What Are the Different Types of Diesel Generators?

The use of diesel generators is common where there is need for power backup in homes, businesses, industries, constructions sites, and other important institutions. The devices help in converting energy from the fuel in diesel to electrical energy that ensures important machines work.

However, there are many variations of diesel generators based on the capacity, function and size among other aspects.

1. Portable Diesel Generators

Portable diesel generators are relatively small in size and are able to move from one point to another.

They are ideal for instances where there are temporary needs for electrical energy such as in constructions and other outdoor work places.

2. Standby Diesel Generators

Standby generators are set up as backup sources of power in homes, offices, commercial premises and other establishments. They are available to operate when there is failure of the electricity supply.

When connected to the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), the generator will be able to operate automatically during the power failure and provide power to the critical loads.

3. Prime Power Diesel Generators

Prime power generators are designed to operate for long hours and are capable of providing the main source of power when electricity supply from the grid is not available.

These types of generators are mainly used on construction sites, remote areas and industrial plants among other applications.

4. Industrial Diesel Generators

Industrial diesel generators are made for tough and difficult applications that require higher power. They are used in factories, warehouses, data centres, hospitals, infrastructure and commercial buildings.

These generators are made for toughness and reliability in tough conditions.

5. Silent or Acoustic Diesel Generators

Acoustic diesel generators are made to minimize operational noise. It uses acoustic enclosures and noise reduction technologies to minimize operational noise.

These generators are especially suitable for offices, residential buildings, hospitals, hotels and other commercial places.

6. Open diesel generators

Open generators lack any soundproofing around the generator set. Since they are simpler in structure, they are usually placed in specially designated generator rooms or areas where noise is less of an issue.

They may also be suitable for industrial settings where the generator will be placed within a properly designed enclosure or power room.

7. Air-cooled and liquid-cooled diesel generators

The diesel generators may also be grouped according to their cooling mechanisms.

Air-cooled generators employ air in cooling the engine and are suitable for low capacity usage.

Liquid-cooled generators employ coolant systems in the management of engine temperature and are typically suitable for medium and large capacity generators.

How to Select the Suitable Diesel Generator?

   1. There are many criteria for selecting the proper generator, including:

  2. Capacity of required power output

  3. Kind of electrical loads

  4. Operating time

  5. Site and site conditions

  6. Noise criteria

  7. Fuel consumption

  8. Maintenance criteria

  9. Requirements for standby or prime power generation

It is always necessary to estimate the actual load demand prior to selecting a generator, as oversized or undersized generator will influence its performance, fuel consumption and cost of operation.

There are many kinds of diesel generators that can suit different demands and operating conditions. Whether it is a portable, standby, industrial, prime power or silent generator – all have their applications.

Selection of a suitable diesel generator in accordance with your power needs and operating conditions can ensure proper operation and fuel consumption.