It won’t be wrong to say that the world is run by electricity. We are surrounded by devices powered by electricity 24/7. However, there are times when even the power supply falls short. It is during these times that generators come into the picture. They serve as reliable backup sources, providing us with a supply of electricity and making our lives convenient. Just like the domestic sector, the industrial sector too is heavily dependent on a constant supply of electricity to prevent bottlenecks. Diesel gensets thus come to the fore and play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of industries.
In this blog, we will delve deep into diesel engine gensets and their applications. Whether you are a business owner, an industry worker, or simply curious about industrial power solutions, this article will give you in-depth knowledge of industrial diesel generators and their applications.
Understanding Industrial Diesel Gensets
Defined in simpler words, industrial diesel generators are large-scale power production units designed to produce electricity in commercial and industrial settings. As opposed to compact residential generators, these equipment are built to handle heavy loads and operate for a longer duration.
These gensets are powered by diesel and function by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Their capacities can range from 15 kilowatts to several megawatts. Generally, they are designed for both short-term emergency use as well as long-term power production.
Working Principle of Industrial Diesel Generators
A diesel generator is driven by means of a diesel engine. The engine creates mechanical energy, which turns an alternator. The alternator is paired with the engine, which helps convert the mechanical energy to electrical energy through the process of electromagnetic induction. This generated electricity is then supplied to power various industrial machines during power outages.
Applications of Industrial Diesel Generators
Industrial generators play a vital role in ensuring smooth operations in several sectors. Let’s have a look at some of their common applications.
Healthcare Facilities
In the healthcare industry, industrial generators are essential lifelines. Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities depend extensively on these power systems to maintain a continuous electricity supply. These generators support critical equipment such as life-support systems, ventilators, and ICU monitoring devices. When needed, these diesel engines for power generation can kick in within seconds. Along with this, they are used to power MRI machines, X-ray equipment, CT scanners, and several other medical devices.
Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities
A reliable power supply is crucial for the efficient operation of manufacturing plants. Diesel engine gensets play a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted production in the industrial sector. They prevent costly shutdowns by powering assembly lines, robotic systems, and other essential equipment during outages. Moreover, generators support climate control systems and testing equipment, safeguarding product quality against any disruptions in the power supply.
Mining Sector
Industrial diesel generators are extensively employed in the mining industry as well. Mining operations involve various equipment such as drillers, excavators, cranes, and more, all of which rely heavily on industrial DG sets for power. Whether extracting minerals or metals, diesel generators remain the top preference for every mining company.
Agriculture and Food Processing Sectors
Modern agriculture and food processing are heavily reliant on diesel engine gensets for their operations. Large-scale farms make use of generators to power heavy-duty irrigation pumps and sprinkler systems, ensuring crops receive water even during grid outages. Along with this, generators provide power to heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in greenhouses and livestock facilities.
In addition to the agricultural sector, the food processing sector also heavily relies on diesel generators. Dairy farms use generators to power milking machines and processing equipment. Food processing plants also use generators to maintain production lines and refrigeration systems.
Data Centres and IT Infrastructure
Generators provide backup power to servers hosting websites, cloud services, and several other business applications. Along with this, generators power cooling systems that prevent equipment from overheating. Routers, switches, and other networking equipment require constant power to maintain internet connectivity. Generators ensure these systems remain operational even during power failures. They also keep surveillance cameras and alarm systems functioning, protecting valuable data and equipment. Many industries have stringent regulations regarding data availability. Generators help data centres meet service level agreements (SLAs) and comply with regulations by minimizing downtime.
Oil and Gas Industry
Generators provide primary and backup power for drilling operations and safety systems on offshore rigs. In addition to this, pumping stations along oil and gas pipelines use generators to ensure continuous flow. In refineries, generators are used to power processing equipment, control systems, and safety mechanisms. Generators thus prevent costly shutdowns and potential safety hazards during power interruptions. Generators also power seismic equipment, temporary camps, and communication systems.
Thus, it can be said that industrial diesel generators play a crucial role in various sectors by safeguarding against power interruptions. They ensure uninterrupted operations, enhance safety and mitigate substantial financial risks. Their capability to deliver dependable power across diverse and demanding environments underscores their indispensable role in modern industry and infrastructure.