Diesel generator

A diesel generator combines a diesel engine with an electric generator to produce electricity. It can supply power independently or support an electrical grid.

Diesel engine: An internal-combustion engine that ignites fuel by compressing air until it is hot enough for combustion. Its rotating shaft supplies the mechanical power that drives the generator.
Standby generator: A generator reserved to supply power when its normal source fails. Diesel generator sets commonly provide backup during utility outages.
Gas generator: An electric generator driven by an engine that burns gaseous fuel, such as natural gas or propane. Gas-fueled sets trade diesel fuel’s storage characteristics for dependence on a gas supply.
Diesel exhaust: The mixture of gases and particles emitted by a diesel engine during combustion. Operating a diesel generator releases exhaust that requires attention to exposure and dispersion.
Electric generator: A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. It converts the engine’s rotation into the electrical output of the set.
Prime power: A power rating and operating mode for equipment supplying variable loads for extended periods. Some diesel sets serve as a site’s regular source rather than only as emergency backup.
Gas turbine: A rotary engine that produces power by expanding hot combustion gases through a turbine. Gas turbines are an alternative prime mover, often favored for larger continuous power output.
Particulate matter: A mixture of airborne solid particles and liquid droplets, including soot from combustion. Diesel exhaust can contain fine particles associated with respiratory and cardiovascular harm.
Alternator: An alternating-current generator that produces electricity by rotating a magnetic field relative to coils. Most generator sets use an alternator to produce their AC output.
Microgrid: A localized electrical network that can operate connected to or independently from the wider grid. Diesel generators can provide dispatchable power within isolated or grid-connected microgrids.

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