Emergency standby diesel generators are specially designed to respond to sudden power outages; Emergency standby diesel generators, such as those used in hospitals and water plants, are, as a secondary function, widely used in the US and, in the recent past, in Great Britain to support the respective national grids at times for a variety of reasons.
In the UK, the tenders known as the Short Term Operating Reserve have exhibited quite variable prices, and from 2012 the volume of demand-side participation, which mainly entails the use of on-site diesels, has dropped as the tendered prices fell.
Some 0.5-GWe of diesels have at times been used to support the National Grid, whose peak load is about 60-GW. These are sets in the size range of 200-kW to 2-MW. This usually occurs during, for example, the sudden loss of a large conventional 660-MW plant, or a sudden unexpected rise in power demand eroding the normal spinning reserve available.
Diesel Generator Power Technology
These generators produce electricity by burning diesel, providing a reliable backup power source to ensure normal power supply in emergency situations.
1. Principle
Emergency diesel generators generate electricity using the internal combustion engine principle. When the generator starts, diesel is delivered to the engine via the fuel system. It is then compressed and ignited in the cylinder, creating explosive force that drives the piston and rotates the crankshaft. The crankshaft’s rotational movement is converted into electrical energy through the connected generator unit, providing the necessary power to users.
2. Advantages
Emergency diesel generators have many advantages over other backup power equipment. They are simple in structure and easy to use, requiring only regular maintenance to ensure the engine runs smoothly. Diesel, as a fuel, is relatively easy to obtain. The exhaust emissions from diesel combustion are relatively eco-friendly, and the high combustion efficiency allows for more effective conversion to electrical output. Diesel generators have significant power output, meeting the electrical needs of households, commercial, and industrial applications. They can provide stable power to an entire building or area during an outage, ensuring normal operations. Additionally, emergency diesel generators are highly reliable, featuring advanced technology and stable components, offering a long service life and continuous, stable power supply in emergencies.
3. Application Areas
Emergency diesel generators are widely used across various fields, playing a crucial role during sudden or scheduled power outages. For instance, in homes, they can supply power, allowing residents to maintain normal life and use essential appliances during outages. In commercial areas, they provide backup power to malls, hotels, and restaurants, ensuring business operations continue uninterrupted, preventing economic losses. In public facilities like medical institutions and schools, they ensure medical and educational equipment runs smoothly, guaranteeing safety and normal operations during emergencies.
4. Maintenance
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep emergency diesel generators in good working condition. This includes regularly changing the oil and filters to maintain engine lubrication and cleanliness. Additionally, the fuel system should be inspected and cleaned to ensure smooth fuel flow. Regular checks on the power, cooling, and exhaust systems are also required to ensure normal operation. When the generator is not used for long periods, it should be kept dry and periodically test-run to maintain stable performance.
As a backup power source for sudden outages, emergency diesel generators offer advantages such as simplicity, convenience, and reliability. They are widely used in households, commercial, and public areas, providing crucial power assurance. Regular maintenance can extend the generator’s service life and enhance performance stability. The important role of emergency diesel generators during sudden power outages cannot be overlooked, providing reliable support for people’s daily lives and work.
