Diesel Generator

The diesel generator sets are well know for efficiency and longevity ... in on highway truck applications one million miles before overhaul is common. Fuel efficiency of a diesel generator vs. a comparable gasoline generator can be as much as three times less!

How does a diesel generator engine work?

Gasoline engines operate on spark ignition, diesel engines fire on compression ignition for igniting the fuel. In a diesel engine, air and the fuel are pumped into the engine at different cycles. In a gasonline engine, a mixture of air and gas are injected into the combustion chamber and then compressed. The air and fuel mixture limits fuel compression and thus the overall efficiency.

A diesel engine compresses air only and the compression ratio can be much higher. A diesel engine compresses at ratios up to 25:1, while in a gasonline engine the compression ratio is normally between 8:1 and 12:1.

Air-cooled and liquid-cooled diesel engines were historically offered. However the stricter EPA regulations have eliminated many of the air cooled models. The liquid-cooled diesel generators are quieter and have a more evenly controlled operating temperature thereby increasing engine life.

Advantages of a Diesel Generator Engine

The diesel engine is much more efficient and preferable as compared with gasoline engine due to the following reasons:

Modern diesel generator engines are now very quiet and require less maintenance than gasoline or natural gas fueled generators.

Diesel generator engines are more rugged and reliable (due to the more robust build). There is no sparking as the fuel ignites. The lack of spark plugs or spark wires lowers maintenance costs and improves reliability!

Fuel cost per Watt produced in diesel generator sets is thirty to fifty percent lower than that of natural gas or propane fueled generators.

An 1800 RPM liquid-cooled diesel generator can run from 15,000 to 40,000 hours before any major maintenance is required. A comparable natural gas or propane fueled generator will run from 4,000 - 10,000 hours before it needs replacement

Diesel Generator Features and Kinds

We recommend using diesel generators due to their longevity and lower operating costs. Some of the different kinds of diesel generators we offer are:

1. 1800 rpm water cooled diesel generator operate on average 20-30,000 hours before major engine maintenance is required.

2. 1800 rpm water cooled gas normally operate 6-10,000 hours because they are built on a lighter duty gasoline engine block.

3. 3600 rpm air-cooled gas engines are normally replaced – not overhauled at 500 to 1500 hours.

Because gas engines burn hotter (higher btu of the fuel), you will see significantly shorter lives. Our gensets diesel generator products are from the world’s top manufacturers. We offer products for high-end residential customers with larger homes to industrial and military customers seeking prime power or critical emergency backup diesel generators.