| A diesel generator is composed of a diesel | | | | and mess hall refrigeration. Today it could |
| engine and an alternator or an electrical | | | | be quite a bit more considering the new |
| generator, which converts the power created | | | | technology. |
| by the engine (expressed in RPM, revolutions | | | | |
| per minute) into the required voltage for | | | | When you decide to provide power through |
| homes, industry and remote work sites. The | | | | diesel generators then you should consider |
| need for power for homes and sites, which are | | | | whether you need a backup. The power of the |
| not connected, to a power grid is a growing | | | | generator is rated at 50% engine speed. The |
| need throughout the world. Remote areas of | | | | 30 kW diesel generator actually operates |
| Central and South America are no longer too | | | | safely at 25 kW at 1800 rpm for prolonged |
| poor to afford electrical power but not at | | | | periods of time. It would be safer if the |
| the stage to built vast hydroelectric | | | | home or ranch had two generators scheduled to |
| projects or large power grids. | | | | operate in an alternating schedule of 12 |
| | | | hours each. This would ensure that the proper |
| They can afford to build local village | | | | maintenance and care could be given the |
| electrical power plants, which can meet the | | | | generators while providing continuous power. |
| modern needs of the people until the modern | | | | Other considerations in selecting a power |
| power grid can reach out to them. There are | | | | generator involve selecting one that is a |
| places in the United States that are | | | | four-cycle, water-cooled industrial diesel |
| developing ahead of the ability of the local | | | | generator. |
| power company to expand; other places | | | | |
| throughout the world are at the edge of | | | | A water-cooled generator operates more |
| civilization. All of these require power for | | | | quietly than an air-cooled and it lasts |
| business, commerce, medical treatment | | | | longer. There are two electrical systems |
| facilities and communication. The price of | | | | involved with a diesel generator, the DC |
| the modern diesel generator, the new | | | | (direct current) and the AC (alternating |
| technology incorporated into these units and | | | | current) systems. The recommended DC system |
| their availability throughout the world make | | | | should have a starter motor with a |
| them an immediate solution. | | | | battery-charging alternator with a |
| | | | solid-state voltage regulator. It should have |
| Homes and ranches, villages and towns and | | | | an engine pre-heat electric switch and start |
| remote sites should create a power needs list | | | | stop switch. |
| that includes every appliance in the home, | | | | |
| business, school and public facility in order | | | | It should have an emergency engine shutdown |
| to determine the wattage needed. After this | | | | system to protect the engine in case of oil |
| the home or ranch owner, city engineer or | | | | pressure loss, excessive generator speed, |
| site foreman can select the proper sized | | | | over cranking and engine high water |
| diesel generator. Every diesel generator is | | | | temperature. Finally, it should have DC |
| rated at how many kilowatts of power it | | | | electric system breakers. Make sure that the |
| produces. If the home or ranch requires 22 kW | | | | AC system is a four-pole revolving field and |
| to 25 kW then the sized generator should be | | | | is has an AVR (automatic voltage regulator). |
| at least a 30kW. A brigade sized army unit | | | | These generators will provide power that is |
| twenty years ago used a diesel generator(s) | | | | within -+2% as compared to utility company |
| rated at 90 kW but its' needs were lighting | | | | variation, which is -+5%. |