Learn about Diesel Generator – Pros & Cons

Comforts and privileged standard of living are dear to everyone, and no one likes to be stuck in a situation with no electricity, Wi-Fi, or basic amenities available in almost every house.

Power and electricity are an indispensable part of our lives, and there is no denying the fact that we cannot live without them.

So why compromise when it comes to access sources of power backup? This is where Portable Generators come into action.

In this article, we are going to know specifically about portable diesel generators, their features, pros, and cons, and why you should buy them.

What is a Diesel Generator?

As apparent from the term itself, diesel generator implies a generator providing electricity, which uses diesel as its primary fuel.

It converts the diesel into electrical energy through the combustion of diesel. It has a longer shelf-life as compared to any other fuel, thus making it easily storable for future purposes.

The type of fuel used in the generator decides its technicalities and functioning criteria, and diesel has its supremacy over other generators in many aspects.

The type of engine used is different in a diesel generator. Diesel generators are well known to take heavy electrical loads without being impaired.

When it comes to power generation, it is highly reliable and worth using.

Features of a Diesel Generator

Now you might be interested to know about some simple characteristics of a generator using diesel as its fuel. Like any other generator, they convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

But there are some things you might want to know in detail, like:

1. They are preferable for a continuous supply of backup power, outdoor events, construction sites, etc.
2. They require periodic maintenance and handling, like lubrication, cleaning, and keeping a check on the parts.
3. A diesel generator is easily available and can be installed for residential purposes too.
4. Conventional generators usually have a problem of noise and vibration, but the newly designed portable diesel generators have covered those flaws successfully.
5. Extensive machinery parts are used in its manufacture.
6. Adequate protection equipment is required for a diesel generator to prevent damage and failure of operation from clogging, leaves, or rain.
7. It is available in many capacity ranges, making them fairly versatile.
8. The model of a diesel generator is slightly bigger than other models.
9. It finds its uses in many of the commercial purposes, like providing electricity back up to restaurants, a vast building, outdoor events, weddings, and departmental stores or shopping malls.
10. An efficiently maintained generator produces 65-70% of the fuel used.

How does a Diesel Generator work?

Let us know in detail how a diesel generator functions and criteria it needs to function:

1. It utilizes the diesel injected in it, by blowing air and its subsequent compression. This procedure generates heat energy, resulting in the combustion of diesel, and the generator starts to work.
2. It can be used extensively for more extensive power requirements for continuous periods. Hence it needs regular maintenance of its parts to avoid failure of operation of any component, which might get troublesome if any technical dysfunction occurs.
3. A generator can be left on operation for hours or weeks or when the power returns. It will ensure a continuous power supply, and you would not need to worry.
4. It is more economical and efficient to use when there is a problem of unknown lost connection and can be used until the problem resolves.
5. All it does is convert chemical energy into electrical energy by using an alternator, putting diesel fuel into use.
6. For using a diesel generator, you will have to ensure that it is fully stocked so that you do not face any adversities in the future if it is put into use.

Pros and Cons of Diesel Generators

Though a diesel generator undoubtedly promises efficiency and undeterred power supply in any use, it still has some drawbacks which you would like to consider before getting one:

Pros:

1. A diesel generator is commercially available, and efficient than any other generator.
2. Diesel has a long shelf-life and does not deteriorate with time like gasoline.
3. There are no environmental hazards of storing diesel. Hence, even if the diesel is stored in the generator indefinitely, it will not bother you.
4. Diesel is less-inflammable, and there is little risk of ignition.
5. It has the attribute of quick start-up, can put up with heavy loads quickly, and is fuel-efficient than many generators.
6. It is easy to operate than petrol generators like propane and gasoline.
7. It can withstand continuous power requirements without halting.
8. More significant and better life-cycle.

Cons:

1. A diesel generator can cost slightly more than other generators.
2. Noise and vibration disturbances.
3. The initial cost can be higher for using a diesel generator.
4. Though it can start up quickly, it can be a problem in winter and monsoon season to get them started.
5. A diesel generator requires more frequent and costly maintenance than any other generator.
6. It requires protective gear and equipment, which can add to subsequent costs.
7. Requires regular inspection of parts to diagnose any potential technical dysfunctions.

Carbon Footprint

Nowadays, it is foolish to be fulfilling one’s desires at the cost of nature, and if you love Mother Nature, you must know the impact of emissions released by a diesel generator if you are thinking of getting one.

Diesel is fuel-efficient, but at the same time, it releases harmful gases into the environment like Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxide, and particulate matter.

This particulate matter. The continuous operation of a diesel generator reduces the air quality of the nearby regions.

Many of the new and evolved models of diesel generators are technically in a bid to reduce these flaws. Still, no generator has been developed, releasing a negligible amount of harmful emissions.

Conclusion:

Now that you know of diesel generator, you can easily decide if you would want to buy one or not.

If you own a business like a restaurant or organize outdoor events, you can buy one. You can also think of buying one if you need it for powering light tools at a construction site.

You will get countless benefits of using it, but at the same time, you will have to incur costs for maintenance and parts.