Whether you want a standby power source or primary power, generators are important components to maintain productivity at a job site. You can also invest in several generators for a backup power source to keep operations running in case of an electrical power outage.
You can invest in two common types of generators: diesel or gas-powered. Both types have pros & cons and are perfect for different applications and environments.
Diesel Generators
A diesel generator gives operators the least flammable fuel option; it is more attainable in a disaster or an emergency than gasoline. It operates by simply igniting fuel via compression. Air and diesel fuel are separately introduced in the engine. Only air gets compressed – meaning your generator runs more efficiently using less diesel.
A few years ago, diesel generators were commonly known for being very noisy. However, thanks to technological advancements, most are now quiet enough to operate in neighborhoods without causing any disturbance. Without a spark plug or carburetor, your generator will need less maintenance than a gas-powered does. If you need extra power especially for heavy-duty tasks, click here for a diesel generator.
How They Work
Most people know that diesel generators work by converting diesel into electrical power but don’t know their working principle.
Diesel generators have an in-built motor that works like a car’s engine. Oil enters the cylinder in diesel generators, and the piston compresses it into a smaller volume.
This compression process makes air heat without introducing an independent heat source. Diesel mists enter the cylinder with hot air, releasing energy as a small controlled explosion.
If your generator no longer compresses air, consider replacing the piston compressor. You can look for compressors for sale to choose one that is compatible with your generator.
Pros
- Less explosive and flammable
- Needs less maintenance
- Higher levels of fuel efficiency
- Longer lifespan and reliable
Cons
- Change in diesel fuel prices affects the cost
- They are louder
- Diesel isn’t always available on hand
Gas Generators
A more efficient means of generating power is to use a gas generator. You can power appliances and devices during emergencies, making portable ones more affordable. Gas-powered generators work almost the same way as other generators, but the key difference is in the fuel they use.
How They Work
Gas generators, often called gasoline generators, use ICE to convert gas into electrical power. They have a crankshaft and a piston and use a spark plug when igniting a mix of air and gasoline in the cylinder. The resulting small explosion creates pressure, which makes the piston turn the crankshaft and generate electrical power via an attached generator.
Usually, gas generators start using an ignition switch or a pull cord and might be equipped with more features, like an automatic voltage regulator, to stabilize power output.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Operates quietly
- No strong smell
- Cost-effective
- Readily available
Cons
- Emits CO2, which can be dangerous
- Serious accidents or storms disrupt gas delivery
- Highly flammable
The Key Differences
Both diesel and gas-powered generators almost work the same way. However, you can note the primary differences between gas-powered and diesel generators based on the following:
1. Power Output
The power output of diesel-powered generators is larger than that of gasoline. On average, the power output of a gasoline generator is just 10kW, while that of a diesel set is the minimum of 8kW.
2. Efficiency
A diesel generator is typically between 20% and 40% more efficient than a gas-powered generator. That is because a diesel-powered generator generates more power with less fuel than a gas-powered set.
Because a diesel generator uses less fuel than a gas-powered engine, it is more cost-effective at the end of the day. Moreover, a diesel generator runs at a higher capacity for a more extended period without you refueling it, making the engine an ideal option for continuous operations.
3. Availability
If your business already uses gas, you can easily draw it directly from the grid. This is an advantage when compared to a diesel-powered generator.
However, like electricity companies, gas suppliers also suffer service breaks, so your backup generator won’t be entirely secure. You may purchase methane in bulk, but if you often use it from the tank and grid, you will add another layer of complexity to your engine, causing more issues.
Unlike gas, diesel comes from a local supplier, and you can control the power supply. It is much easier to buy it since the world uses it for their cars, trucks, and agricultural machinery.
4. Maintenance and Repair
Maintenance requirements and repairs of diesel generators are less than those of gas-powered sets. In addition, diesel generators are more resistant to daily wear and tear. This enables you to minimize the maintenance costs of your diesel generators, making them an ideal option for homeowners and businesspersons alike.
5. Cost
This factor was a clear-cut between these two some years ago, with diesel-powered generators being considered more affordable than gas-powered sets. If you need a competitive replacement for your diesel generator, it would be best to do that if you need more kWs. As a power producer, you can create a configuration consisting of smaller engines combined to give your generators the cumulative kW required to run larger and more complex operations significantly.
However, gas suppliers have as well declared their costs helpful in the last few years. Is this true? Although a decrease in gas prices is making gas-powered generators great options, plummeting oil costs also have the same impact on diesel generators. Although we can’t make predictions in such a case because of fluctuating fuel prices, gas-powered generators can’t directly compete with diesel sets in terms of costs.
Recent developments in gas-powered and diesel generators mean the performance gap has narrowed tremendously. Currently, diesel-based generators emit less pollution than they used to before, and most gas-powered generators meet operating requirements. So, choosing between the two depends on a couple of factors, like your needs, maintenance, cost, and availability, to name a few.
