The modern diesel generator combines two different dynamics to produce electricity. The diesel engine is directly combined with the alternator, making them look like a single unit with all its parts in sync. The physics behind it is actually quite simple. First, the diesel engine uses an internal combustion dynamic to produce huge amounts of mechanical energy. The alternator is responsible for converting the mechanical energy coming out of the engine into electric energy that can then be used by it. There are control panels in place to ensure that the power generated from the generator is as stable as possible.
The diesel generator is the most popular generator amongst consumers, and with good reason. The efficiency and affordability of diesel as a fuel beats all other types of fuel by a great margin. As mentioned on Krugerpower, you can easily calculate the fuel consumption of your generator by taking into consideration generator size and load. If you compare diesel with another popular fuel like gasoline, you will notice that diesel has a much higher energy density than its counterpart. As a consumer, there are some things that you can do to increase the efficiency of the generator while keeping it maintained.
1. Never Forget the Routine General Inspection
The exhaust, fuel, and electric systems, in addition to the engine, are usually the main focus of any routine inspection. These systems carry a risk of leaking hazardous materials that can quickly escalate into a real problem if it’s not dealt with quickly. This is pretty common with any generators or motors that use internal combustion systems to produce energy. The massive power of these engines makes their lives pretty short if they’re not regularly maintained, which is why you should never leave your engine for more than 6 months without a general inspection, to ensure its efficiency and safety. Is advised to conduct the standard oil changing is advised at the 500-hour mark of operation.
2. Lubricating the Generator
First, you will need to check the oil as you shut down the generator using the standard dipstick. Leave the generator to cool down a bit and wait as the oil in the upper section drains back. You’ll have to use the generator’s manual to decide whether the oil is at the right viscosity. It shouldn’t be hard to keep the oil close to the standard mark on the dipstick by adding oil of the same brand every time you lubricate the generator. Do not forget that oils and filters are required to be replaced after a certain point, determined by the manufacturer of the engine. Draining the oil and changing the filter aren’t hard but some generators are a bit different than others, so you should refer to the manual.
3. Checking on the Cooling System
Similar to the oil check, the coolant check should be done during the shutdown period of the generator. Once the engine is cool to the touch, remove the coolant cap to add coolant fluid until it reaches ¾ of an inch. If the generator you own is heavy-duty, it will need a balanced mixture of coolant, water, antifreeze, and other additives. It’s advisable to carefully watch for any obstructions on the radiator because it can reduce the cooling capability of the generator. You can use low-pressure compressed air or regular water to clean the radiator without damaging the fins.
4. Fuel Check
Unfortunately, diesel is vulnerable to contamination and corrosion, and it shouldn’t take more than a year for it to degrade. This simply means that stored diesel should be used as soon as possible, not to mention that you need to avoid storing too much fuel you don’t need. The fuel filters pick up many diesel contaminants, which means that if it’s not cleaned within the standard interval, it can degrade the fuel quickly. If you have a lot of stored fuel that you’re not going to use any time soon, then you should perform fuel polishing every 3 to 6 months. General inspections already include some preventative maintenance like checking charge-air cooler pipes for any leaks or debris that could cause loose wires or radiator issues.
5. Battery Tests
If you ever had a standby power system failure, most likely the culprit was an undercharged battery. The battery of the generator needs to stay fully charged at all times because if it fails, the whole system won’t operate. A quick inspection of the battery should include cleaning them and measuring the specific gravity and electrolyte levels. Testing the batteries shouldn’t be exclusively about checking the output voltage, as this doesn’t help us know if the battery has enough power to start the generator. The best and most accurate battery test is done under load because aging batteries have current flow resistance. If you have a new modern generator, it can automatically test the batteries and give you the results each time you start it. If your generator is old, you may need a manual battery load tester.
6. Engine Exercise
Just like we exercise to keep our bodies healthy and prepared, engines can also be exercised to keep them lubricated and avoid oxidation of electrical parts. It will also use the fuel stored inside for a long time before it deteriorates, ensuring that the engine starts reliably every time. Engine exercise should be done at least one or two times every 30 days for half an hour. Make sure that the engine exercises more than one-third of its power rating.
7. Cleanliness Inspection
This is one of the easiest techniques used to ensure that your generator is running smoothly and properly. Since oil drips and leaks are quite easy to spot with a visual inspection since their color is usually dark. These regular cleanliness inspections will also ensure that there are no insect nests inside. Generators that are used frequently require these inspections more than generators that have been idle for a long time.
8. Exhaust Systems
The exhaust line is a very important system in diesel generators; leaks occurring from exhaust lines greatly affect connection points and metallic welds. It’s recommended that you use a professional technician to check up on your generator if you suspect that there is a problem with the exhaust line. If your generator is a standby generator, you probably won’t encounter any problems with the exhaust line, but you should always be wary of it to keep your generator at tip-top shape.
Most of these techniques are dependent on keeping a regular maintenance routine on the most important systems to ensure its smooth run. Not only do the previously mentioned techniques increase your generator’s longevity, but they also ensure that it’s always running at its full potential.
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