Diesel engine power plants are most frequently used in small power
(captive non-utility) systems. The main reason for their extensive use is the
higher efficiency of the diesel engines compared with gas turbines and small
steam turbines in the output range considered. In applications requiring low
captive power, without much requirement of process steam, the ideal method of power
generation would be by installing diesel generator plants. The fuels burnt in
diesel engines range from light distillates to residual fuel oils. Most
frequently used diesel engine sizes are between the range 4 to 15 MW. For
continuous operation, low speed diesel engine is more cost-effective than high
speed diesel engine.
Advantages of adopting Diesel Power Plants are:
■ Low
installation cost
■ Short
delivery periods and installation period
■ Higher
efficiency (as high as 43 – 45 %)
■ More
efficient plant performance under part loads
■ Suitable
for different type of fuels such as low sulphur heavy stock and heavy fuel oil
in case of large capacities.
■ Minimum
cooling water requirements,
■ Adopted
with air cooled heat exchanger in areas where water is not available
■ Short
start up time
