Diesel Generator Selection CriteriaFor a start, the diesel generator is not your discount store type of generator. They are designed to give long operational life, they are heavy duty, and are regarded as low maintenance, and over their lifetime they are more than worth the extra you pay at purchase. If this sounds like the type of generator that you are looking for, then please read on. The diesel generator is often referred to as a genset. What sets them apart from their gasoline powered cousins is that they are extremely rugged, and provide a high quality non-fluctuating power source. Often the diesel generator is "green", meaning that it has been able to meet strict environmental pollution standards. The portable diesel generator is generally a compact unit which you are able to move easily to where it is needed. It is not unreasonable to expect a diesel generator to run at least 10 hours on one tank full.
When choosing a diesel generator you are going to be given many options, such as - engine speed, automatic idle, stealth operation (essential for noise sensitive areas such as campgrounds and residential areas), optional remote control - which believe me you will appreciate, and things like extra fuel storage. Because buying a diesel generator is a substantial investment, it is important that you spend some time going through the different makes and models and identify which ones best suit your needs. Units can vary from just a couple of thousand watts right up to 60 KW for the continuous stationary units. The home back-up diesel generator of around 5000 watts even though they are considered the babies of the diesel generator family are still built to last, and will give you years of trouble free service. The more money you are able to outlay on your purchase of a diesel generator the more you will receive for your dollar. When you are looking at handing over around $10,000 then you expect to receive value for money. This is not a small purchase. This type of generator is usually meant for continuous use, however they are just as well suited to standby or intermittent situations. You would expect to have a noise and weather enclosure and a large fuel tank. Many people ask whether the advantages of a diesel generator really do outweigh the price. Some of the advantages are: 1. Least flammable of all the fuel sources which is a consideration when you need to keep stores on hand. 2. During a disaster it will be easier to obtain diesel because it is the necessary fuel for the military and trucking. 3. The engine life for a liquid-cooled 1800 RPM diesel generator is around 20,000 hours - the higher speed 3600 RPM diesel generator will normally have around 10,000 to 15,000 hour life expectance. 4. This type of generator is less expensive to run. 5. Can operate on farm/construction diesel fuel which is sold without road tax. 6. The engine of a diesel generator is designed to work under a heavy load, and in fact you will get best fuel efficiency if it is running around 70 - 80% loaded. 5. Can operate in sub-artic conditions as long as the correct fuel additive has been used. 6. For high use situations, the cost of operation is much lower than gasoline driven generators. The diesel generator really is the prince of all the different types of generators. Built to last, reliable and efficient means that it will be one type of generator that is going to be with you for many years to come. |
