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What are Diesel Generators?
We have to thank Rudolf Diesel who issued a patent for a proposed engine back in 1892 for this radical form of power plant and he eventually got the patent approved in 1898.
His aim was to provide a convenient mobile internal combustion engine that would run efficiently in any conditions. Although he had in mind the newly invented automobile, Rudolf Diesel was looking at the use in industry to move heavy loads and provide independent power for factories that had, up until that time, been using steam and water power.
It was Rudolf Diesel the father of Diesel Generators, who proved that fuel could be ignited without the requirement of a spark. This is particularly useful when requiring power in confined or dangerous areas, such as fuel depots, ships, submarines and factories. When compared with petrol engines, diesel power plants are far more cost effect as they provide more power from each litre of fuel as well as using at least 50% less fuel than an equivalent petrol driven engine.
One hundred years later his designs have been significantly improved, although the basic engineering philosophy remains the same.
Diesel Generators are the most common form of mobile or standby power in the world. The recent surge in Asian growth, especially in China, has seen the renaissance of the diesel generator.
Available in sizes from 5kVA up to 5 Megawatts, diesel generators are the back bone of world wide industry.
Standby Diesel Generators are commonly used by major hospitals, military forces, government buildings, data centres, banks and distribution networks to protect their critical systems from power failures caused by power outages.
Companies such as Volvo and Scania, famous for their indestructible trucks, have also long been synonymous with manufacturing powerful Diesel Generators for use in Cruise Liners, Factories and as Standby Generators.
Diesel generators can work at altitudes impossible for any other form of power plant. Temperatures too cold for other forms of power are easily accommodated by diesel generators because they have a built-in water heater to keep the vital parts and the oils warm 24-7, enabling this modern day work horse to continue around the clock.
Treated kindly, a diesel generator will out last any other form of power plant. Regular maintenance, oil changes, replacement injectors, etc., will guarantee 30, 40 of even 50 years of service - out living the work force it protects.
When a disaster happens, it's diesel generators that are airlifted to help the needy.
The world owes a debt to Rudolf Diesel. He was famous in life and a legend in death.
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