Why People Prefer Diesel Generators Over Gasoline?
In today’s economy, where
fuel prices are increasing you
should choose a cost effective
fuel to meet your needs.
Diesel engines are extremely
efficient and cost effective.
Though the cost of diesel is
higher than gasoline but
diesel has a higher energy
density. Energy density
means more energy can be
extracted from diesel when
compared to same volume of
gasoline. Most of the
automobiles like trucks, cars
etc prefer diesel because they
provide higher mileage.
Diesel is heavier and oilier
compared with gasoline, and
has a boiling point higher than that of water.
Diesel engines work on compression ignition while gasoline engines operate on spark
ignition. In diesel generators air is drawn into the engine which results in higher
compression that heats it up. The temperature of engine goes up, which is much
higher than the temperature attained in a gasoline engine. At peak temperature and
pressure, diesel that is let into the engine ignites on account of the extreme
temperature.
Air and fuel are infused into the diesel generator at various stages while in a gas
generator a mixture of air and gas are introduced. In diesel engine, fuel is injected
through an injector while a carburetor is used for gasoline engine. In a gasoline
generator, fuel and air are sent into the engine together, and then compressed.
Diesel generator compresses only air and the ratio is much higher. Diesel generators
compresses at the ratio of 14:1 upto 25:1 whereas gasoline has a compression ratio
between 8:1 and 12:1. Diesel generators can either be two cycles or four cycles and
are chosen based on mode of operation. Mostly air cooled and liquid cooled engines
are the variants to be chosen appropriately. Liquid cooled generators are much
better because it is quiet in operation and has controlled temperature.
Advantages of Diesel generators:
Diesel generators are much better and efficient and when compared to gasoline
engine. Some of the reasons are as follows:
o Earlier models of diesel generators had higher noise and higher
maintenance costs. But modern diesel engines require less maintenance
and are quiet when compared to gas engines.
o They are more rugged and reliable.

o Fuel cost per Kilowatt of diesel engines is thirty to fifty percent lower than
that of gas engines.
o There is no sparkling as the fuel auto-ignites. The absence of spark plugs
or spark wires lowers maintenance costs.
o Diesel engine that has 1800 rpm water cooled engine operates for 12,000
to 30,000 hours before any major maintenance is necessary. While gas
unit that has 1800 rpm water cooled engine operators for 6,000-10,000
hours before it needs servicing.
o Gas burns hotter than diesel, and hence they have a shorter life when
compared to diesel units.
Source: http://www.everlastgenerators.com