There are two main types of diesel generators in use today. One is a combination of an diesel engine and an electric generator; the other is a combination of an internal combustion engine (IEC) engine and an electric generator. This is a very special case of generator-engine. A diesel internal combustion engine is generally designed to run only on diesel fuel, while some varieties are also adapted to use gasoline or even natural gas.
Diesel engines are very economical, read more here. They produce less exhaust noise and create fewer pollutants. In addition, diesel generators require less oil change intervals than other types of engines. The biggest drawback of them is their high cost. Their low muzzle velocity makes them more difficult to store and transfer to a back-up power system.
On the positive side, there are some diesel generators that do exceptionally well in terms of fuel efficiency. One of the best examples is the Atlas 300 series. They have excellent fuel efficiency ratings and are quite popular among businesses, even though they are expensive. Another positive aspect of them is their quietness.
It should be noted that generators using diesel are not suitable for back-up power when the power grid fails. Back-up power grids use electricity produced from natural sources like nuclear fission or hydroelectricity to supply power to individual houses and businesses. Generators producing synthetic fuel operate on a different principle. They use air, which is denser and has a higher oxygen content than that of diesel, to fuel it. When the back-up power grid fails, these generators will not function.
One final thing to mention about the reliability of diesel generators is their economic viability. They are generally more economic to run than other alternative types of generator sets. They do not affect the electrical load in any significant way when they are running at full capacity. However, if there is a sudden increase in the electrical load, you may find that the generator set starts to slow down or perform at a lower level. This happens when the generator produces more energy than it can use in a short period of time.
Overall, the diesel generators are more efficient and cost-effective than those using other fuels. However, they can only manage to give you marginal increases in your electrical load when they are working at full capacity, see more here. There is also the risk of experiencing a minor decrease in your power level when the power grid fails. In this case, the generator would cease to function until you either refuel it with more diesel or get an electrical connection back to the main power grid. Although this method of operation is slightly less reliable than other options, it is better than the alternatives. In the end, you must choose what is more important to your needs - having economical efficiency or the ease of use and reliability that diesel generators offer. Learn more from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_generator.
