In the modern era, diesel engines are used on a very large scale all over the world. In our daily routine we are using a bus, car, train, and generator, they all machinery work’s on diesel engines. And not only transportation services but all small or big industries also use this engine. Because of diesel engine efficiency, the maximum industry uses this. But one of the very common questions comes to our mind, why are industrial diesel engines so efficient and what is diesel engine efficiency.
In this blog, we are helping you to find out answers to very common questions related to diesel engines, like what is a diesel engine, why diesel engines are so efficient, types, and features of diesel engines.
A diesel engine was invented in 1892, by Mr. Rudolf Diesel. Based on his invention, this engine got his name.
What is Diesel Engine
Diesel engines are compression ignition engines or we can say this engine is a type of internal combustion engine. The fuel of the diesel engine ignited and exposed suddenly. This process will generate high temperature and pressure of compressed gas, which maintains the efficiency of diesel engines.
In our alternative energy source, Maybe the traditional diesel generators do not fit into our definition. But this power backup generator is still a great addition to the remote power or grid backup system.
We have been using industrial diesel engine generators as power generation equipment in the oil and gas industry, for more than a century. The reason for success is because of its internal combustion solution. This will help to increase diesel engine efficiency and decrease fuel consumption.
Because of this valuable feature, diesel generators are still a prime choice of customers after it’s noise pollution. To control its noise & air pollution using the emission control system is one of the better options.
Types of Diesel Engine
The types of diesel engine present in mainly two classes, two-stroke diesel engine, and four-stroke diesel engine.
Two-stroke engines are used in large or heavy diesel engines. Apart from that, the four-stroke cycle is used by maximum diesel engines.
The generators either produce single-phase power or three-phase power. Most home generators require a single-phase connection. But the industrial generator or generator which is used for commercial purposes uses a three-phase connection.
The recommendation of diesel generators, because of their low maintenance cost and longevity. After 1950, the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has improvised emission standards for diesel generators to control pollutants which prepares plans to improve and implement air quality by decreasing harmful and injurious emissions. The modern diesel engine generators are different as compared to the previous version, because of it’s low noise pollution and lower operating cost.
Why industrial diesel engine is more efficient?
The internal combustion diesel engine ignites nuclear fuel through injection into a combustion chamber. The compressed air in the cylinder is at an elevated temperature so that instantaneous combustion occurs without the need for a spark ignition source.
The internal combustion of diesel engines has the highest thermal efficiency. With its high energy content (density), diesel saves more war than burning the same level of gasoline. Diesel fuel flames cleaner than gasoline.
Fuel prices per kW produced with diesel engines are much lower than those of other engine fuel types. With its high energy density, fuel consumption is low. The result is that diesel engines have fuel efficiency that is normally 30 to 50% lower than gas units.
Industrial Diesel Engine Efficiency Features and advantages
From the start of their industrial use, diesel engines have continuously made a great improvement in its features. They also overcome their earlier disadvantages like noise pollution and operating cost.
- Compared to gasoline, the compression ratio of diesel engines is always higher. This combines the development of high peak pressure inside the combustion chamber and, therefore, on the crankshaft.
- The spark will ignite in the gas engine due to compresses of the fuel-air mixture. A diesel engine compresses the air to such a high pressure and temperature that ignition occurs with the fuel not requiring a spark.
- The piston stroke occurs in a diesel engine to compress the air more. Diesel burns consistently and quickly compared to gasoline. So, for one liter of fuel, you have more energy in diesel.
- Diesel engines are used for electric Genset because of its low maintenance cost. The low operating temperature and no absence of spark ignition system, the engine are easy and simple in use.
- The elimination of the electrical ignition system reduces any parasitic load, because of this feature reliability of diesel engines is enhanced.
- The diesel engine can work for a long time. Because of its long-running durability feature, the diesel engine power backup is one of the prime choices of customers.
For example, one 20000 rpm water-cooled diesel unit can operate for 13,000 to 32,000 hours without any major maintenance. That same rpm water-cooled gas unit typically operates for only 8000-12,000 hours before it needs servicing.
If the diesel engine is so efficient, why it is not the first choice for everyone?
Day by day, the improvement of diesel engines has set a new example. But the natural gas or propane fuel engines, allow them to compete with diesel for use in rugged and remote services.
The cost of diesel fuel and availability is also one major factor. Because compared to diesel fuel, natural gas is less expensive.
The storage, transportation, fuel spills possibility, and the risk of unavailability is also a few major factors that affect relying on diesel. The diesel engine lifespan and the noise factor make them impractical in some environments. For example hospitals, libraries, and other populated areas.
Apart from that, the use of diesel engines is wide-scale, because of its lots of advantages. With the use of new technology in diesel engines, the gap between the natural gas engine and diesel engine will be no longer so clearly defined.
The major site who uses industrial diesel engine generators.
List of the sites that use diesel engines generator for power backup.
- Mines
- Health-care
- Commercial
- Oil & Gas Industries
- Telecom
- Data centers
- Telecom
- Construction
Apart from that, few other sites or manufacturing units use industrial power backup in their workplace.
Conclusion
In this article, we have provided information on why industrial diesel engines are so efficient. I hope you will understand the relevant information like what is a diesel engine, the types of diesel engines, and the efficiency factor of the diesel engine.
The popularity of diesel engines is mainly based on their few unique features and the efficiency of diesel engines is one major advantage. The diesel engine generator can provide extra durability as compared to other fuel engine generators.