All generators send out energy in the form of electrical power, and they have to be given the equivalent mechanical energy. This means that they have to be driven by an engine of some sort, which derives its energy from fuel, or some other natural source such as wind or water.

The engine which drives an electric generator is called a ‘prime mover and may take many forms. In the early days, steam-, gas- or oil-driven reciprocating engines were used. Later, steam turbines became more general, especially in large power stations. More recently gas turbines have come into use, especially on oil platforms where gas is produced as part of the production process usually in sufficient quantities to provide a source of fuel.

The modern form of oil engine, the diesel, is also much used, principally for standby or emergency plant when gas supplies to the gas turbines fail or are shut down. On a platform, of course, it is necessary to bunker diesel fuel for these engines.

  Types of electric power generation

Firstly, it is important to know that all types of generators are composed of two major items prime mover and alternator. The alternator design is the same all over these types. So, always prime mover is the major difference between all types.

The most famous types are:-

Hydro turbine

Steam turbine

Wind farms

Nuclear plants

Solar plants

Diesel generators

 Other types of generators may be used.

All types have its advantages and disadvantages which can be varied in each of:-

Initial cost

Running cost

Fuel availability

Starting/stopping time

Required power

All of these factors must be considered in case of power generators selection. In this article, diesel generator is highly considered due to its huge spread in all power utilization especially as an emergency power supply due to its advantages against other types of generators which can be stated briefly as:-

Low relatively initial cost

Minimum starting time.

Multi range of power covering

Simplicity of installation, maintenance and trouble shooting.

Availability of fuel anywhere.

Ability to be mobile

So; it is used for industrial, commercial, agriculture and domestic applications. This means that we have to deal with it for specifying, installation, maintenance and trouble shooting.   

   Diesel generators

Many electrical engineers are studying diesel generator while neglecting its prime mover, DIESEL ENGINE. While many troubles are met, and the cause did not related to the alternator itself. Some of these troubles are:-

Diesel generator cannot start.

Diesel generator frequency isn’t nominal.

Diesel generator power capacity isn’t normal.

A great fluctuation in diesel generator frequency

A sudden shutdown had been occurred and the fault was unknown.

And other.

These troubles and more that we hope to cover in the coming articles.

Magdy Enany

Smart Solutions

CEO