Parts of a diesel generator and their functions.

We all know that a diesel generator is used as a source of backup when supply of power is not constant. They have assumed great importance and have almost become a necessity for households and companies in areas where there is a shortage of electrical supply. Given the promising nature of a diesel generator, we all have at some point used it or at least have known its merits. But have we ever tried to understand what are the various parts that power the diesel generator and help it function?

Let us look at some of the main components of a diesel generator and their functions:

1.       Engine – The heart of the system

The function of the engine is to create the mechanical energy that the diesel generator converts into electricity. The design of the engine is aimed at generating a maximum supply of electrical current by running on diesel or other alternate fuels.

2.       A comprehensive fuel system

Generators that run on diesel or any other fuel, have a fuel system that stores and pumps it to the engine. The tank stores a good amount of fuel to power the generator for several hours at a stretch. A fuel pipe in the system connects the tank to the engine while a return pipe connects the engine to the fuel tank for the return of fuel. A fuel pump moves fuel from the tank through fuel pipe and to the engine. There is a fuel filter which filters out debris from the fuel, if any before delivering it to the engine. A fuel injector atomizes and injects the fuel directly into the combustion chamber of the engine.

3.       An alternator

The alternator in a diesel generator converts mechanical energy produced by the engine into electrical current. It comprises of the stator and the rotor (or armature). The stator is stationary and contains a set of coils that conduct electricity. The rotor moves to create a constantly rotating electromagnetic field around the stator.

4.       Voltage Regulator

The alternator may generate electrical voltage but the level of voltage needs to be regulated that is suitable for practical use. Voltage regulator is an electrical regulator that maintains a constant level of voltage.

5.       Impeccable cooling and exhaust systems

The temperature of a diesel generator must be regulated to prevent overheating while being used. Generators can use a fan, coolant or both to control the temperature of the generator at work. The internal combustion engines are usually cooled by passing engine coolant through the engine block. The generator also produces exhaust as the combustion chamber converts fuel. There are exhaust systems that dispel harmful gases emitted.

6.       Lubrication system

A diesel generator comprises of various moving parts. These parts need to be oiled for their smooth functioning. The lubrication system ensures that the parts are well oiled and functioning at their best.

7.       Acoustic Enclosure

Being a mechanical product with many moving parts, a diesel engine makes lot of noise during its operation. In order to control the noise emission, the engine and alternator assembly is housed in a soundproof canopy having sound absorbent material from inside. As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the maximum noise emission from a generator should not exceed 75 dBA from 1 m distance from the canopy.

For more information about diesel generators, please visit: http://www.mahindrapowerol.com/  or

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ENERGY INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS

In today’s era, energy demands are exponentially high and energy resources are depleting rapidly. It’s now time to come up with some innovative and brilliant ideas to generate environment friendly and low cost energy without utilizing the already becoming extinct energy resources. The following list is a compilation of some excellent ways to generate power.

·         Cycling to generate electricity - The Crown Plaza Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, was the first one who came forward with an exciting and innovative way to generate power. They offer a free meal to any guest who produces electricity for the hotel on an exercise bike attached to a generator. The guests have to produce at least 10 watt hours of electricity which is around 15 minutes of cycling to get a meal vouchers worth $36 (26 euros). This system gives health benefits as a byproduct to the generated electricity. The energy produced can generate energy to run a laptop for approximately 30 minutes. The idea is easy to implement and can be implemented by anyone on an individual’s level.

·         Car washing - The innovative device designed by Vandenbussche, POWA Water Generator, is a small turbine that is placed in between the hosepipe used to wash to cars or water the lawn. As the water rushes through the pipe, the blades of the small turbine turn and generate electricity. This company envisioned the system to charge the batteries of the electric cars but this electricity can be used for other purposes also.

·         Dancing on Floor of a Club - Till date it has been known that clubs are the maximum consumers of electricity as the music and the lighting systems consume a lot of power on daily basis. Now the clubs are an excellent place to generate power too. The idea was implemented by a club, Bar Surya, in London, that re-outfitted its floor with springs. The springs when compressed by dancers, produce electrical current. This current is stored in batteries and consumed to run the devices in the club. The dance floor can now power 60 percent of the club’s energy needs.

·         Exhaust of a Vehicle - The unconsumed fuel of the vehicle comes out from the exhaust in the form of heat. This heat can be harnessed to generate electricity. Thermoelectric generators convert heat into electrical energy by making use of a temperature gradient. The greater the temperature difference, the more current can be produced. Researchers say that the temperature difference between the exhaust pipe and a pipe carrying engine cooling fluid can thus be several hundred degrees Celsius. This temperature difference is used to generate current. This electricity can cover a fairly good proportion of car’s power requirements.

·         Solar Panels on Rooftops - An interesting way to generate electricity is by covering the roof of the house with a layer of solar panels. These panels serve dual purpose as they in addition to generating electricity provide insulation and lower the temperature of the house. The panels can also be placed in the backyard.

New and further developments have taken place in the domain of energy and power generation by various industries. The use of cutting-edge technology for fossil fuel generation has been made possible by one such technology known as the CO2 Capture and Storage technology which aims at impacting the environment in minimal ways.

CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) technology is a totally innovative process. Firstly, CO₂ is separated from other gases produced in coal-fuelled plants, and then it is captured and transported to storage sites. Thus, the carbon dioxide produced in plants is seized and trapped in geological formations, such as depleted gas and oil reservoirs and deep saline aquifers.