To generate electricity, an alternator’s rotor must be rotated by a prime mover. The prime mover can be powered by a variety of methods. Using a diesel engine as a prime mover is a popular method of generating power. When the alternators are powered by a diesel engine, the power station is referred to as a diesel power station.
Diesel combustion generates the mechanical power required to drive the alternator. Due to the high cost of diesel, this type of power station is not suited for large-scale power generation in our country.
However, diesel power stations are employed for small-scale electric power production when other options are not readily available.
Steam power stations
Steam power stations and hydro power plants are primarily employed to meet the majority of the electrical load demands. However, steam power stations require a sufficient supply of coal and water.
Hydropower stations require a large amount of water and dams. However, where all of these facilities are not accessible, such as no easy means of coal transportation and no possibility of building a dam, a diesel plant is created.
Diesel power plants are also widely employed as backup power sources for a variety of enterprises, business complexes, hospitals, and other facilities. During a power outage, these diesel generators are used to meet the required demand.
Advantages of Diesel Power Station
This is a simple design.
A very minimal amount of room was required.
It may also be designed for portable use.
It has a quick start feature, allowing the compact diesel generator set to start in a matter of seconds.
It’s easier to halt a small diesel power station than to start one.
Because these machines can be readily started and stopped as needed, the system may not experience any standby loss.
This sort of power station allows for easy cooling and requires less water.
The initial cost is lower than for other types of power stations.
The thermal efficiency of diesel is significantly higher than that of coal.
Disadvantages of Diesel Power Station
The disadvantages of diesel power stations include:
As previously stated, diesel fuel is far more expensive than coal. This is the primary reason why diesel power plants are not as popular as other forms of electricity generation. This plant has a greater running cost than steam or hydro power plants.
The plant is often utilized to meet minor power requirements.
The cost of lubricants is high.
Maintenance is complex and costly.
For extended periods of time, the plant fails to function satisfactorily under overload situations.
Different Parts of the Diesel Power StationIn addition to the diesel generator set or DG set, there are numerous other auxiliaries attached to a diesel power station. Let us go over each point individually.
Fuel Supply System
The fuel supply system includes one storage tank strainer, a fuel transfer pump, and an all-day fuel tank. The storage tank where oil is stored.
Strainer: The oil is then pumped to the dry tank using a transfer pump.
To eliminate solid contaminants, the oil travels through a filter as it is transferred from the main tank to the smaller dry tank. There is another pipe connection between the dry and main tanks. This is an overflow pipe. This pipe connection is used to restore the oil from the dry tank to the main tank in the event of overflow.
From dry tank the oil is injected in the diesel engine by means of fuel injection pump.
Air Intake System
This system supplies the engine with the air required for fuel combustion. It comprises of a pipe that supplies fresh air to the engine. Filters are used to remove dust particles from the air, which can act as an abrasive in the engine cylinders.
Exhaust System
The exhaust gas is taken from the engine and released into the atmosphere via an exhaust system. Typically, a silencer is employed in this system to reduce engine noise.
Cooling System
Internal combustion generates heat, which propels the engine. However, some of this heat raises the temperature of certain sections of the engine. High temperatures may permanently damage the machine. As a result, it is critical to keep the engine’s total temperature within acceptable limits.
The cooling system of a diesel power station does exactly that. The cooling system needs a water source, a water pump, and cooling towers. The pump circulates water throughout the cylinder and head jacket. The water removes heat from the engine, which causes it to grow hot. Cooling towers cool the hot water, which is then recirculated.
Lubricating System
This method reduces wear on the engine’s rubbing surfaces. Lubricating oil is stored in the main lubricating oil tank. This lubricating oil is taken from the tank using an oil pump. The oil is then run through an oil filter, which removes contaminants. This clean lubricating oil is sent from the filtering point to the various places of the machine where lubrication is necessary. The system includes an oil cooler to maintain the temperature of the lubricating oil as low as possible.
Engine Starting System
To start a diesel engine, the engine shaft must be rotated first. Until the shooting begins and the unit operates on its own power. In small DG sets, the first rotation of the shaft is provided by handles but for large diesel power station. Compressed air is used for starting. >>More From Printed Note & Book or This is also Sufficient. USEFUL LINK https://guidemeahead.com/blog/importance-of-safety-nea-mechanical-5th-level-complete-note-nea-note/
