Diesel Generators are Fuel Efficient
Author: Gail Metcalf
At home portable generators can run on different types of fuel (natural gas, propane, diesel, gasoline). Some models even run on more than one of the aforementioned fuel types, although the dual fuel types of generators are considerably more expensive. The choice of fuel type will depend on how and under what circumstances the generator will be used and how the generator can be maintained. Remote locations require the most dependable units since it could take days for a serviceman to come to make repairs.
Diesel generators do not require frequent maintenance and are designed to function for long hours continuously. The engines are cooled by water and durable (meaning they are heavier, but designed to last two to three times longer), plus they are more dependable than other kinds of generators.
Diesel portable generators use direct injection, therefore they don't use spark plugs and this means they're less likely to ignite fires. Diesel is the least flammable fuel so it is much safer to store and has the longest storage life of all the fuels. It is available at several gas stations and can be carried and stored in fuel cans or can be delivered by a fuel company to your location.
The disadvantages of diesel fuel generators are that they are noisy and smokey, plus they are hard to start in cold weather and require heaters. In some places, the price of diesel fuel may exceed the cost of gasoline.
Diesel portable generators have the same safety concerns that other generators have. Do not operate in a wet environment or while standing in a puddle; do not operate indoors or in an enclosed area; use sufficiently rated electrical cords and do not overload the generator.
Home diesel generators range from 00 to up to 00 for a 15kw model. Larger industrial diesel generators are available in sizes that go up to 2000kw.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/diesel-generators-are-fuel-efficient-46408.html
About the Author
Gail Metcalf provides portable generator information on her Home
Improvement website.
You are not looking very hard,…. Shell Rotella and Chevron Delo are all over the place
What oil should I use on a diesel electric generator?
Hi.
My diesel electric generator has a sticker that says “Change oil every 100hrs. Use 10w-30 grade CC.” But I can’t find this oil anywhere. The closest I have found are 10w-30 Mobil1 synthetic oil (API SM/CF) and 15w-40 Pennzoil gold (with diesel protection, API CJ, CI, CF etc. /SM). Which one should I use?
Thanks!
The relation is very simple:
It is simply the sulphur content of your fuel…
The sulfur that enters the generator depends on the sulfur content of the fuel. What enters is combusted and leaves the motor through the stack as SOx.
Since desulfurization material is difficult to install on every little generator, the removal of the sulfur is done at the refinery which delivers a low sulfur fuel.
what is the relation between sulphur emissions and electric generators that run on diesel?
Can anyone tell me if diesel/petrol generated electric is cheaper than my power supplier, SWALEC, in the UK?
I am looking to save money on the electric/gas bill this winter and am considering a diesel generator to supply domestic power at 240 volts.
Is this practical?
Home made electricity from a generator is more expensive than that from a supplier. They get huge bulk discount on fuel and their equipment is way more efficientt.
But, and this is quite a big but.. if you also use a heat exchanger on the exhaust and use the engine cooling system to heat your house, you win hands down. Think of it as either sightly more expensive electricity and free heating, or slightly more tricky heating and free electricity.
Direct drive is more efficient. The laws of Physics prove that when you transfer energy you lose some in the process.
where is the cheapest place to get a good and cheap diesel electric generator in europe.between 80 and 100kva?
Check on Istanbul, Turkey. Several years ago I was able to get an excellent 500KW generator with a Mercedes diesel and associated switchgear for a 75 man construction camp from there at a very good price. Sorry, I don’t remember the name of the dealer.
What is more efficient. Driving a boat with a diesel direct drive or diesel generator powering electric motor?
The only reason I ask is I’m thinking about how the new Chevy Volt works, and the gas engine powers the generator only, which one would think would be less efficient.