What Are the Diesel Generator Components?

You can ensure the continuity of your business with a backup diesel generator.

As each day passes, the nation’s electrical grid becomes more volatile. Nevertheless, businesses become more reliant on electricity as time goes by. A diesel generator can help you eliminate disruptions to your business.

Diesel generators have several advantages compared to other offerings. For instance, they’re more efficient compared to gas-powered generators.

Also, today’s diesel generators are quieter than their predecessors. They also come with lower maintenance costs. Even compared to equivalent gas-powered generators, diesel generators are quieter and require less upkeep.

To learn about typical diesel generator components, read on.

What Is a Diesel Generator?

A diesel generator converts fossil fuel into electrical power. It accomplishes this task with the help of an AC alternator. A diesel generator set up also includes a fuel tank, control panel and radiator.

The motor of a diesel engine spins an alternator creating an AC current. You can then use that current to power electrical equipment.

Different companies and organizations use diesel generators to keep their facilities running. These facilities might include hospitals, factories and schools.

You may also find project managers for large construction sites using a diesel engine to supply power to the location. These various entities may use a diesel generator for backup power or as a main source of energy.

Generators have various power ratings. These ratings fall into four main categories. Those categories include:

• Emergency standby
• Limited time power
• Continuous
• Prime rated power

Each rating correlates with limited operating hours and loads.

When used as a standby, organizations also equip a diesel generator with a transfer switch. The transfer switch shifts the power to the generator if the main power fails.

It’s important to have a transfer switch in place if you’re using a diesel generator for backup. Without this system, your backup generator could fail. In a worst-case scenario, a power outage could lead to a fire without a transfer switch in place.

Main Diesel Generator Components

Diesel engines are the workhorses of commercial properties. Many enterprises rely on them to provide continuous or standby power.

Some diesel generators are so big they wouldn’t fit into a standard residential home. However, not every business needs a generator that large. There’s a diesel generator suitable for every application.

Diesel generators enable you to continue operating important electrical equipment during a power failure. The power required for these items is called a load.

There are many various diesel generator parts. The many parts of generators come together to create an independent source of power that will keep your business running no matter what. However, there are three parts of a generator that are common to all diesel units – the engine, AC alternator and radiator.

Diesel fuel powers the engine of the generator, enabling it to turn a spindle at high velocity. That spindle turns the AC alternator. The alternator then creates electricity to fulfill the electrical load of your facility.

Amidst all this action, a diesel engine gets hot. The radiator helps to keep it from overheating.

Each of the main components of a generator contains many smaller parts. As you look closer into the main components, the design of a diesel engine becomes more complex.

Types of Diesel Generators

A generator can produce nearly any voltage. However, you must choose the right generator for your needs. An exceptional diesel engine supplier can help you determine the correct load requirements for your application.

It’s important to choose the right diesel generator. It’s nearly impossible to change the voltage of a generator after you buy it. Accordingly, you must select the right generator the first time.

Manufacturers make diesel generators with different phase variances. You’ll also need to choose the right phase version.

Usually, a small commercial property will use a single-phase diesel generator. Meanwhile, a large industrial property owner might opt for a three-phase diesel unit.

In general, the size of a diesel generator increases with its load capacity. As the size of the generator increases, so does its price.

However, a diesel generator is an insurance policy. Your investment in a diesel generator is worth avoiding the losses you would incur if a power failure occurred and disrupted your business.

There are also specialty diesel generators. For instance, you may find that an inverter generator better suits your needs.

Instead of an alternator, this kind of generator uses an inverter. The inverter corrects problems in the current before feeding it to your electrical system.

Some diesel generators have a housing made of steel or plastic. These units are called silent generators. The housing reduces engine noise greatly, preventing a noisy disruption for your business should your generator go to work.

Assessing Your Diesel Generator Needs

There’s a lot to think about when shopping for a diesel generator. However, there’s no need to figure it all out yourself.

Instead, focus on finding an ethical and trustworthy heavy equipment supplier. An exceptional supplier will help you through the process.

They can answer complex questions. More importantly, they can help you make the right purchasing decision to protect your business.

It helps to think about a few things before you talk to a supplier. For instance, consider whether your business has the power that it needs.

Also, think about what fuel system will work better for your application. You must also consider where you might locate the generator on your property.

An exceptional equipment provider will help you make the calculations that you need to choose the right generator. By working with the right specialist, you can find a diesel generator that will operate efficiently and reliably for any application.

Protect Your Business With the Diesel Generator

Now you know more about generator components and how a diesel generator can help you keep the lights on.

Swift Equipment can help you select a quiet, eco-friendly diesel generator and generator components for your business. We’ll help you find the right unit to enjoy enhanced cost savings as well as improve air quality and facility safety.

You shouldn’t worry about whether the next big natural disaster will shut your doors. A backup diesel generator can help you to ensure continuity of business.

Contact Swift Equipment today to start an assessment of your generator needs. Whether you need to power your main facility or a remote work site, our heavy equipment experts are standing by and ready to help you fulfill your backup or continuous power supply needs.