New Diesel Generator Sets: Why Diesel Is the Standard
If you're looking at new diesel generator sets, you're probably buying a backup generator for your house, business, or industrial operation. Diesel generators are the most common type of backup generator, for good reason — they're reliable, efficient, and long-lasting. Let's look at why diesel generators are the standard, and what makes them different from other types of generators.
Why Diesel Generators Are So Popular
Diesel generators are the most popular type of generator, for several good reasons:
Reliability. Diesel engines are simple, tough, and reliable. They have fewer parts than gasoline engines — no spark plugs, no carburetors — so there's less to go wrong. A well-maintained diesel generator will last 10,000 to 20,000 hours, which is 10-20 years of standby use. Gasoline generators last half that, or less.
Fuel Efficiency. Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines. They use 30-40% less fuel, for the same amount of power. That means you need less fuel storage, and you save money on fuel over the life of the generator.
Safety. Diesel fuel is safer than gasoline. It's less flammable, and it's less likely to explode. Diesel also stores much better than gasoline — it stays good for years, if you store it properly. Gasoline goes bad after a few months.
Power Density. Diesel generators can produce a lot of power, in a relatively small package. That's why they're used for big applications — hospitals, data centers, factories, office buildings. If you need a lot of backup power, a diesel generator is the way to go.
Where Are Diesel Generators Used?
Diesel generators are used everywhere there's a need for reliable backup power:
- Homes: More and more homeowners are installing diesel standby generators, to keep the power on during outages. If you live in an area with frequent power outages — like places with hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy storms — a home standby generator is a good investment.
- Businesses: Businesses can't afford to lose power. A power outage can cost thousands of dollars in lost sales, spoiled inventory, and damaged equipment. Most businesses — from small shops to big office buildings — have backup diesel generators.
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities: Hospitals absolutely need backup power. If the power goes out, patient lives are at stake. Every hospital has big diesel generators, that can kick in within seconds of a power outage.
- Data centers: Data centers run on computers, which need electricity 24/7. A power outage can take down a whole website, or even a whole company. Every data center has massive diesel generators, as backup.
- Construction sites: Construction sites often don't have electricity yet. Diesel generators power the tools, lights, and equipment on the site.
- Remote locations: In remote areas — like oilfields, mines, or remote farms — there's no power grid. Diesel generators are the only source of electricity.
How Much Do New Diesel Generators Cost?
The cost of a new diesel generator depends on the size:
- Small generators (5-20 kW): These are small, for home backup. They cost $5,000 to $15,000, installed.
- Medium generators (20-100 kW): These are for small businesses, or bigger homes. They cost $15,000 to $50,000, installed.
- Big generators (100+ kW): These are for big businesses, factories, hospitals, and data centers. They cost $50,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars, installed.
It's a big investment, but for businesses and homes that can't afford a power outage, it's worth every penny.
FAQ
Q: How long do diesel generators last?
A: A well-maintained diesel generator lasts 10,000 to 20,000 hours of run time. If it's a standby generator, that's 10-20 years, because you only run it a few dozen hours a year. If it's a prime power generator — running all the time, like on a remote oilfield — it might last 5-10 years, before it needs a major overhaul.