When is Diesel the Best Fuel Option?

Posted by rlnenergyservices on February 22nd, 2016

In the world today, fuel prices are on the hike due to the increase in demand and dwindling supplies. It is, therefore, prudent that you choose a cost-effective fuel that meets your generator needs and enhances performance without compromising the engine's longevity.

Though the price of diesel is moderately higher than gasoline or natural gas, it carries more advantages when used as the source of fuel for standby power. A given amount of diesel generates more energy for a similar quantity of gasoline used.

Diesel is also heavier and contains more oil compared to gasoline. Diesel-powered standby engines are more popular as they are more efficient and save on costs when compared with generators powered from other sources. Diesel fuel is preferred to other types fuel under the following circumstances:

Cost effectiveness

Diesel fuel helps save on costs if used on standby generators compared to gasoline. This makes this type of fuel more suitable for standby engines that require more than 150 kW of power. More energy will be generated by a generator that uses diesel fuel compared to a similar amount of gasoline.

Storage

Most standby generators are used for emergencies. As such they require large quantities of fuel. Gasoline is more volatile compared to diesel and natural gas. There is a likelihood that gasoline will easily evaporate.

In these circumstances, diesel becomes the best option. Engine exhausts sometimes emit sparks that can cause fire outbreaks. To reduce this possibility, most standby sources of power use diesel as a source of fuel. Diesel has a long shelf life of between 1.5 to 2 years.

It is this longevity that makes diesel more preferable to other sources. The other advantage of diesel over other sources of fuel is that it is not affected by fuels additives making it suitable for use even in cold weather.

Availability

Diesel is preferred over gasoline due to its availability. In emergency circumstances, your standby generator requires that there should be a reliable source of fuel. The advantage of diesel under such circumstances is that it has characteristics that make it easily storable onsite. Diesel can also be stored for long which makes it a reliable source of fuel for standby generators.

About the Author:

RLN Energy Services is an Edmonton, Alberta based company that specializes in the sale and resale of heavy power equipment. It is a privately held corporation with a team of highly experienced & skilled technicians in mechanical and electrical industries. RLN Energy Services provides sales of various power system equipment that includes natural gas equipment, portable power plants, diesel generator sets, turbine powered equipment & more. Along with the sale of power equipment, they also focus on training specific services for the maintenance, safety, switching operations & associated tools in the industry.