooling system, fuel mixture and air supply;
• an alternator is an alternator (it is he who converts the energy generated during rotation of the shaft of a diesel engine into alternating current);
• frame (casing)-is used to install all generator systems and performs a number of additional functions: vibration and noise absorption, protection against mechanical shocks and environmental factors.
• systems providing the ability to automatically control the installation, monitor its operational status and control all the main parameters.

Of course, the most important and important part of any generator set is the motor, the performance and power of the device depend on it. In diesel power plants, engines of several design options can be used.

By type of cooling they are:

• with air cooling system-usually low-power models designed for domestic use have a similar design.
• liquid-cooled-they can use water, antifreeze and some other substances as a cooling liquid.

There are a lot of options for diesel power plants, they can be produced in various designs, for example:

• stationary or mobile (mobile diesel power plants);
• for different climatic conditions (tropical, northern, marine)-depending on the climate and temperature conditions of future operation, the unit may have its own design features, which must be taken into account;
• with a protective cover and without it-it is used for models that will have to stand outside for a long time. Such a casing protects well from the effects of wind, rain, snow, etc.
• with and without additional noise absorption grille.

Benefits of using these installations

Diesel generators are excellent for long-term operation as an independent source of electricity, as well as for regular and continuous connection as a backup power source. Moreover, in comparison with gasoline models, they have certain advantages. Including:

• their cost is less;
• lower fuel consumption, and therefore higher productivity;
• long life due to the long resource;
• excellent fire safety performance.

Applications for diesel power generators

Diesel power plants are actively used in a variety of industries, while they can be either the main autonomous sources of electric current, or act as backup (standby) power plants. In both cases, their main task is to provide the consumer with an uninterrupted supply of electricity.

Main autonomous energy source

Such generators can be used in the complete absence of a centralized power supply network. They are characterized by stable operation in any conditions, good performance and volumes of generated electricity, large motor resources, durability and quick payback, which makes such plants indispensable if you need a reliable autonomous source of energy resources.

This option is most often found in such cases:

• providing energy supply for country houses and cottages, remote farms, shift camps located in difficult terrain, etc.
• when the costs of creating a centralized network are very high and incomparable with the costs of buying and operating a diesel generator, for example, ensuring the operation of pumping equipment when irrigating various agricultural crops.

Redundant Power Supply

The use of generator sets is sometimes necessary in case of emergency, in the presence of a central electrical network, which is unstable, and in its operation often fail. With the help of such devices, it is possible to avoid the sudden shutdown of important expensive equipment and apparatus when the power is cut off. The use of generators is most relevant at facilities such as medical facilities, pharmacies, banks, industrial facilities, preschool and school childcare facilities, retail outlets (especially those selling perishable food products) and many others. That is, where without electricity it is impossible to ensure the normal functioning of all major systems and support the operation of important equipment.

How to choose a generator?

There are several basic parameters that determine the efficiency and productivity of the generator, they must be taken into account if you want to buy a reliable diesel power station that will work for a long time and easily cope with the required load.

Power

Before buying, you first need to decide how much power the generator needs. This indicator directly depends on the future load on it by electricity consumers. To determine the required power of a diesel generator for stable operation, you should determine the total power of all electrical appliances that will be connected to it, and add about 20-35% to this value. This is very important, if the unit does not have some margin of safety in kW, then there may be problems with the work of consumers, and some equipment may not turn on at all.

Number of phases

Manufacturers offer both single- and three-phase units. The former are intended for domestic use and work with consumers who have a standard operating voltage of 220 volts. The latter are most often used only for industrial equipment, as they are designed to power powerful plants and systems with an operating voltage of 380 volts.

Other important options

• Engine speed -the lower the value, the more hours an installation can work.
• Engine power -can be measured in kW or horsepower. Naturally, the higher this parameter, the higher the motor performance.
• Startup Type -can be manual or electric. The second option is more convenient and easier to operate, but such generators are more expensive.
• Noise level -most modern installations are quite quiet and often have additional protection against vibration, but you should pay attention to this indicator, especially if you plan to use the generator in a country house for a long time.

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