What is Reciprocating Diesel Generator: How It Works?

We all rely on reciprocating engine generators for their exceptional power output, especially in dire times. The power capacity of these generators stands unrivaled, when it comes to powering our business, factories, and even our homes. Despite their abundant use, many people are still very much in the dark about what exactly a reciprocating diesel generator is and how it works.

Understanding the ins and outs of these makeshift engine power plants could help you to better understand if your own reciprocating engine is working as it should be. This article will guide you through what a reciprocating diesel generator is and how it works. 

What is a reciprocating diesel generator?

The main component of a reciprocating diesel generator is a reciprocating engine, also known as a piston engine. A reciprocating engine or a radial engine is essentially a heat piston engine that uses one (or multiple) up and down motion, known as reciprocating pistons to turn pressure into a rotating motion.

When used in a diesel generator, the reciprocating engine is fueled by diesel. Reciprocating engines can also be powered by natural gas, propane or gasoline; however, gas engines are still not very popular. After all, diesel reciprocating generators continue to be most dependable and cost-effective option. 

Reciprocating diesel generators provide an alternative to more traditional electricity generation by using integrated systems to produce combined heat and power through the use of one or more pistons. They can also provide the onsite generation of electricity, thermal energy, mechanical energy and chemical energy for various applications. 

What are the benefits of a reciprocating diesel generator?

Reciprocating diesel generators are one of the most widely used power sources across the USA – with over 200 million units being produced each year! Their popularity is partly due to their impeccable responsiveness and dependability. Despite the ever-growing demand for water, wind and solar-powered electricity to overtake our use of fossil-fueled generators, it seems that the benefits of reciprocating diesel generators outweigh those of more sustainable options. 

Grid Efficiency of Reciprocating Engines

Reciprocating engines play a huge role in improving the efficiency of our national power grid. Reciprocating generators can reduce high demand on the grid by temporarily producing power for one individual electric consumer, or for a group of consumers. This provides consumers with the opportunity to reduce their dependence on the power grid when it is in high demand. The most common time for this is on a hot summer day when the prices of grid power tend to increase and the power itself becomes less reliable. 

Reciprocating generators also offer the option to be used in combined heat and power (CHP) plants. The highly efficient CHP uses the engine’s exhaust heat for useful purposes such as the heating and cooling of buildings. If left unused, this heated air would simply escape into the atmosphere, contributing to landfill gas. CHP uses one fuel for two purposes, which is energy efficient and can reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Reliability and Safety of Reciprocating Engines

Reciprocating generators offer black-start functionality which is a feature that works to keep the electric grid safe and reliable. Black start technology is used when a power plant shuts down (usually due to malfunction or crisis) and requires an external power source to get it started again. 

When a power outage occurs, the plant cannot rely on the grid to provide power so instead, the plant operators will turn to onsite diesel reciprocating engines. These power generators can be quickly started up to provide the energy that is needed. 

Furthermore, reciprocating engines can be used at nuclear power plants to provide energy that is needed to shut down and maintain a nuclear reactor in the event that normal power is lost, a coolant accident occurs, or if there is any other fault in operation. 

Pros and cons of a Reciprocating Engine

As well as the main advantages that reciprocating diesel engines have for our grid stability and safety, the use of a reciprocating diesel engine could pose a number of other benefits to your power generation. 

Pros of a Reciprocating Engine

• Reciprocating internal combustion engines provide electricity quickly.
• Reciprocating generators have quick startup capabilities.
• They can facilitate partial load operation
• A reciprocating engine’s exhaust heat can be used to produce hot water.
• There are a wide range of sizes available for different site requirements.
• They can start up even when the grid does not have the power to keep your business running no matter what.
• These generators use significantly less water to run than other methods.

Cons of a Reciprocating Engine

• They produce high emissions.
• If heat is not used, the reciprocating engine must be cooled.
• They are fairly costly to maintain.
• Reciprocating generators produce low-frequency noise.

How does a reciprocating engine work?

Reciprocating engine technology works by using the expansion of hot gases to drive a piston that sits within a cylinder. The generator then converts the piston’s movement into a rotary motion to generate power. Different types of reciprocating generators can be categorized by the number of piston ‘strokes’ that are required to complete a combustion cycle. 

Four-stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine

The four-stroke cycle, the reciprocating engine is the most commonly used type for power generation. The four strokes that are involved in the operation include intake, compression, power, and exhaust. The intake stroke will expand the combustion chamber that sits within the cylinder, which will then draw in an fuel-air mixture. The compression stroke will then compress this mixture and increase the energy potential. 

Two-stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine

Much like a four-cycle generator, a two-stroke will complete a cycle of exhaust, intake, compression, and power. The main difference is that in a two-stroke engine, the end of the power stroke and the start of the compression stroke occur at the same time, with the intake and exhaust strokes also occurring at the same time as each other. This allows for just two strokes of the piston to be required for the cycle to be completed. Two-stroke engines typically have fewer parts than four-stroke engines so are much lighter and smaller in size. These generators are used mainly to power smaller machines or vehicles, such as cars or motorbikes, rather than to generate power on a larger scale. 

We have an excellent range of reliable, refurbished generators from the most reliable engine manufacturers available on our website. Buying second-hand means that you can save on the generator that you buy and our team of experts will be on hand to give you all the advice and guidance that you need in order to make a successful purchase. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Reciprocating Engines?

What are the applications of a reciprocating engine?

In the instance of a power outage, a power plant may not be able to rely on the central grid for the provision of electrical power. In such a case, the power plant operators make use of on-site diesel reciprocating engines. Such an engine can be instantly turned on and can provide the requisite power output.

What is the difference between a Spark Ignition Engine and Compression ignition?

The process of igniting the fuel can be referred to as the most striking difference between spark ignition and a compression ignition engine.

While spark-ignition engines make use of a spark plug to ignite a premixed fuel-air mixture, a compression ignition pushes the fuel into a compressed air charge. It is then ignited through the high temperature of the induced air.