Diesel Engine:

Most DOE facilities need a few categories of prime mover to supply mechanical power for electrical power generation, pumping, operation of heavy equipment, and to act as a backup electrical producer for emergency use during the loss of the general power source. Although various categories of prime movers are available (steam, gasoline engines and gas turbines), the diesel engine is the most generally used. Diesel engines gives a self-reliant energy source which is available in sizes from a few horsepower to 10,000 hp. Figure gives a description of a diesel-driven generator and general skid-mounted. Associatively speaking, diesel engines are small, inexpensive, fuel efficient, powerful, and extremely reliable if managed properly.

Since of the widespread use of diesel engines at DOE facilities, a primary understanding of the operation of a diesel engine will help ensure they are operated and managed properly. Because of the brands, huge variety of sizes and categories of engines in service, this module is intended to give the fundamentals and theory of operation of a diesel engine. Exact information on a particular engine should be acquired from the vendor's manual.

Figure: Example of a Large Skid-Mounted, Diesel-Driven Generator