All About Diesel Generators

It is not so easy to provide a full power supply to a country house, construction site, garage or workshop. Backbone networks in many places either do not work or work intermittently. To solve this problem and hedge against the unexpected, you need to learn all about diesel generators.

An electric current generator, which burns diesel fuel, works in approximately the same principle as a car or tractor engine. The only difference is that the engine does not drive the wheels, but the dynamo. But the question may arise whether a diesel generator is really better than a gasoline generator or not. It is impossible to answer this question in general terms.

It should be said right away that similar equipment was originally created for the military and for emergency, emergency services... This is part of the answer: diesel is reliable and unpretentious. It can be safely used for a private house, without fearing too much that something will break or work wrong. Diesel systems are far ahead of any gasoline analogue in terms of efficiency, and therefore, in terms of fuel efficiency.

This is important for both your own safety and the environment.

Since diesel fuel produces vapors much more slowly than gasoline, the likelihood of a fire is somewhat reduced. Although this does not mean, of course, that the fuel itself can be stored and used in any way.

Of the negative aspects, you can name:

• hypersensitivity to low-quality fuel;

• noticeable loudness of work (which the engineers have not yet managed to overcome);

• increased price (compared to gasoline power plants of the same capacity);

• significant wear if the load exceeds 70% of the rated power for a long time;

• the inability to use the fuel used in most cars (fuel will have to be purchased and stored separately).

The basic operating principle of a diesel generator is simple. The engine runs most often in a four-stroke cycle.... The rotational speed, in contrast to transport motors, is set rigidly. Only occasionally there are models where the speed can be adjusted, and even there they mainly use speeds of 1500 and 3000 rpm. The cylinders of the motor can have two positions: in-line and in the form of the letter V.

The in-line design allows the engine to be narrowed. However, at the same time, it inevitably becomes longer, which is not always convenient. Therefore, in-line diesel engines of high power are rare. When diesel fuel enters the combustion chamber, it reacts with oxygen there. The expanding gases push the piston, which is connected to the crank assembly of the engine. This unit rotates the shaft, and from the shaft the impulse is transmitted to the rotor.

When the rotor spins, a magnetic field appears. It has such an important characteristic as electromotive force (EMF). In another circuit, it creates an induced voltage.

In the household segment diesel-based power plants are widespread, the total capacity of which does not exceed 10-15 kW... And more, even for a large summer cottage or a country cottage is not required. The same equipment is used to build or renovate something at home. And even in a number of workshops where there are no very powerful consumers, generators of this level are quite helpful.

Power from 16 to 50 kW is already suitable for the most comfortable operation of several houses or even a small suburban village, garage cooperative.

Electric generators with a capacity of 200 kW or more, for obvious reasons, do not fall into the mini category.... It is quite difficult to move them around the site (house) - all the more to transport them. But on the other hand, such equipment is very important in small industrial enterprises, in serious car services.

They are usually used to compensate for the risks associated with a power outage by 100%.... Thanks to such diesel generators, a continuous production cycle is maintained. They are also used in remote places, for example, in the villages of oil workers working on a rotational basis.

As for devices with a capacity of 300 kW, they will provide power supply for the vast majority of objects.... Almost any construction and almost any factory will be able for a time to be powered only by the current supplied by this generator.

But in the most serious enterprises and in the field of minerals, electric generators with a capacity of 500 kW can be used.

This point is also very important when describing generating equipment. Mobile (mobile) apparatus is mainly used:

• summer residents;

• fishermen;

• organizers of tourist and mountaineering base camps;

• picnic lovers;

• owners of summer cafes (to supply the necessary minimum of equipment, sockets for recharging phones).

The portable type of power plant will not "pull out" a full-fledged autonomous operation. But such models are often made on wheels. This makes it even easier to move them around as needed. But for the full operation of a suburban home in case of power outages, you will have to buy a stationary generator... Usually these are devices of increased power, and therefore they are rather heavy and cumbersome.

Separately, it should be said about power plants for welding - they combine a power source and a welding machine.

The diesel engine and the electric motor driven by it generate not only current, but also a significant amount of heat. The easiest way to remove this heat is by cooling it in contact with air. In this case, the air jet circulates inside the motor. Often the air is taken outside. The heated air masses are thrown there (on the street) or into the machine room (hall).

The problem is that the engine will get clogged with various foreign particles. Closed-loop cooling system helps to increase security... The air circulating through it gives off heat when it touches the pipes through which the water flows.

Also in powerful systems, water or a specially selected liquid can be used. Such cooling for low-power generators is not economically feasible. Heat dissipation by means of water guarantees long, trouble-free operation without consequences. The time of continuous action is increased by at least 10-12 times. If the designers have applied other protective measures, sometimes a 20-30 fold increase is achieved.

An open diesel generator is a loyal assistant in household and small production. But using it outdoors, unlike container-type devices, is very dangerous... Placing the main units in a container protects the equipment from both precipitation and wind. At the same time, the range of permissible temperatures is expanding. Products in the casing are also reliably protected from adverse factors, while the casing itself additionally dampens the arising noise.

