Why I Like Small Diesel Generators?
We have decided that small diesel generators are probably the best option for integrating into solar based energy systems. There are many reasons why diesel is so much better than gasoline which we will outline below, but from the research that we have done, small diesel generators are a very viable and efficient choice. Powering your home with free, non-polluting solar power is such a great way to go - that is unless you live in an area that rarely sees the sun for 4 - 5 months of the year. In these situations, small diesel generators can be integrated into the rest of the system so that it is only used on days of the week where there is heavy power usage. This is the most economical way to use a diesel generator - they like to work hard. The excess power that is generated at these times is then stored in industrial-strength batteries which are then used to run the house when the generator is not running.
Small diesel generators are often chosen as the preferred backup system because of these reasons: 1. Small diesel generators have no ignition systems, no carburettors, and no spark plugs - less maintenance. You will not be forever visiting the repair or warranty shop. 2. Diesel generators produce power on about half the amount of fuel that would be required for a same sized gas generator. 3. Their exhaust fumes do not carry many of the toxic emissions of gasoline engines. 4. Properly serviced diesel generators will last for years before needing any overhauls. 5. Gasoline generators usually run on 3600 rpm which means they are built for intermittent use, in other words they will more than likely self destruct with prolonged use, and they are extremely noisy under load. 6. Industrial quality small diesel generators produce clean, stable power that is suitable for home, offices and shops - it will not destroy your computer and sensitive electronic equipment. So what is the downside, if any, of small diesel generators? There is only one, and that is cost. They are always priced considerably much higher than their similarly rated horsepower gas engines. In the situation that we propose, and that is, several times per week if necessary, the diesel generator will be run during the normal high power usage times such as laundry, vacuuming or pump irrigation. We will coordinate these times as much as possible, so that the generator can be placed under load, which means that it will be working more efficiently. Quietness of operation is important, and the surplus power will be store. Asking this of any other type of generators, we think, is asking for trouble. Maintenance of small diesel generators is so easy, that even I could do it. Regular oil changes! This is regarded as essential to the long life and dependability of small diesel generators, and if it is faithfully attended to then the good old diesel generator can last anything up to 10 - 15 years without any serious maintenance. We intend for it to become the heart of our alternative energy system. Sure there are other do's and don'ts that we have to learn about operating small diesel generators, but from what we have learned so far, we feel confident that it is the right choice to provide all the surplus power we will require. |
