Low Loaded Diesel Generators
Low Loaded Diesel Generators
(OP)
Hi all.
Mechanical question.
I know that low loads on large diesel generators is not good for the diesels, apart from not being very efficient. I understand that there is coking-up of the exhaust, increased maintenance and I was told that an engine can seize.
What's going on? - ie what are the problems for a diesel engine with very little load and what sort of load is starting to be good to avoid problems?
I'm referring to 3-4MW diesel-generator sets, marine applications.
Thanks
Mechanical question.
I know that low loads on large diesel generators is not good for the diesels, apart from not being very efficient. I understand that there is coking-up of the exhaust, increased maintenance and I was told that an engine can seize.
What's going on? - ie what are the problems for a diesel engine with very little load and what sort of load is starting to be good to avoid problems?
I'm referring to 3-4MW diesel-generator sets, marine applications.
Thanks





RE: Low Loaded Diesel Generators
Some manufacturers (of smaller high speed electronically governed engines) tend to state that its less of a problem than before, but I'm not so sure about larger medium and slow speed engines. In this case, better to ask the manufacturer as well.
RE: Low Loaded Diesel Generators
Worst case may be globs of flaming oil blown out the exhaust stack.
Seizing may result from engines producing carbon due to incomplete combustion. The carbon may tend to fill in the piston grooves in the space behind the rings. Then under heavy loading when the engine runs hotter, the piston expands and the space normally available for heat expansion is filled with carbon and the ring is forced outward as the piston expands and jams the cylinder wall.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Low Loaded Diesel Generators