Structures, Features & Categories of Diesel Generator Sets
Diesel Generator Sets - Structures, Features & Categories
Today let’s learn some basics about diesel generator sets
1. Structures of Diesel Generator Sets
Briefly, a diesel generator set (also known as diesel genset) is the combination of a diesel engine with an electric generator (often an alternator) coupled and inserted in a base with control system and other elements to generate electrical energy. The regular structure of a diesel generator set is as below:
2. Features of Diesel Generator Sets
1) Wide power range for single dg unit
Power per dg unit can be from single number to thousands. The wide power range can meet the power demand for different applications (such as marines, buildings, factories, mining, military facilities, hospitals, banks, residential use, etc.). People can purchase single dg unit or multiple dg units as standby power or prime power based on actual requirements.
2) Easy for installation
Compare to hydraulic turbine generator and vapor electricity generator, diesel generator sets & their supporting equipment are usually with compact structure and light weight, which only requires small space for installation. The placement location can be built quickly and cheaply. There are no needs for large quantity of water or large space area.
3) High thermal efficiency & Low fuel consumption
Diesel engine is with the highest thermal efficiency among heat engines. The effective thermal efficiency can be from 30% - 46%. The fuel consumption of diesel generator set is low accordingly.
4) Starting & reaching full power quickly
Usually it only takes several seconds to start a diesel genset. In special conditions, the diesel genset can reach full power within one minute. In usual conditions, the diesel genset can reach full power (full load) in around 5 – 30 minutes. For vapor electricity generator, it usually takes 3 - 4 hours to reach full power. Accordingly, the dg shutdown process is also short & quick. And the start & shutdown can be done frequently in a short time, which is perfect for standby power or emergency power use.
5) Easy for Maintenance & Repair
It only requires a few operators to operate it and maintain it during operation.
6) Low comprehensive cost
Compare to hydro power, wind power, solar power and nuclear power, the comprehensive cost to make a diesel generator set and generator electricity is lowest. It is with obvious advantage.
3. Categories of Diesel Generator Sets
1) Classified by applications
a) Prime power use
Prime power requires long time running. Usually this type of dg unit will be put at an area far from Mains Power Supply or area near industrial and mining enterprises, to meet their power demand for construction, production and household consumption. The power capacity for this type is usually large.
b) Standby power (backup power) use
In usual, users get electricity from Mains Power. When the Mains Power is shut down due to power rationing or other reasons, the diesel genset will take charge to guarantee users’ basic requirements on production and living. Similar situations apply to factories, hospitals, airports, broadcasting station, etc.
c) Emergency power use
For facilities unable to suffer power cut or it may cause big loss or accidents, people usually purchase an emergency diesel genset to support them. Such as fire extinguishing system at tall buildings, automatic production line, communication system, etc.
d) Combat readiness
With some protective capabilities, this type of dg gensets are mainly for civil air defense or national defense facilities.
2) Classified by control mode & start mode
a) Manual start diesel gensets
With a whole pack of basic meters & lights for monitoring the running, this type of diesel gensets are started manually. The monitor and control need users to be around the unit.
b) Automatic start diesel gensets
It is with special microcomputer controller to start & run genset automatically. When Mains Power Supply is cut, the genset will start and connect to load automatically. And when Mains Power is back, the genset will shutdown and disconnect to load automatically, and back to standby mode.
c) Remote control diesel gensets
There will be no need operators near around the genset unit when all operation and monitor is done by remote control. It can be under intelligent management.
3) Classified by outlook
a) Open type diesel genset
b) Silent type diesel genset
c) Trailer type diesel genset
d) Automobile type diesel genset
e) Containerized type diesel genset
