Tips for Generator Maintenance

Mahindra Powerol gensets are engineered to require as little maintenance as possible. Below are some regular steps that will help improve your gensets’ life and efficiency. 

1. Routine General Inspection :-

When the diesel genset is being operated, several systems need to be closely monitored for leaks. These include exhaust, fuel and DC electrical systems. Since the diesel genset is similar to an internal combustion engine, it is important to check it periodically and ensure that oil is changed after every 100 hours of operation.

2. Lubrication Service :-  

It is essential to check the level of the engine oil. You may let the oil in the upper parts of the engine drain back into the crankcase. It is advisable to keep the oil as close to the full level as possible and follow Mahindra Powerol’s recommendations for API oil classification and viscosity. You should also use the same brand of oil as far as possible. 

Mahindra Powerol has a set of procedures for draining and disposing of the oil in an environment friendly way. 

3. Cooling System :- 

During regular shutdowns, make it a point to check the coolant level. (Remove the radiator cap only after allowing the engine to cool.) The coolant can be a mixture of water, antifreeze and coolant additives. The exterior should be examined for obstructions and all foreign material should be removed with a soft brush. You can also use low-pressure compressed air or a stream of water. 

4. Fuel System :- 

Since diesel is subject to contamination, it is not advisable to use diesel that has been stored for a long time. Water vapour accumulates and condenses in the fuel tank, hence fuel filters should be cleaned at regular intervals. Preventive maintenance should also be undertaken in the form of general inspections and checking of coolant level, oil, fuel and starting systems. 

5. Testing Batteries :- 

One of the most common reasons gensets fail are undercharged batteries, so make sure batteries are charged. It is also advisable to keep batteries clean by wiping them with a damp cloth. 

A battery hydrometer can be used to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each battery cell.  A fully charged battery will have a specific gravity of 1.260 and the battery should be charged if the specific gravity reading is below 1.215.

The level of electrolyte should be verified after every 200 hours of operation. If the level is low, distilled water should be filled to the bottom of the filler neck. 

6. Keep your Generator Clean :- 

It is highly recommended to check your genset periodically and ensure it is kept clean. Hoses and belts are subject to wear and tear - they should also be inspected thoroughly. Sometimes wasps can rest inside, regular checks will take care of such pests. 

Mahindra Powerol offers 25 kVA & 125 kVA Gas gensets, apart from diesel generators ranging from 5 kVA to 625 kVA. To know more about genset maintenance visit us at www.mahindrapowerol.com/ or call us at 1-800-419-1999

The Olden days of Electricity – See The Light

Electricity is known as the crusade or flow of electrically powered instruments. In the most common form used daily, it is generated by other energy sources (primary) therefore it is considered a secondary energy source. Today electricity signifies one of the most widely used forms of energy. Understanding its history helps us to recognize the importance of electricity conservation. 

When was electricity created?

The invention of electricity as we know it today dates back to a series of improvements or discoveries mainly back into the 1800’s. There were several key interpretations starting with static electricity as of 600 BC. From there multiple innovations took place which ultimately led to the creation and distribution of electricity that we have all become adapted to.

History of Electricity – Timeline Leading to Multiple Discoveries and Key Innovations

• Around 600 BC a Greek named Thales discovered static electricity, notion that objects can become electrically charged.
• In 1660 a machine was invented by Otto von Guericke that demonstrated static electricity.
• During 1745-46, Georg Von Kleist developed the first electric capacitor, which stored electricity.
• In 1752, Ben Franklin proved that static electricity and lightning were one of the same. This experiment is known as key tied to a kite string during a thunderstorm.
• In 1800, Alessandro Volta invented the first electric battery. His name was used in creation of the notion of voltage (volt).
• In 1821, the principle of electro-magnetic rotation was discovered by which later is essential for developing the electric motor.
• In 1826, the relationship between power, voltage, current and resistance was defined by Georg Ohm which is now known as Ohms Law.
• In 1831, Michael Faraday led experiments which proved that electricity can be induced by changes in an electromagnetic field. These experiments about how (electricity) current led to understanding of electrical transformers and motors.
• In 1837, the electric motor was invented by Thomas Davenport which is now common in many electrical appliances.
• In 1878-79, the Edison Electric Light Co. was founded by Thomas Edison, which after purchasing several patents, began experiments which led to the creation of a long lasting incandescent light bulb which originally lasted for about 40 hours. As of 1880, they were lasting for about 1200 hours.
• In 1879, the California Electric Light Company was founded which is known as the first company providing and selling electricity to households in San Francisco.
• In 1882, the Pearl Street Power Station in New York City was opened by Thomas Edison, which could power about 5,000 lights using direct current (DC). During the same period, the first hydroelectric station was opened in Wisconsin.
• In 1884, an electric alternator for producing alternating current (AC) was invented by Nikola Tesla. During the same period a steam turbine generator was invented by Sir Charles Algernon Parsons.
• In 1893, an alternating current (AC) system to light the Chicago World's Fair was put into place by The Westinghouse Electric Company.
• During 1895-1896, The Niagara Falls hydro-power station opened in the US.
• In 1935, the Roosevelt Administration passed the “New Deal" legislation designed to regulate public utilities and bring electricity to rural America.

