The diesel engine and an electric generator together constitute a diesel generator. A diesel generator is used to generate electricity using diesel fuel. Diesel generators are widely used in industries by virtue of their beneficial and unique properties such as low fuel usage and high reliability. Diesel is also much safer than gasoline because of low flammability.
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| Diesel Generators |
Usages
Diesel generators are used to provide power during electricity outages, especially in industries because a loss of power leads to loss of production and that further leads to inefficiency. Diesel generators can also be used without connecting to the power grid. Apart from grid support, they are also used for peak-lopping and exporting power into the grid.
The various applications of diesel generators have been listed here.
1. Transport services: Sudden power outage can bring transportation services such as trains and metros to a grinding halt. Communication systems which are crucial to run transportation services are also cut off due to loss of power. In such cases, diesel generators restore operations by providing power to the equipment. Consequently, diesel generators are widely used by transportation services. Diesel generators are also used on many ships to provide power backup for fans, lights, winches and other pieces of equipment. It can also be used for powering main propulsion system.
2. Mining industry: Constant power supply is imperative for mining operations to run machines and transportation systems, controlling extreme temperature and emissions and providing lighting. Diesel generators act as power backups during emergency situations caused due to power outages. Diesel generator is very safe and a primary choice for mining industry.
3. Hospitals: Hospitals have many life-support types of equipment and other critical devices which must function at all times to enable continuous operations. Thus, diesel generators are required in hospitals for emergency power backup. In the event of natural disasters such as cyclone or hurricane, the uprooting of power lines leads to loss of power in hospitals at a time when more and more injured patients are required to be treated immediately. In such cases, diesel generators become a critical equipment to provide power and enable operations.
The industrial applications of diesel generators can be summed up by the fact that they are required for critical operations and non-critical but important operations during power outages.
Size
The size of the diesel generator should be in exact accordance with the power required for the equipment. This is important to avoid damage to the diesel generator or the equipment and use lower power supply than required. The size of a diesel generator is determined on the basis of the electric load for which it is required. Various features of electric load such as voltage, ampere, wattage, surge currents, harmonic content and non-linear loads are taken into consideration. Other factors which are crucial for determining the size of a diesel generator are the temperature, altitude and exhaust and emission regulations. The type of power supply required from the generator such as continuous power, prime power or emergency power is another important consideration.
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| Diesel Generators |
Large industrial
diesel generators have power specifications ranging between 8 kW and 2000 kW. The size of diesel generators used for homes and offices range between 8 kW and 30 kW.
What is A Power Module?
A power module features a 2000 kW diesel generator set along with fuel tank, power distribution systems and other equipment. A combination of a diesel engine, generator and other supporting devices is called a diesel generator set. The generator set is lodged in a 40ft long ISO container. A power module works either as a standalone power station or provides backup to power grids. Many power modules are used for small power stations with each power section having about 20 units.
