Generator Blog

The owners of large diesel powered, industrial standby generators have a healthy sum of money invested in this piece of equipment. Like all investments, the payback period is considered and justified. How does this work for a standby generator?

Simply put, it cannot be justified through amortization. Using power outages as the basis for determining some type of revenue return, there is not much hope. A typical standby generator produces power only because of an outage that the utility company has. In most cases the outages are short lived.

Assume you paid $150,000.00 for an enclosed, diesel powered, 1.2 MW generator, add another $30,000.00 for additional installation expenses, we are looking at an original investment of $180,000.00. Now go ahead ten years and look back at the costs of using and maintaining the unit. There is the fuel used during monthly operation parameter checks and outages, filters, oil changes, labor etc. We’ll let you crunch the numbers on this one.

Let’s say, for the ease of working numbers, that the total outage time of your utility company for any given year is ten 24 hour days. Ten days a year would be a real stretch for most places in the U.S. The only time the generator produces electricity is during power outages. The generator would be 36.5 years old before it produced one years worth of usable power. For tax purposes, of course, it can still be depreciated out. But, for return on investment, forget it!

We surely agree that the investment is a cost of doing business expense. OK, OK already, what’s your point? The point is this, no one in there right mind wants to purchase a new second unit for the same site, unless power demand has changed and they need to downsize or acquire greater capacity.

The life and value of emergency standby generators needs to be extended or maintained for as long as possible. Good maintenance practices will definitely extend the life of any piece of equipment, this is already a well known and proven fact. But, the value? How does that work?

Think about it. An appraiser from a bank or business loan institution comes to your facility to help establish the value of your business. He sees from a distance that the generator enclosure or cabinet definitely needs maintenance painting. The exhaust stack on top is brown with rust, causing wide brown streaks to appear on the sides. Around the base thick rust spots with blistering and peeling paint are apparent. He opens one of the cabinet doors, then looks at the hour meter, inspects the inside, same thing, more rust with blistering and peeling paint.

My guess is, he just came to a one of two words mental conclusion on the assessment of a potentially valuable asset, “junk” or “scrap”. He has just done exactly what you and I do when we are car shopping for one of our children and come across similar symptoms.

If on the other hand, the appraiser seen the emergency generator in good order, no rust, clean with a nice paint job, the outcome would have been entirely different. It would then be easy to assume that he would be willing to take the time to do a more thorough research and determine the equipments actual value.

In conclusion, the most beneficial approach for the owners of emergency standby generators is to stay on top of all maintenance pertaining to there investment.

• In comparison to gasoline powered generators, the diesel generators produce higher engine noises.

 

 

• Diesel generators tend to weigh more than gasoline units and will therefore need more planning on where to set up, as well as how to load and unload the heavy unit.

 

 

• Some localities have prohibited the operation of diesel engines over a prescribed period of time, for purposes of reducing pollution.

 

 

• There may be an increase in the costs of diesel generators due to some requirements by some localities regarding double-wall containment on the on-board fuel tanks.

 

 

• Incidences of wet stacking may occur in a diesel generator due to light loads, which may result in a smoking engine that also runs rough.

Many consumers seem to prefer diesel engines to the gasoline engines as they are more efficient because:

• Diesel powered generators today come with engines which have been designed to overcome the shortcomings of previous models – which included being noisier and incurring higher maintenance costs.

 

 

• These generators are today more reliable and more rugged.Because the fuel is auto-ignited, there are no incidences of sparking. As such, you will see a reduction of maintenance costs as there are no spark wires or spark plugs to deal with.

 

 

• Diesel powered generators incur between 30-50% reduction in the fuel cost per kW, compared to gas engines.
• Gasoline generator engines tend to burn hotter than a diesel, thus significantly reducing their life spans. Diesel generators therefore tend to last longer.

 

 

• Diesel generator engines also last much longer before they require any major maintenance, unlike the gas units which last only half this period of time before they require servicing.

The first thing to know about diesel generators is how they work.

The type of ignition is what distinguishes between different types of generators.

Gas powered generators operate through spark ignition, while diesels work through compression ignition of their fuel.

This process involves the drawing in of air into the engine, which is thereafter exposed to high compression that heats up the air. This causes the rise in temperature in the engine, which is much higher than the temperature levels attained by gas engines.

At peak pressure and temperature, the diesel as it enters into the engine is ignited by the extremely high temperature.

The fuel and air in a diesel powered engine are infused into the engine at various stages, which is different from a gasoline engine that has a mixture of gas and both introduced in the engine.

An injector is used to inject fuel into the engine, while a carburetor is used in a gas engine. In a diesel engine, only air is compressed, thereby increasing its overall efficiency. After combustion, the by products will leave the engine through the exhaust.

In order to start your generator during the cold season, additional heat may be provided through the use of glow plugs. Many consumers prefer the liquid-cooled diesel over the air-cooled ones, as they are quieter in operation, and also have evenly controlled temperatures.

