Diesel generators are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency, longer engine lifespan, and outstanding performance. Their demand has grown over time, and their market is expected to grow at an 8.0% CAGR from 2020 to 2027.
These generators are used both commercially and in homes. You can use them at home or in commercial complexes such as construction sites, educational facilities, mining sites, government centers, and manufacturing businesses.
However, regardless of where you use it, you may require some tips to save fuel and keep your operations running smoothly. Here are five suggestions for lowering generator fuel consumption.
- Service Your Generator
Maintaining your generator can help you save money on fuel. As a result, you should hire professionals to service your generator and repair any damages that may cause it to work under stress, increasing fuel consumption.
If any component needs to be replaced, the experts will also assist you in purchasing spare parts. They will assist you in obtaining genuine parts from a reputable supplier in order to protect the structural integrity of your generator. Using counterfeit spare parts can result in additional damage and, ultimately, increased fuel consumption.
- Get Rid of Carbon Deposits
When diesel heats up during combustion, an ash carbon polymer is usually released. Carbon deposits will adhere to a variety of components, including the injector, valve, and piston top. This is why diesel generators usually start emitting black smoke after a while.
The accumulation of carbon deposits on the engine can result in excessive fuel consumption. As a result, you must remove them on time and clean your generator with a gentle chemical detergent or handwash the components. After cleaning, you should also change the oil.
If you are unsure how to clean your generator, consult your owner’s manual, as the procedure is always included. You can also contact the manufacturer or a local dealer for more information.
- Minimize Usage of the Generator
Frequent use of your generator will result in high fuel consumption. For residential users, this may not be a major issue. If you intend to use your generator for commercial purposes, you should have a backup power source, such as solar energy or inverted generators.
For example, you can use solar energy to power small appliances while only using your diesel generator to power heavy machinery. You can also buy a heavy-duty inverter to assist you with certain tasks. This will extend the life of your generator.
- Avoid overloading or underloading
Overloading your generator means you’ll need more power, which means you’ll use more energy. Furthermore, this may cause your generator to work harder than usual, increasing fuel consumption.
To avoid this, consult a professional before purchasing a generator. The professional will assess your energy requirements and assist you in selecting a generator that can effectively power all of your appliances without exceeding the capacity of your generator.
Underloading your generator will also result in excessive fuel consumption. If you run a diesel generator at less than 50% load, the engine will not reach its maximum operating temperature on time. As a result, the generator will struggle to operate, resulting in increased fuel consumption. This may also shorten the life of your generator.
- Maintain Proper Coolant Temperature
For efficient operation, diesel generators use water as a coolant. Your water temperature should be just right to keep the engine’s generator cool. If it is not, it can lead to incomplete combustion, which increases fuel consumption.
