Most people know that diesel engines in automobiles provide higher mileage, making it an obvious choice for heavy-duty transportation and equipment. When it comes to heavy duty requirements, you will never see a gas powered 18-wheeler pulling a truck load full of bricks, that’s a job for diesel! The diesel engine has proven to be remarkably efficient and cost effective; that’s what Rudolph Diesel had in mind when he invented this remarkable device.
Although diesel fuel is priced tolerably higher than gas, it has a higher energy density; meaning, more energy can be extracted from diesel compared to the same volume of gas. Compared to gas, diesel fuel is heavier and oilier and has a higher boiling point than that of water. Let’ examine the primary disadvantages and advantages of using a diesel generator. We’ll start with the negatives first.
Diesel Disadvantages
- Engine noise is higher on a diesel generators compared to gas units
- Diesel generators are heavier than gas units and typically require more planning to set-up, load and unload
- To reduce pollution, some localities prohibit diesel engines from operating over a prescribed number of hours
- Some localities demand double-wall containment on, on-board fuel tanks, which increases costs
- Installing large diesel fuel storage tanks raises cost of diesel generator systems
- Light loads can cause a diesel generator to experience “wet stacking.” This causes the engine to run rough and smoke.
Diesel Advantages
- Of all of the fuel sources diesel is the least flammable
- Diesel generators require less maintenance than gas generators
- The rise heat in diesel units are lower than gas units
- Diesel generators are more rugged and reliable than other generators
- There is no sparking as the fuel auto-ignites
- Designed to work under a load for long periods
- Modern diesel generators have overcome the noise issues of their predecessors
- Can operate in sub-artic conditions with proper fuel additive
- Diesel generators have a significantly longer life compared with gas units
- Diesel generators have lower maintenance costs
- Fuel is easier to obtain during disasters
- Onsite fuel delivery is available
The Primary Usage?
Diesel generators by far, remain the number one choice for standby and emergency power systems even before you factor in today’s increasing gas fuel prices. Diesel generators can be used to supply power to a vast array of situations including: recreational vehicles, homes, mining industry, telecommunications, underground, marine and agricultural applications, hospitals, industrial plants and commercial buildings.
Although they are built for large loads, the modern diesel generators are designed to comfortably handle small loads without wet stacking. Diesel generators come in both single-phase power and three-phase power generators and are designed to suit and meet virtually any need.
