Having a backup generator diesel installed in your home will provide you with peace of mind during a tropical storm or hurricane. During such events, local infrastructure can be damaged for days or even weeks. With a diesel backup generator, household appliances will continue to operate until the local infrastructure can be repaired. And this peace of mind is priceless, especially when it comes to keeping your family safe.
Fuel efficiency
Diesel fuel is a popular choice for backup generators due to its high thermal efficiency. This fuel can provide backup power even in remote areas and has a low capital cost per kW. However, diesel fuel requires storage on-site, which may be an issue for some businesses. But if your backup power system is critical, diesel fuel may be the best choice.
It is important to select the right fuel for a diesel generator. It is also critical to choose a quality fuel/water separator in all models. Diesel fuel can last for six to twelve months, depending on the size of your tank. Buying diesel fuel at the right time of year will help minimize fuel consumption and costs.
Reliability
One of the biggest challenges for a backup generator is reliability. Fortunately, there are several measures that can improve reliability. These include proper maintenance and preventative maintenance. These measures are important for keeping costs down and reducing the risk of serious issues. The first step is to identify problems and address them as soon as possible.
Diesel backup generators typically last 20,000 to 30,000 hours before requiring an overhaul. This is equivalent to about 1.5 million miles of driving. They are so reliable, in fact, that many international building codes require them. Other advantages of diesel generators include their fast response time, load carrying capacity, and reliable fuel supply.
Cost
While there are many benefits to purchasing a diesel backup generator, the cost of running one can be very high. Even the smallest diesel generator can run on fuel that is up to several hundred dollars more than gasoline. This fuel can also be expensive and dangerous to store. Luckily, there are other fuel-efficient alternatives, including a liquid propane generator. Depending on your needs, you can also find generators that run off natural gas, which is much cheaper.
Natural gas is fast becoming the fuel of choice for residential standby generators. Currently, the price of natural gas in the U.S. is around $3.17 per thousand cubic feet. That translates to around $0.82 per cubic foot of natural gas used by a 7-kilowatt generator. Meanwhile, a 15-kilowatt generator will use two hundred and twenty cubic feet of natural gas per hour.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance of a backup generator is critical to its long-term performance. This includes periodic checks of the fuel and oil levels. Regular checks should also be made on the exhaust system, which includes the exhaust manifold and muffler. Check for cracks and leaks. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the exhaust system is not overheating the surrounding area. Excessive smoke from a generator can be an indication of performance problems or air quality issues. Additionally, the fuel system and air intake system should be inspected for cracks, abrasions, and wear.
Depending on the size and frequency of use, a diesel generator needs more frequent servicing than other types of generators. This is particularly true of backup generators that must be serviced in case of emergency situations. A generator’s maintenance schedule may be dictated by government regulations, or it may be determined by a facility’s unique needs. If you don’t have a regular maintenance program for backup generators, you should schedule regular maintenance work ahead of time, especially before the rainy season or hurricane season. In addition, the manufacturer may only offer a warranty for generators that have been serviced regularly.
Refuelling
One of the key considerations in refuelling a backup generator is the type of fuel it uses. Diesel is generally readily available for generators over 15 kW, making it easy to fuel them during a disaster. For a more flexible option, consider using a bi-fuel generator that runs on both diesel and natural gas.
Diesel fuel is an excellent choice for backup generators because it is readily available and easy to store. It also delivers more energy than gasoline and is more reliable and longer-lasting than most other fuels. When buying backup generator fuel, it’s also a good idea to purchase from a local company that pumps directly into the fuel tank. Diesel is also a great alternative to natural gas, as it is less volatile.
A 150-kW diesel generator will burn about 260 gallons of diesel fuel in a 24 hour operation. That’s the equivalent of nine gallons of gasoline or 48,000 cubic feet of natural gas. That would equal about $388 in fuel costs. But you can reduce your costs by refuelling your generator on a regular basis and ensuring that it always has enough fuel.