Fuel Prices Continue to Increase

Fuel prices continue to increase, making it important to select a type that is cost-effective. Diesel fuel has a higher price than gasoline but it also has a higher energy density. With the ability to extract more energy, generators powered by diesel fuel are more efficient. Diesel generators are used in various commercial and industrial environments. Portable generators running on diesel are ideal for small residential loads or in recreational vehicles. These usually have power of five to 30 kilowatts. Larger versions are used in commercial buildings, industrial plants, and hospitals. Power for these purposes generally ranges from 30 kilowatts to six megawatts. In some cases, the generators serve as the primary source of power and in others, they are backup power sources. The modern diesel engine is much quieter and requires less maintenance compared with similar sized gas engines. It is also more reliable and durable, making it ideal for industrial use. When diesel fuel auto-ignites, there is no sparking. Maintenance costs are lower because neither spark wires nor spark plugs are required. Due to the improved efficiency of diesel, the cost of fuel per kilowatt is about 30 to 50 percent less than for a gas engine. A water cooled diesel unit with 1,800 rpm can operate for between 12,000 and 30,000 hours before it needs major maintenance. A gas unit of the same specifications usually needs servicing after 6,000 to 10,000 hours. In addition, a gas unit burns hotter than a diesel unit, resulting in a life span that is much shorter. Diesel generators have either two or four cycle engines, each of which is appropriate for certain applications. Engines may be either liquid or gas-cooled, with liquid being quieter and having a more evenly-controlled temperature. Generators powered by diesel are used by industries like construction, mining, agriculture, and telecommunications. Source: dieselgenerator.org