Items to Consider Before Buying a Diesel Generator
Diesel generators used for commercial, industrial, and emergency backup applications are one of the most commonly used and popular choice among generator users. Diesel generators are versatile, built sturdy with durable, industrial components to help meet power generation demands in various different fields.
Whether using a diesel generator for construction operations, mining operations, data center backup, backup power for hospitality industries like hotels & resorts, disaster planning, disaster planning, microgrid, or virtually any industry that can benefit from a backup diesel generator – there are many reasons why diesel generators have become a staple.
Diesel fuel is known for its stability, being less flammable than gas, produces a greater energy density to volume ratio, and is known for its efficient consumption rates. Generally, diesel generators tend to burn less than half the amount of fuel when compared to their natural gas counterparts, while still being able to achieve the same amount of work output.
It’s important to highlight that diesel generators are commonly used in standby, prime, and portable/rental form factors, which adds to their versatility.
While diesel generator units may seem promising, it’s important to consider the downsides.
Before buying a diesel generator, be sure to review these items and keep them in mind while shopping:
Generator Cost
In general, commercial generators are costly. Whether you’re purchasing a natural gas or a diesel generator, it’s important to consider the initial cost of acquisition. As a general rule of thumb, diesel generators starting at 150 kW and higher begin to cost more than their natural gas counterparts.
Fuel
While diesel fuel is known to have great consumption rates and energy density to volume ratios, there are a few items to keep in mind when considering a diesel generator to backup your business or facility.
Diesel fuel may be stable and less flammable than gas, but diesel fuel does go bad over time. It’s important to ensure that you regularly inspect and treat your diesel fuel to ensure that your fuel supply is ready to go when you finally need it.
Fuel Storage & Delivery
Diesel generators, as their name states, run off of diesel fuel. This means that your generator can run and operate as long as you have an ample amount of diesel fuel, but are limited to the maximum size of their diesel fuel storage tanks. If you’re facing a prolonged power outage or blackout, not only will you need staff on-site to ensure diesel fuel deliveries are on-time and the diesel fuel supply is replenished, but you will also need to secure a steady supply chain of diesel fuel delivery. This could be particularly challenging in emergency situations, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes or inclement weather such as blizzards of winter super storms.
Emissions
While it’s true that newer diesel generators run much cleaner when compared to older diesel generators, diesel generators still produce smoky exhausts that carry a strong odor. These released emissions are toxic to both humans and animals and can even result in fatalities if inhaled in large quantities over time. Due to this reason, many generator owners and operations prefer to install their generators outdoors with a weatherproof enclosure.
Those who prefer to install their generators indoors must properly setup a designated generator room equipped with an exhaust system that can safely expel these emissions outside without exposing workers and other tenants in the building to these emissions.
Noise
While commercial backup generators produce a lot of noise in general, diesel generators are known to be extra loud. If the diesel generator is installed outdoors in a suburban or rural location, this might not be as much of a concern compared to installing a diesel generator in an urban environment, but it’s important to keep in mind that diesel generators can produce noise levels at high decibels that can cause headaches or even damage eardrums to those exposed to it.
If the generator is installed outdoors, a way to help combat this and reduce the noise is by installing a sound-attenuated generator enclosure that can help reduce the overall noise. These enclosures also offer weatherproofing to help protect the generator from the elements.
If the generator is installed indoors within a designated generator room, be sure to strategically pick a location that prevents the noise and vibrations from negatively affecting your employees. When considering a designated generator room, work with a consultant to help you best locate the optimal installation location for your generator and guidelines are followed to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees.
If you’re looking for a diesel generator for your business operations, industrial applications, or facility, please reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company!
610-658-3242
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