Diesel Generator Set
Did you know that a diesel generator set will generally outlast a comparable gas engine ten-to-one? The beauty of the diesel generator set is that it doesn't have any spark plugs that have to be replaced, or carburettors that go kaput and need to be either rebuilt or serviced. The average gas competitors barely lasts beyond 1000 running hours and unfortunately many of them don't make it past a couple of hundred. The diesel generator set on the other hand, will on average run around 20,000 hours before needing anything other than its routine maintenance. The commercial diesel generator set can easily make it to around 45,000 - 50,000 hours and even longer before it needs to come in for servicing. If you do some maths and work out how many hours per day you are going to likely run a diesel generator set, then it may come as quite a surprise to find out how many years this will equate to. The diesel generator set is simply built to last. It quietly works away never missing a beat, and the more work you give it the better it likes it. Deciding to go diesel has other benefits as well:
1. Fuel efficiency - This is by itself one of the main reasons that people will purchase a diesel generator set. In the US, farm or off-road diesel is cheaper than gas, it is also much safer to store. Even though the diesel generator set will sometimes produce more visible exhaust, it is far less toxic than a gas unit, and unless the unit is poorly tuned, this should only be visible briefly during a severe load-change. 2. Most diesel generators run on 1800 RPM. For you, this means a quieter and more efficient unit, and one that will last for years on end. The "consumer" generator sets which are bought from hardware and discount stores nearly all run on 3600 RPM, and they are fine for occasional use such as running power tools, and emergencies, but at a sustained operation anywhere near their maximum output, they will generally all fail. Some do's and don'ts when operating a diesel generator set: 1. They do not like to be run for just a few minutes. It is important that you need to avoid starting the generator set just to power a tool for a few minutes and then shut it down. 2. The diesel generator set should be allowed to operate long enough so that it can reach its full, normal operating temperature. 3. The diesel generator set should never be switched off after producing a large amount of power - the engine needs to run at either a very low or preferable no load for at least a few minutes before shutting down. The internal-combustion engine which is what a diesel generator is, can have its life dramatically shortened by either rapid or frequent temperature changes. 4. Make sure the generator is allowed to come up to full speed before you apply any load - don't start the generator with equipment plugged into it. 5. If your diesel generator set is part of your primary source of power, you will need to have installed a tank that is large enough to hold around 6 month's supply of diesel. Firstly for cost - you save money on this quantity, and secondly it is easier to manage your fuel - running the genset out of fuel while operating can mean that you are going to be faced with disassembling the entire fuel-delivery system to remove any air. 6. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The timing of the oil changes is essential to the problem free running of a diesel generator set. The quality of the oil is also important - don't buy a cheaper grade which is on special, always purchase a major-brand-name oil with the proper viscosity = diesel rated. 7. Only operate your diesel generator set with its properly installed and serviced air cleaner. This is for a very good reason - abrasive dust can dramatically shorten the life of your generator. 8. Installation should ideally be in its own well ventilated shed where the unit is protected from the dust and moisture and where the noise can be contained. As you can see, it takes just a little intelligent thought to be able to run a diesel generator set so that it is able to provide power for your intended use. Whether it be as a sole source of power or as backup during times of emergency, these types of units provide the best practical as well as environmental solutions. |
