Power Generation: Product Operation and Maintenance

[Haltech]

Okay, I agree with the synopsis of poor maintenance and care.

One factor I have found is we don't have the right size batteries on our Gen sets.

Since the battery size is critical to starting and maintnenace it should be clearly posted in the literature of the gen-sets. Sadly it is difficult if not impossible to find this information, and we often have to refer back to the purchase order and hope the batteries were a seperate line item.

I have found some people just use the visual reference when selecting a battery and if it looks the same it must be the same, and what they end up with is a severly undersized battery. Particularly in the summer everything works great with the newly installed undersized battery, then winter comes and lo and behold the generator turns over slowly or fails to start at all.

Maybe you have a better reference for selecting the best batteries for our gen sets?

[pwareham]

here is a great article on the top 9 reasons why generators fail to start:   

http://ecmweb.com/ops_maintenance/electric_top_nine_reasons/

Message Edited by pwareham on 07-12-2009 03:28 PM

[ATSman]

Can you elaborate on wet stacking. I understand running the generator unloaded but what is happening in the engine

to cause this condition.

Tks

Tony

[Plantpro]

When you run a diesel genset unloaded for an extended period they tend to "slobber". Without load the machine is not really working hard. Rings aren't sealing, combustion is incomplete, etc. This will often lead to oil pushing into the exhaust system and out the stack. We have @ 15x 3516b's . They all puke oil/fuel out of the turbo joints if they idle around too long.  We also have @30 old tech diesel-duel fuel engine, 2000-10000 HP, most of which are turbocharged. A  Elliot H20 or G90, or Cooper Et18-24 uses lab seals that won't seal intill the turbo is under load. They leak oil bad if idled too long.....If you routinely idle an engine for long periods you will often see increased carbon deposits form in the ring land which may lead to stucks rungs, scored liners, etc...

Message Edited by Plantpro on 09-17-2009 10:42 AM

Message Edited by Plantpro on 09-17-2009 10:43 AM

[pumpprincess]

Prelube pumps are becoming more popular for stand-by & back-up power generation - run continuously or periodically.  Enjoy the day with a warm smile to share ;-)

[SEPARFILTER]

Use a diesel fuel polisher on your genset tank(s). This will ensure that your fuel is de-watered and clean of particulates before it reaches the genset.

Fuel contamination is a problem when it comes to genset reliability, particularly for emergency power applications.

Polishing the fuel will make sure that not only the generator starts, but will keep it running 

[pumpprincess]

Happy Day!

Prelubrication.  It's a necessity for gensets!

Smiles to Share ;-)