There are many situations when generator rental may be needed.

Whether it is an individual, the government or a private company, situations arise that require the availability of power.

Renting generators is a less expensive alternative to hauling large generators around as needed.

Who Uses Generator Rental Services?

Natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and floods can all knock out power lines.

Suddenly there is no power for lights, heat, cooking or any other need.

Renting generators to set up temporary shelters, provide medical care and food for those displaced by these natural disasters is a simple way to address the most urgent needs.

Construction projects are another situation where renting generators may be a more reasonable choice. Large projects like schools, office buildings, or rebuilding after disasters rely on the ability to power large amounts of power tools, a project office and lights inside the partially constructed facility. This can be a large use of power. Generators can be set up to handle everything needed in such a situation.

When large gatherings like festivals, concerts or trade-shows need to be powered, oftentimes the hosts will hire some generators from a large company like Star Power Generators (starpowergenerators.com) or Generators Unlimited (generatorsunlimited.com).

These companies also cater to the film industry, who need to set up power at all sorts of locations when they are filming. Both of these companies offer bio-diesel generators, for customers who prefer a greener option. Many of these large generators are also extremely quiet, so they don’t disrupt the event that is being powered.

Military and government projects may need temporary power as well. There are many large companies that can supply large generators for these projects on short notice. Generators are often used for lights, HVAC temperature control, trailers and many other needs on military bases and on projects during disaster recovery missions. Many of these generators sit on their own trailers for easy portability and can be delivered within 24 hours or less.

Of course, generator rentals are also needed by energy utilities on occasion when major storm systems come through or if there is a problem with the energy grid. No one wants to be without power, and sometimes lives depend upon it. Many utilities own or rent large generators to help out their customers when major power failures occur.

Agriculture relies on generator rentals all the time. The needs of the average farmer vary widely. Generators may need to pump irrigation water if the normal power supply is out so crops don’t dry out. They can be used to power milking machines at dairies and many more applications that must be attended to, day in and day out.

Medical facilities need to have reliable power no matter what is going on around them. During severe weather or other crises, hospitals and clinics need to be available 24 hours a day. Generators supply back up power for lights, heat, life support systems and surgical tools. The public relies on these facilities to be operational at all times, and renting generators allows them to function at near normal capacity.

General operation tips

• Always read your owner’s manual before operating your generator.

  While we provide general tips here, it’s important that you are familiar with the operation for your specific model before getting started.

• Always run your generator outside. Close any doors and windows.

  Like all products powered by gasoline engines, Honda generators produce carbon monoxide. Protect yourself and others by only running the generator outdoors and well away from the home. Keep doors and windows closed.

• Give the generator plenty of space.

  Leave at least three feet of space around the top and sides of the generator. Do not enclose the generator in a box or other casing. Proper ventilation is vital to its use and your safety.

• Keep the generator dry.

  Do not use the generator in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, or near a pool or sprinkler system.

• Place the generator on a firm, level surface.

• Run your generator at least once a month.

  Running, or exercising, your generator regularly helps to insure it will start when you really need it. It lubricates the engine by circulating oil, runs fresh gas through the carburetor, and works to recharge the battery. This keeps the generator ready to go when the power goes out.

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  Fuel

  • Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.

    Honda engines are engineered and designed to run on unleaded fuel. This will reduce deposit build up on valves, spark arrestor, muffler and spark plugs.

  • Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gas mixture.

  • Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.

  • Be sure to refuel when the engine is off and the generator is in a well-ventilated area.

    Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions. Do not over fill, and make sure that any spilled fuel has been wiped off before starting the generator. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool before refueling.

  • Store your generator in a well-ventilated area.

    The fuel tank cap vents the tank. Because gasoline fumes can collect and ignite, adequate ventilation is a must. For example, don’t store the generator below the deck of a boat.

  To start your generator:

  1. Review your owner’s manual to ensure familiarity with your generator’s controls and operation.
  2. Move the generator outside.
  3. Check the fuel level and add more fuel if necessary.
  4. Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.
  5. Check the air filter and clean if necessary.
  6. Turn the circuit breaker off.
  7. Turn the fuel valve on.
  8. Start the generator.
  9. Allow the generator the warm up for a few moments before turning the circuit breaker on.
  10. Connect the appliances or the transfer switch if applicable.

  To stop your generator:

  1. Turn the circuit breaker off.
  2. Turn the engine switch off.
  3. Turn the fuel valve off.

  Transporting and storing your generator

   

  • Turn the fuel valve OFF.

    If left on, gasoline may get into the engine crankcase and dilute the engine oil. This reduces the lubrication properties of the oil and could cause severe engine damage.

  • Allow the generator to cool for 15 minutes before transporting or storing it.
  • Always store the generator upright.
  • If you are going to store your generator for more then 2 months:
    1. Drain the fuel from the carburetor float bowl.
    2. Drain the fuel from the sediment cup.
    3. Add the correct proportion of fuel conditioner to the tank and top it off.