Advantages & Disadvantages of Silent Generators

Industrial emergency generators are essential for ensuring critical industries remain powered at all times. Diesel-powered electric generators are the standard in the industry. They can be used for emergency and standalone purposes, such as to power telecommunication towers, construction, campervans, events, and boating.

The global market for diesel generators was worth USD 12.98 billion in 2019. This is due to diesel generators being less expensive than other forms of energy generation.

Silent Generators – Advantages

Modern diesel engines overcome the disadvantages of older models, which were noisier and required higher maintenance costs. They are quieter and require less maintenance than similar-sized gas engines.

Silent Generators have the following main advantages:

  • It requires very little maintenance. The generator’s engine is much simpler to start. This means that you don’t need to change spark plugs or rebuild carburetors as often as you would with a gasoline engine.
  • Secure storage Diesel, while still flammable is much less likely to ignite than gasoline.
  • Power output. Silent Generators can handle larger power loads and last for longer periods than other generators.
  • More durable and reliable
  • Fuel access is easy. Many portable diesel generators can be transported on the backs of diesel vehicles. You don’t have to carry two fuel types while you’re on the road.

These are the main advantages of Silent Generators over petrol generators.

  • Diesel engines can run at the same speed for longer periods of time as they use less fuel. Diesel engines can consume half the fuel of comparable petrol engines.
  • Diesel fuel is less expensive than petrol, making them more affordable to run.
  • Diesel engines are less expensive to maintain. This is partly due to the fact that diesel engines don’t have spark plugs and carburetors. This means that spark plugs and carburetors can be rebuilt without the need to be replaced.
  • A diesel engine has a longer life expectancy. A diesel engine lasts up to three times as long as a standard petrol engine.
  • Diesel fuel is safer than petrol and has a lower risk of ignition.

Disadvantages of Silent Generators

Diesel generators do have some drawbacks, particularly for the environment. Other setbacks are beginning to show up, despite diesel generators being one of the most affordable sources of energy currently. The energy market will shift towards renewable power solutions in order to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality goals for 2050.

On average, 1L diesel produces 2.7kg of CO2. Silent generators have a greater impact on pollution than other sources of power. Diesel generators not only produce carbon monoxide, but also other pollutants like particulate matter or nitrogen oxides. Silent Generators will lose their place in the energy mix due to European policies and regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the Paris Agreement’s underpinnings.

Diesel generators can also cause noise pollution. They may have a higher upfront cost than other energy sources and may require costly servicing and maintenance. Regular oil changes are the most important service for a diesel engine. Diesel generators that are well maintained can last a long time. However, generators that are not properly maintained are more susceptible to failure.

It can be difficult to start the generator in cold weather. This can be solved by using glow plugs or other heating elements that heat up the engine and the incoming air. However, this can be costly. Diesel generators also emit dangerous exhaust fumes and are not portable.

Although portable diesel generators can be combined with batteries to store energy, this combination has its disadvantages. Batteries are too heavy to be used in many applications. They also discharge very quickly and take a long time to recharge. The battery’s useful life is very short. They cause acidification, which can lead to a reduction in natural resources like cobalt or nickel.

These are the main drawbacks of Silent Generators

  • Regulations will continue to drive up the price of diesel.
  • Regular maintenance is necessary to keep generators running.

The fuel injection system and any other components are more susceptible to failure, which can lead to a lack of reliability and high replacement costs. Diesel engines are heavy and large, which can lead to expensive repairs.

  • Although installation costs are cheaper, they can be longer and more expensive.
  • Noise pollution. Diesel engines can be extremely noisy so they are often kept away from work areas
  • Diesel generators are too bulky and heavy to be mobile or compact.
  • If you are using the generator in cold weather, it is important to winterize it.

Similar problems exist for petrol, gas and other generators as diesel generators. In cold weather, petrol generators can be noisy and difficult to start. Petrol is more expensive than diesel so frequent use can quickly become a cost. Natural gas-powered generators (or propane) have the same functionality and capabilities as petrol generators. Natural gas is cleaner than diesel but it’s still a fossil fuel and emits carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Maintaining a Diesel Generator

Generator maintenance is an important consideration. To keep diesel generators or solar generators at its best, manufacturers recommend that you follow a specific maintenance schedule. This usually happens after a set number of service hours. If your generator isn’t working as efficiently as it should, you should schedule maintenance.

It is also a good idea perform maintenance after a major weather event. You can do this after a rainstorm or dust storm. Dust and other airborne contaminants can adversely affect the performance of your generator, causing clogs and making it harder to perform the same task.

Diesel generators require very little maintenance, but they will still need to be maintained occasionally. These are:

  • All components are subject to a general inspection.
  • Draining and changing coolant, oil, or fuel.
  • Filter cleaning and replacement.
  • Test the generator battery.
  • To test the operation of the engine, run it.

Regular maintenance will maximize your investment in your diesel generator. Your generator will last many years if you keep up with your maintenance and make any repairs immediately. It is a good idea to plan ahead for preventative maintenance. This will ensure that your generator runs at its maximum efficiency. Keep a record of all inspections so you can refer back to them if needed.

Diesel Generators may not be For you

Fuel cell generators are a great choice if you’re looking for a quiet, small and portable generator. Fuel cell generators are a leader in the industry because of their reliability, low maintenance and resilience to extreme environments.

The efficiency of fuel cells is 2x higher than that of diesel-powered generators. This means less fuel is required. Diesel fuel can be stored between 6-12 months under ideal conditions. Hydrogen can be stored for very long times. The fuel cell generators are durable and reliable in difficult conditions, and they are also corrosion-proof.

PowerUP offers a variety of generators including 200 W, 400W, 1 kW, 6 kW, and 1 kW generators. These are suitable for many industries and applications such as construction, sailing, camping, off-grid homes, and electric vehicles.