Guide to Buying an Fuel-Efficient Diesel Generator

When the power goes out, your diesel-powered generators become the lifeline for your business keeping it up and running even in case of an emergency. These power support systems ensure that your workforce is safe and comfortable, your machines and other appliances protected, and services uninterrupted. So, you must invest smartly in something that can have such an over-encompassing impact on the well-being of your business. 

There were times when generators were a handy tool to have for an occasional outage, but with increasing power demand and snowballing stress on the grids, generators have now become an essential requirement. 

Climate Central, a non-profit news organization estimated that the US witnessed a 69 percent increase in weather-related outages in the last decade and this has further made investing in the right diesel generator imperative for businesses in all industries. 

But simply buying a diesel generator doesn’t solve the challenges. Purchasing the right generator is what is important and the one that is energy efficient is what your business needs. Here’s a guide to buying a fuel-efficient generator.

What Is Generator Efficiency?

While most machines running on fuel are tested on their fuel efficiency, for diesel engines, fuel efficiency is equal to energy efficiency. The fuel that is used to power the generator ultimately powers your plant. So, the better you utilize the fuel, the better you utilize your energy. How energy efficient your diesel engine is will depend on its size and how much energy it is expected to provide. 

Diesel generators use compression heat from the internal combustion engine instead of a spark ignition to burn the fuel and enjoy a greater thermal efficiency as compared to other kinds of generators. This makes diesel engines extremely energy efficient, especially when it comes to continuous and heavy-duty use. While they are known for their efficiency, how well they perform depends on the situation and how they are utilized. As a thumb rule, it is advised that diesel engines be used to their maximum potential for the highest efficiency. 

Buying A Fuel Efficient Generator

The best way to buy a fuel-efficient generator is to buy the right size depending on your requirement. These generators are available in a variety of sizes and types including portable models in 6kVA to 11kVA variations to 3-phase stationary generators up to 2,000 kVA, or even more. While portable generators are compatible with small-scale industries, trade units, farms, or home backup, 3-phase generators are ideal for large-scale operations requiring intensive and continuous usage. 

Factors That Need Your Due Diligence When Choosing Industrial Grade Diesel Engine

Calculate the Power Needs of Your Business

With the help of a technician, get an estimate of the amount of power that the appliances and machines in your trade unit require to run, in terms of wattage. Based on the same, ensure that you invest in a diesel fuel generator that offers ample wattage, while also having a large enough fuel tank to last during longer outages.

Analyze the Power Needs at a Given Point of Time

Whether you will need to run those appliances and other machines individually or all at once is yet another important factor. In this case, add up the need of each of these appliances/machines to arrive at the total amount of power you’d need from your diesel engine generator.

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Arrive at the Actual Energy Output Required from the Generator

Next, you would need to convert the wattage to kVA. This can be calculated by dividing kW needed by the power output of the generator. Once you have arrived at the right amount of energy and power backup needs for your business, you can calculate the size of the fuel-efficient diesel generators that you might require.

Consider the Size and Capacity of the Diesel Fuel Generator

The fuel efficiency of your diesel generator will highly depend on its size and power output requirement. This is why it is important to consider what size of the diesel fuel generator you purchase. 

The Fuel Efficiency of the Generator

Thanks to technological advancement and design innovations, most diesel engine generators are now extremely fuel-efficient. But that doesn’t mean you pick up any generator. The best practice is to ask a couple of manufacturers for a forecast on a diesel engine generator’s fuel consumption capability before you invest. This way, you can find the diesel engines that fit your requirements, enable fuel savings, and give you the expected performance. 

Now that you know all about energy-efficient diesel generators, we are sure you are in a better position to make an informed decision regarding the diesel engine you wish to buy! If you still need some assistance with the same, you can always get in touch with our experts at Swift Equipment, and we will be more than happy to clarify any doubts that you may have. 

What’s more? We have a wide range of new and used diesel generators for you to choose from! 

So, what are you waiting for? Start browsing and see if you find something that catches your attention. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Fuel Efficiency in Diesel Generators

How Much Fuel Does a Diesel Generator Consume?

Different diesel generators work on different efficiencies, but most modern diesel engines clock fuel consumption at 210 liters of fuel per hour to generate 1000 kVA. So, a 100 kVA generator will use 21 liters of fuel per hour, 200 kVA will use 42 liters of fuel per hour, etc. Most generators come with a fuel tank capacity that enables them to run for 6 to 8 hours, but that capacity can be extended by adding bulk storage tanks. 

How Can I Increase the Fuel Efficiency of my Generators’ Diesel Engines?

All machines, including diesel generators, require timely maintenance and service. If the diesel engines are serviced properly, not only will you incur lower maintenance costs, but the generators will also perform a lot better and will last longer, ultimately paying for their own cost. If the diesel engines in the generators are not serviced periodically, there are chances of them conking off during an emergency costing you heavily. 

What Are the Factors That Impact the Fuel Efficiency of a Generator?

Environmental factors have a lasting impact on the energy efficiency of diesel engines. Factors like altitude, temperature, and humidity can adversely impact its output. Since diesel generators require an adequate amount of air pressure to perform well, varying temperature, humidity, and high altitude impact the air pressure making generators less efficient.