Everything You Want To Know About A Diesel Generator

The loud rumbling of a diesel engine is a thing of the past. In fact, Diesel Generators are one of the most cost-effective, efficient and quiet units you can buy. That's right - quiet. Here, we reveal how diesel Generators are raising the bar on power:

[caption id="attachment_159" align="aligncenter" width="391"] Subaru Diesel Generator[/caption] The Technical Bit How exactly does a Diesel Generator work? It all comes down to the type of ignition. Petrol engines operate on spark ignition while diesel engines employ compression ignition for igniting the fuel. In a diesel engine, this means air is drawn into the engine where high compression heats it. This results in a much higher temperature in the diesel engine than that in a petrol engine. The temperature and pressure combined ignites the diesel in the engine. Another major difference between diesel engines and petrol engines is that in a diesel engine, air and fuel are infused into the engine at different stages. An injector injects fuel into the diesel engine. In a petrol engine, on the other hand, air and gas are sent to the engine together and then compressed. Just like with petrol engines, there are different types of diesel engines. You can choose from either a two cycle or four cycle, and air-cooled or liquid-cooled. Diesel Generator Advantages Diesel Generators generally offer better value for money and higher efficiency than Petrol Generators. Here's why:

• Better Value for Money: Diesel fuel might be priced moderately higher than petrol but it contains more energy than the same volume of petrol. This means you get more bang for your buck. When it comes to fuel consumption, Diesel Generators burn about half the fuel that a Petrol Generator does. This means fuel cost per KiloWatt of power produced can be a massive 30 to 50% lower than that of petrol engines. This advantage can be offset somewhat depending upon what the current price of diesel is, but you can expect a diesel generator to costs less over time to use.
• Portable Power: While petrol and Diesel Generators are generally built the same, featuring portable and lightweight designs, a diesel generator is arguably a better investment in a portable form. Why? Because it provides more power while using less fuel.

[caption id="attachment_175" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Himoinsa 5kVA Diesel Generator[/caption]

• Just as Quiet: Thanks to the technological prowess of the likes of Honda, Kohler, Vanguard, Hyundai and Crommelins, the latest diesel generators are whisper quiet and require less maintenance than their petrol counterparts.

• Safer: If you read The Technical Bit (just scroll up...), you'll know that diesel engines don't start with a spark ignition - the fuel auto-ignites. This is a lot safer than a gasoline engine, since there is no spark that could cause an explosion.

• ...and Low Maintenance: It also means lower maintenance costs, as there are no spark plugs or spark wires to worry about.

• Longer Life: Petrol units get to a higher temperature than Diesel Generators, which can ultimately lead to more wear and tear on the generator parts and shorten its life span.

[caption id="attachment_160" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Diesel 4 in 1 Generator[/caption] Where to use a Diesel Generator Diesel Powered Generators are put to work in the most rugged Industrial and Commercial applications. While they can be used for small loads, such as camping and 4WD touring, they are particularly suited to larger loads found in construction and Mining sites. Like petrol generators, they are available in various specifications and sizes, and can be customised for specific applications. For more information on diesel generators, visit My Generator.

DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.