After a period of use, a
diesel generator set may experience a power drop, indicating weakening performance. Typically, when a diesel generator set experiences performance degradation or malfunction, specific symptoms are associated. If your diesel generator set exhibits the following symptoms, it indicates a power drop and the user should pay attention.
1. A decrease in diesel generator power. Comparing the maximum output power of a diesel generator with the rated power specified in the technical specifications can reveal the technical condition of the diesel generator set. Under normal use, the degree of overall power reduction reflects the wear of components (such as cylinder liners, pistons, and piston rings).
2. An increase in lubricant oil usage. During normal operation of a diesel generator, increased lubricant oil usage is primarily due to increased wear on the cylinder and piston assembly. This increased oil flow into the diesel generator's combustion chamber results in a greater amount of blue smoke from the diesel generator's exhaust pipe.
3. An increase in diesel consumption. Increased diesel consumption is related to many factors. For example, if the fuel injection pump's branch pump volume is adjusted too high, oil splashing from the nozzle occurs, cooling is poor, the inlet and exhaust ports are leaking, the lubricating oil's fluidity decreases, and the cylinder pressure is too low, increasing the flow required to operate the diesel generator. Therefore, an increase in diesel generator oil consumption is a comprehensive evaluation indicator.
4. Decreased cylinder pressure. This indicates the level of diesel-to-cylinder pressure, the degree of leakage in the cylinder liner and piston assembly, and the inlet and exhaust valves and valve seats.
5. Decreased crankshaft pressure. The level of crankshaft pressure can indicate the degree of wear on the diesel generator's cylinder liner and piston assembly.
6. Decreased engine oil pressure. During normal operation of a diesel generator, bearing wear associated with high engine oil pressure is assessed. It has been found that lower engine oil pressure generally indicates a longer bearing wear interval.
7. Increased impurities in the lubricating oil. A few grams of impurities in the lubricating oil can indicate the degree of wear on the internal lubricated components of the diesel generator set. Experimental determination of the content of various elements in the lubricating oil can assess the degree of wear on various moving parts.
Main Factors Contributing to Diesel Generator Power Reduction
1. Excessively dirty air filters, resulting in insufficient intake air.
2. Dirty fuel filters, resulting in insufficient fuel injection.
3. Improper ignition timing.
4. Generator insulation degradation.
A diesel generator experiencing reduced power, increased lubricant consumption, and increased diesel usage indicates declining performance. This performance degradation can be corrected through repairs and maintenance, but it cannot restore the unit to its original performance. Therefore, users must operate diesel generators in accordance with specifications and perform regular maintenance to reduce unnecessary failures and ensure optimal operation.
