Some diesel generators are required to operate continuously for a certain period of time or frequently as the main power supply for electrical loads. Such generators are called regular power generators. Regular power generators can be classified as either regular units or backup units. In areas such as towns, islands, forests, mines, oil fields, etc., far from the main power grid, or in industrial and mining enterprises, diesel generators are needed to supply electricity for local residents and production. These generators should operate continuously in normal times.
Important facilities such as defense projects, communication hubs, radio stations, microwave relay stations, etc., should have backup diesel generators. The electricity for these facilities can usually be supplied by the city power grid. However, due to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, wars, or other human factors, the city power grid may be damaged, and after a power outage, the backup units should be able to start quickly and continue to operate continuously to ensure the continuous supply of power to the important engineering load. Such backup power generators also belong to the type of regular power generators. Regular power generators have a long continuous operation time and a large load curve variation. The selection of generator capacity, number of units, type, and control mode are different from emergency units.
1. Determination of the capacity of regular diesel generators
The capacity of regular diesel generators should be selected based on the long-term continuous operation output power being able to meet the rated calculated load of the entire project, and the capacity of the backup units should be determined according to the importance of the load. The continuous output power of the diesel engine is generally 0.9 times the rated power.
2. Determination of the number of regular diesel generators
The number of regular diesel generators is usually set to be more than 2 to ensure the continuity of power supply and adapt to the changes in the load curve. The more generator units, the more it is possible to determine the number of units to be put into operation according to the changes in the load, so that the diesel engine can operate economically and reduce fuel consumption and power costs. The optimal economic operating state of the diesel engine is between 75% – 90% of the rated power. To ensure the continuity of power supply, the regular units themselves should consider setting backup units. When the generator units are undergoing maintenance or inspection, the backup units should still be able to meet the continuous power supply for important load requirements.
3. Determination of the speed of regular diesel generators
To reduce wear and increase the service life of the generator, regular power generators should preferably use medium and low-speed units with a rated speed not exceeding 1000 r/min. The backup units can be selected as medium and high-speed units. The same type of units in the same power station should be of the same model and capacity to use the same spare parts and facilitate maintenance and management. For projects with large load variations, units of the same series but different capacities can also be selected. The determination of the rated output voltage of the generator is the same as that of emergency power generators, generally 400V. For projects with large electricity consumption and long transmission distances, high-voltage generators can be selected.
4. Control of regular diesel generators
Regular units should generally be considered to be able to operate in parallel to simplify the main distribution wiring and ensure that when the units start, stop, and alternate operation, through paralleling, transferring loads, and switching units, there is no interruption of power supply. Generator units should be equipped with generator measurement and control devices, and the speed regulation and excitation regulation devices of the units should be applicable to the requirements of parallel operation. For backup power generators supplying important loads, it is advisable to use automated diesel generators. When the external power source fails and the power is cut off, it can quickly automatically start and restore power supply to the important load. The noise in the generator room is very loud when the diesel engine is running. Automated units are convenient for renovation into compartmental operation and automatic monitoring power generators. When the generator units are operating normally, operators do not need to enter the diesel generator room; they can monitor the diesel generator units in the control room.
For more questions about the generator set, please call the Beidou Power team. More than ten years of professional production and sales of power generation equipment experience, more professional engineer team to serve you, choose Beidou power is to choose rest assured, welcome on-site factory inspection.
Post time: Apr-27-2026