Generator sets: diesel power station. Characteristics, maintenance, repair

Energy supply of private houses and critical infrastructure can depend not only on central communication networks, but also on autonomous stations. The generator is one of the most popular types of equipment in this class. It can be used both as an additional power source, and as a backup installation in the event of an accident. Gasoline aggregates of this type are quite common on the market, but diesel-generator sets (DGS) benefit from low fuel costs. There are other differences in such installations, but they should be considered separately.

Features of diesel generators

In the standard version, the generator has an internal combustion engine and an alternator. Unlike gasoline power units, diesel engines provide fuel injection in the form of a finely dispersed fraction. Further in the process of air compression there is a multiple increase in pressure and temperature, which is why ignition occurs. For this reason, it is not required to include spark plugs and batteries in the design, without which the same gasoline generator sets can not be avoided. Diesel generates less scale and different impurities in the combustion process, which also contributes to an increase in the service life of the parts and to the ecological compatibility of the equipment. It is also widely believed that, technologically, gasoline technology in all industries outperforms similar devices on heavy fuel. However, in the case of generators this is not entirely true, since the advanced model's electronics module can provide both automatic overload protection systems and sensors for monitoring current parameters.

Technical characteristics of plants

The main indicator of efficiency of any generator is the power. Diesel units provide the highest power potential, therefore they are used not only in domestic needs, but also in the maintenance of production workshops. The average characteristics of the diesel generator set in terms of power ratings vary from 10 to 20 kW. But you can find models that go beyond this range. For example, to supply a small country house it will be enough to purchase an 8 kW unit, and 32-48 kW stations are purchased to supply large industrial facilities. The next significant characteristic of the DGU is the autonomous operation time, which depends on the volume of the fuel tank. For a modest private house, as a rule, there are small installations that can function continuously for 4 hours a day. For more demanding tasks, you can find generators that provide a 16-hour duty cycle.

Mounting of stations

In the room where the installation of the generator is planned, there must be good ventilation, which will ensure the exhaust of exhaust gases. It should also provide for fire safety measures and protect the internal elements of the device from penetration of moisture. Put the equipment on a flat and stable surface, as oil should not leak during operation. With regard to the area of the room, the optimal value will be 10-12 m2. This is sufficient for the installation to be removed from the walls by the required distance. If a container diesel generator set is purchased, it can be located on the street. Such models are distinguished by the presence of a strong metal frame, as well as insulation from mineral wool. The walls and lid of the container act as protection for external influences, but the requirements for structural stability remain the same.

Operational requirements

To ensure optimum performance of the unit, you must stock up on a small set of consumables and accessories. To begin with, there should be automation devices and a network unit. In the first case, there may be refueling systems that independently fill the fuel tank with sensors. The most advanced stations also provide for the possibility of controlling the parameters of operation through a computer. The network unit, in turn, is required to automatically switch the generator from the standby state to the active operation mode. A few minutes after the emergency shutdown of the main power supply, the power supplies start generating sets. Diesel and oil are also mandatory components, without which the operation of the unit is not complete. As a fuel it is desirable to use diesel fuel without water and harmful impurities. The qualitative composition will allow to extract maximum power from the generator and prolong its service life. As for the oil, for the stations of this type diesel oils are used in the compositions CD or CE.

Nuances of exploitation in winter

Subject to compliance with the installation rules and operating recommendations, you can count on the stable performance of the function by the generator. However, in winter, at a negative temperature, problems of a different kind are not excluded. The fact is that in the conditions of frost, solar oil can thicken, which will not allow activating the generator. The way out can be the application of fuel heating systems , which are supplied with some generating sets. Diesel can be heated and construction hair dryer, but only with the observance of security measures. To minimize the risk of fire, it is necessary to carry out heating in a closed container and with the engine switched off. Avoiding unpleasant situations with a difficult start will also allow the use of a special brand of fuel. Usually, diesel fuel is used with additives that prevent the crystallization of the liquid at negative temperatures.

Maintenance

Compliance with the maintenance measures begins during operation. This is expressed in the control of operational parameters and the identification of uncharacteristic indicators. The operator must always compare the engine speed, oil pressure and temperature with the optimum values. After work, it is necessary to check the condition of the filters, the reliability of the connections and the function of the electrical contacts. The frequency of comprehensive maintenance depends on the operating conditions of the equipment. For example, in a dusty room, maintenance of the diesel generator set should be performed every month, subject to regular maintenance of the equipment. Timely detection of the problem will not only get rid of the local problem, but will also increase the service life of the generator's general motor resource.

Repair of the installation

Of course, it is better to trust the repair of such units, but there are a number of common problems that can be eliminated on their own. This concerns the replacement of the mentioned filters, candles and other components available for dismantling. It is very important to listen to the work of the generator - this will allow us to identify the problem earlier. If there is a strong vibration and noise, then most likely there are problems with the engine. In this case, it is desirable to perform the repair of the diesel generator sets after a thorough diagnosis. By the way, modern models provide for a kind of self-diagnosis in some way. Thanks to special indicators with alarms, even an inexperienced user will be able to detect a malfunction and take appropriate measures in time.

Manufacturers of diesel generators

One of the leaders in this segment is the French manufacturer SDMO. This company has been working in the power station market for decades, which allows it to offer both massive stationary high-power installations and portable generator models. The middle class is represented by Latvian developers from the company "Resanta". In general, under this brand are small units with a capacity of 2 to 4 kW. If a diesel generator set is required for private needs, it is best to contact the Hyundai, Champion and Ranger companies. The advantages of these stations include high reliability, ergonomics and safety.

Recommendations for selection

The main criterion in the choice should be the optimal combination of the object's needs for power supply and generator power. It will be wrong to expect that a high-power unit will satisfy any needs and will be able to act as a universal station. For the needs of their level, such models, of course, are suitable, but consumers with minimal requests in this case will overpay. The operation and maintenance of high-capacity diesel-generator sets is not effective if they are used to supply energy to houses and premises with fewer requests. You should also calculate the dimensions of the unit. A massive design will provide the necessary power reserve, but it is more difficult to install. Conversely, small mobile stations will not bring problems in content, but they will be able to cover only low-demand users with energy.

Conclusion

The modern market offers many solutions for energy supply problems. Along with fuel stations, a good option may be battery equipment. But before choosing between alternative proposals, it is worth taking into account the advantages that traditional generating sets have. Diesel, for example, although not the cheapest type of fuel, but in the long term it becomes the most beneficial source of power for autonomous stations. In addition, diesel does not imply an intensive impact on the working elements, which positively affects the operating life of the generator. As for the shortcomings of such generators, they are not cheap and have quite impressive dimensions.