Everything is pretty simple here. If all consumers are single-phase, then you can safely buy a single-phase device. And even if most devices operate in a single-phase scheme, you must do the same. 3-phase generators are only justified where the same current is consumed by 100% of the equipment... Otherwise, the distribution in separate phases will greatly reduce the efficiency of the work.

But the difference between the models doesn't end there. Autoplay constructs are prized for their convenience over those that must be enabled strictly by hand.

And finally, you need to compare conventional and inverter generators. The last type is different:

• reduced fuel consumption;

• increased reliability and stability;

• lightweight construction;

• excellent quality of the generated current;

• increased price;

• power limitation;

• difficulties in repairing even with minor breakdowns;

• complex battery replacement as needed.

Diesel generators are most widely used for power supply in places where there are no power grids at all. But where the supply of electricity is organized, albeit not too well, it is more correct to use gasoline devices.

A diesel power plant is most often bought by:

• farmers;

• organizers of hunting farms;

• gamekeepers;

• residents of remote areas;

• geological exploration and other expeditions;

• residents of shift camps.

Products are popular all over the world company "Action"... One of the largest firms is headquartered in Dubai. Some of these models work autonomously. Others are grouped into powerful collections, replacing serious power plants. Most often, consumers buy models for 500 or 1250 kW.

A very wide range of diesel generators Himoinsa... The capacity of the products of this concern varies greatly and thus allows you to "cover" different needs. The company completely controls the production process and is 100% responsible for it.

You can also take a closer look at generators of such brands as:

• Attreco (Netherlands);

• Zvart Technic (also a Dutch company);

• Kohler-SDMO (France);

• Cummins (one of the leaders in the production of power equipment in general);

• Inmesol (supplies open and soundproofed generator models);

• Teksan.

If we talk about purely domestic brands, then they deserve attention:

• "Vepr";

• "TCC";

• "AMPEROS";

• "Azimuth";

• "Kraton";

• "Source";

• "MMZ";

• ADG-Energy;

• "PSM".

When choosing a diesel generator for a cottage or for a private house, you need to pay attention first of all to the power. If this indicator is unsatisfactory, then no other positive parameters will fix things. Too weak models simply will not be able to supply all consumers with current. Too powerful - they will use a pointless amount of fuel... But we must also understand that the assessment of the total required power must be done "with a margin".

Models of 1.5-2 kW / h with a capacity will help out at a periodically visited dacha.For a residential building, 5-6 kW / h may be enough. Although everything here is already strictly individual and is determined primarily by the personal needs of the residents. For a country cottage, heated by electricity, with water supply from a well, you need to focus on at least 10-12 kW / h.

But it is important to understand that the more powerful a household or workshop electric generator, the greater the total fuel consumption... Therefore, it is necessary to focus only on the most necessary devices when it comes to emergency power supply. An outdoor apparatus is more expensive than one intended for use inside the house. However, it tolerates adverse environmental influences many times better.

The next important parameter is the launch method. A hand starter cord is suitable if you only need to use the device periodically. Models with such an element are inexpensive and very simple.

For any regular use, only modifications with an electric starter are suitable... This option makes using the generator much more convenient. And where power outages occur constantly, you need to prefer a power plant that starts automatically.

Air cooling dominates the residential segment. It is significantly cheaper than removing heat with water. It is recommended to pay attention to the capacity of the tank. Increasing its size improves battery life between refueling. But the device becomes larger, heavier, and it will take longer to refuel it.

Diesel generators are never completely silent. Slightly reducing the volume helps noise protection... You just need to understand that it lowers the sound intensity by a maximum of 10-15%. Therefore, only the choice of a minimally powerful device helps to reduce the inconvenience.

We should also say about chargers. Such devices are used to maintain the rated charge of lead-acid batteries. It is these batteries that continue to be widely used in portable power plants. Recharging takes place due to the stabilized voltage. The charge current is strictly limited. Chargers can also be used for direct power supply of devices with limited consumption.

Starting an electric generator seems to be a simple matter, but in reality its use is quite laborious and requires a careful approach. It is imperative to check what type of diesel fuel and lubricating oil is used.... Using summer fuel or oil in winter can easily ruin expensive equipment. Winter options in warm weather are less dangerous, but they simply will not work normally, which is also not good.

The increased compression is also difficult to start. It makes it difficult even for an electric starter to rotate the crankshaft. And there is no need to talk about manual mode. That's why be sure to use a decompressor.

The installation of a new diesel generator must be carried out exactly according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. It is advisable to draw up a competent electrical circuit that will allow you to safely and reliably connect the device. AboutIt is imperative to comply with the manufacturer's requirements regarding the temperature and humidity of the environment, the permissible slope during installation... Earthing of portable power plants will also be a prerequisite.

Further video review of the diesel generator "Centaur" LDG 283.