How does electric diesel generator work?

Alternator

The generator's alternator is also known as the "gearhead," It produces the electrical output of the engine's mechanical input. It is composed of stationary and mobile parts enclosed in a housing, and they work together to create relative movement between the electric and magnetic fields. This, in turn, generates electricity.

(a) Stator- This is the stationary part, and it contains a collection of electric conductors wound in coils on top of an iron core.

(b) Rotor/Armature - This component is the moving part that creates a magnetic field by rotating in three ways.

(i) By Induction - These are also known as brushless alternators. They are often used in large generators.

(ii) Permanent magnets - This is a common feature in small alternator units.

(iii). Using an exciter is a minor source or direct current (DC) that energizes rotors through an assembly conductor slip rings and brushes.

The rotor creates a magnetic field that moves around the stator. This induces a voltage differential between the windings, and this establishes the generator's alternating current (AC).

These are the key factors to consider when evaluating the alternator for a generator.

(a) Metal or plastic housing - A all-metal design guarantees the alternator's durability. The moving parts of an alternator can be exposed if the plastic housing is damaged, and this can lead to increased wear and tear and is even more dangerous for the user.

(b) Ball Bearings or Needle Bearings? - Ball bearings last longer and are more preferred.

(c) Brushless Design: An alternator without brushes is easier to maintain and produces more power.

Fuel System

The fuel tank is usually sufficient to keep the generator running for 6 to 8 hours. The fuel tank can be attached to the generator's frame or, as a part, the generator's skid base. An external fuel tank may be required for commercial applications. All such installations require approval from the City Planning Division. For more information about fuel tanks to power generators, please click the following link.

The following are standard features of the fuel system:

(a) Pipe connection between the fuel tank and engine - The supply pipe directs fuel from a tank to the engine, while the return line directs fuel to the tank from the engine.

(b) Ventilation for fuel tank – The ventilation pipe in the fuel tank prevents the buildup of pressure and vacuum during filling and draining the tank. To avoid sparks, make sure the filler tube and fuel tank have metal-to-metal contact when refilling the tank.

(c) Overflow connection between the fuel tank and the drainpipe is necessary to ensure that liquid does not spill from the generator set if it overflows during tank refill.

(d) Fuel pump pumps fuel from the primary storage tanks to the day tank. The fuel pump operates electrically.

(e) Fuel water separator/fuel filter - This separates water from the liquid fuel in order to protect other generator components from corrosion and contamination.

(f) Fuel Injector: This injects fuel into the combustion chamber.

Voltage Regulation

This component controls the output voltage of the generator, as the name suggests. Below is a description of each component involved in the regulation of voltage.

(1) Voltage regulator: Conversion AC voltage to DC - A small amount of the generator's AC voltage is taken up by the voltage regulator and converted into DC current. This DC current is then fed to the voltage regulator by the stator's secondary windings, also known as exciter winds.

(2) Exciter Windings - Conversion of DC current to AC current - The exciter windings function similarly to the primary stator windings and produce a small AC current. The exciter winds are connected to units called rotating rectifiers.

(3) Rotating Rectifiers - Conversion of AC Current into DC Current – These convert the AC current from the exciter windings to DC current. This DC current is fed into the rotor/armature to create electromagnetic and rotating magnetic fields.

(4) Rotor/Armature: Conversion from DC Current to AC Voltage. The generator produces a higher output AC voltage when the rotor/armature induces a greater AC voltage across the windings.

This process continues until the generator produces an output voltage equal to its maximum operating capacity. The voltage regulator produces less DC current as the generator's output increases. The voltage regulator reaches equilibrium when the generator has reached its maximum operating capacity and produces enough DC current to keep its output at the whole operating level.

The output voltage drops a little when you add a load. The voltage regulator is activated, and the cycle above begins. This cycle continues until the generator output reaches its maximum operating capacity.

Cooling & Exhaust System

(a) Cooling System Usually, the generator's various parts heat up because of constant use, so it's crucial to have a cooling and ventilation system to remove heat from the generator.

Sometimes, raw/freshwater can be used as a generator coolant. However, this is usually limited to minimal generators in urban applications or large generators exceeding 2250 kW. Because hydrogen absorbs heat more efficiently than other coolants, it is often used as a coolant in large generator stator windings. Hydrogen heats the generator and transfers it through heat exchangers into secondary cooling circuits containing de-mineralized coolants. Large cooling towers are often located next to small generators or power plants. A standard fan and radiator are mounted on the generator to provide primary cooling for all other applications, residential or industrial.

The generator's coolant level should be checked on a daily basis. After 600 hours, the cooling system and the raw water pump should both be flushed, and the heat exchanger should also be flushed every 2,400 hours. It would be best to place the generator in an area with an adequate fresh air supply. To ensure that cooling air flows freely, the National Electric Code (NEC) requires that there be at least 3 feet between each side of the generator.

(b) Exhaust System The exhaust fumes from a generator emit the same toxic chemicals as any other engine. They must be managed properly. It is important to have an exhaust system that can properly dispose of exhaust gases. This is a critical point. Carbon monoxide poisoning continues to be one of the leading causes of death in areas affected by hurricanes. People tend not to think about it until it's too late.

Cast iron, wrought steel, and steel are the most common materials for exhaust pipes. These must be freestanding and not supported by the generator's engine. Flexible connectors are used to attach exhaust pipes to the engine to reduce vibrations and protect the generator's exhaust system. The exhaust pipe runs outside and is located away from windows, doors, and other openings in the building or house. It is important to ensure that your generator's exhaust system is not connected with any other equipment. To ensure that your generator operation is compliant with local laws and protect yourself from fines or other penalties, you should consult the city ordinances.

Lubricating System

Because the generator has moving parts, it needs lubrication in order to maintain durability and smooth operation for a long time. Oil stored in a pump lubricates the generator's engine. Every 8 hours, you should check the level and condition of the lubricating oil. Check for leakage of the lubricant, and change the oil every 500 hours.

Battery Charger

A generator's st and earth functions are battery-operated. By providing a precise "float" voltage, the battery charger charges the generator battery. The battery will not be charged if the float voltage drops to a low level. The battery's life will be cut if the float voltage exceeds a certain level. So to prevent corrosion, battery chargers are often made from stainless steel. They can be set up automatically and don't require any modifications or settings to be altered. The battery charger's DC output voltage is set to 2.33 Volts per cell, which is the exact float voltage for lead-acid batteries. The generator's normal operation is affected by the isolated DC voltage output of the battery charger.

Control panel

This is the generator's user interface and includes provisions for controls and outlets. There are many features that different manufacturers offer in their control panels. These features are listed below.

(a) Electric start/shut-down - The Auto Start Control Panels automatically start the generator in case of power loss, monitor it while it is running, and then shut down the unit when it is not needed.

(b) Engine gauges- Different gauges indicate important parameters like oil pressure, temperature, coolant, battery voltage, and engine rotation speed. These parameters are constantly monitored and measured, allowing for automatic shut-down of the generator if they exceed their thresholds.

(c) Generator gauges- The control panel has meters that measure the output current, voltage, and operating frequency.

(d) Other controls: Phase selector switch and frequency switch as well as engine control switch (manual, auto modes), among others.

Main Assembly/Frame

Generators of any type, whether stationary or portable, come with customized housings that provide support for the structural base. This frame allows the generator to be grounded for safety.