 

Sources: US Department of Energy & Electricity Conservation Blog

Energy Conservation – Test your awareness

These days, saving energy is everybody’s business.  See the light blog provides one and all a chance to share thoughts about how to save energy and help the atmosphere.  When it comes to energy saving – each one of us has a different idea & perception on conservation. So we decided to plan up a short electricity conservation quiz.

 

Test your energy efficiency knowledge by taking our quiz:

1) Which uses the most energy in homes each year?

a. Refrigerator

b. Heating and cooling

c. Water heater

d. Light bulbs

2) What temperature should your refrigerator be at to ensure safety and efficient operations?

a. 37°F

b. 52°F

c. -32°F

d. 10°F

3) A Compact Fluorescent Light bulb uses ___% less energy than a typical incandescent bulb.

a. 25%

b. 50%

c. 75%

d. 95%

4) An electrically heated house has to be better insulated than a home heated with oil or gas. True or False

5) How long does it take for a 100-watt light bulb to consumer 100 watts of energy?

a. 1 minute

b. 1 hour

c. 24 hours

6) The cost of heating water for you home may amount to as much as what percent of your entire utility bill?

a. 5-10%

b. 15-20%

c. 25-30%

7) What label is a sign of energy efficient appliances and homes?

8) A cell phone charger is using electricity when it’s plugged in but not charging the phone. True or False?

9) Turn off computers when not in use. Did you know that a laptop uses __% less energy than a typical desktop?

a. 15%

b. 50%

c. 75%

d. 90%

Leave your answers as comments below. 

Answers to this quiz will be posted in our next post… Good Luck!

Diwali – Celebrate it safely

Diwali a festival of Light, a day to spent a pleasant time with family & friends. Diwali is a night to overcome from the darkness to live a life of light. People rejoice this festival to share their love & affection with each other.

Diwali, along with all its glitter & sweets, brings some responsibility to our shoulders. We often do not realize the likely hazard, and therefore overlook even the most primary precautions. Caution and proper care can ensure a safe and fun-filled Diwali. So we thought of sharing with you some tips which will help you celebrate a safe & prosperous Diwali:

• Verify your Fireworks purchase - If you’re buying any firework products, check on their brand name & verify their trade marks. It is always best to purchase products with trade-mark as it guarantees the safety to certain extent. 

• Take Precaution while bursting crackers - Don’t leave kids alone. Kids often tend to go near the fireworks and hurt themselves. It is advisable to supervise their actions while bursting fire-crackers to avoid mishaps. 

• Take Care of your clothing - Choose to wear cotton dresses instead of nylon & other materials as they can easily attract fire while bursting crackers. 

• Burst Fire-crackers only on open ground - Ensure proper distance from the firecrackers. Make sure you burst the crackers away from electric poles & electric boxes to avoid calamities.

Diwali, the festival of lights, brings fun and togetherness. For children, fireworks, new clothes and sweets make this fiesta the most awaited of the year. Awkwardly, damages from fireworks spoil the fun for many families – and though Diwali is a day off for most of us, fire departments and hospitals around the country are on continuous alert to tackle the various accidents that are caused due to fireworks. 

Light up your life with Diwali! And celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Wishing you all a Happy & Safe Diwali!