Tips for Buying Any Diesel Generator In Nigeria
A diesel generator is a combination of a diesel engine and an alternator. When the diesel engine makes its rotation at the shaft, it will drive the alternator coupled to that shaft thereby giving out the voltage generated by the alternator.
Hence, the combination of the two is what we refer to as a “diesel generator”.
However, a lot has changed in the technology that most people confuse the diesel generators with the popular giant domestic petrol generators used at home. Comparing these two sets, one will notice the huge difference if they are to be operated separately with the same workload on them.
Diesel engines generally have the characteristics of providing higher torque strength to their shaft during rotation than any giant petrol generator of similar size, however; the petrol generator can have a higher rotation per minute (RPM).
For that reason, the alternators usually fixed to the shaft of diesel engines are of higher power rating and size than those fixed at the shafts of the petrol generators.
Considering the differences, there are some cases that which using the diesel generator can be a waste of power, a good example of such a condition is using them for supply where the entire workload is below 6KVA such as small homes and offices.
It can be a waste of power and resource because the diesel generators are more costly than the petrol generators and they also cost more to maintain. It is important to consider the workload rating before making the decision between the two of them.
Assuming you have made your choice to be the diesel generator because the workload is above 6KVA here are other considerations.
Diesel generators usually come in different sizes according to the workload capacity, at the lower level we have from 7KVA to 30KVA diesel generators known as the single-phase diesel generators, this category is suitable for domestic applications such as homes and offices where the workload is within the mentioned range.
The quality of this category ranges from the small size to the higher size, therefore those of 20 to 30KVA will have soundproof components on them because their noise can be unpleasant for domestic use if they do not have soundproof.
Another category that exists in the diesel generators is those having the workload capacity range from 30KVA up to 2500KVA known as the three-phase diesel generators, they cannot be used for domestic purposes due to their high workload capacity.
This category is usually used in the industries and as a support to power grids in power stations.
They usually come with soundproofs, a solid support base, separate control units, etc. some designs may have all these units; built-in and coupled together. Beyond this range of workload for diesel generators that are 2500KVA the Gas turbine will become the next option for the larger workload.
So what size of diesel generator do you want to buy? That is the question because I want to reveal some facts you need to know about the generators in Nigerian markets. Assuming you are buying the sizes meant for domestic use, here are the three key points you must follow:
- When trying to buy diesel generators in the Nigerian market make sure it comes with a warranty and be strict about the warranty. In that case, it should be specified in the receipt the dealer will give you after the payment is made.
2. Ask questions about the alternator that the diesel generator was coupled with. Though small diesel generators like the S195 and S1115 and other smaller sizes do not come with alternators attached to them, you will need to buy the alternator and the base separately.
But beyond those sizes, the bigger sizes are usually coupled with soundproofs and alternators inside them.
Be more concerned about the quality of the alternator to be sure it was made with original copper wire or quality aluminum wires. (but copper wire first if it is aluminum wire, then the price should be lesser)
3. Assuming the above two considerations were perfect, it is time to test-run the generator, during the test running be observant about any sign of high starting, because it could a sign of an old-refurbished engine coupled with a new alternator.
Assuming the starting was ok and the generator has started running, then it will be a good time to check all the ratings specified in the manual to ensure they correspond to readings coming from the control unit.
To do that, move to the unit where the ignition key is located you will see sets of meters, their function is to record the performance of the diesel generator which includes; the voltage output, current, rpm, temperature, oil, and fuel gauges, etc., see if their readings correspond or are close to that specified in the
Conclusion
Having done the above three tips for buying any Diesel Generator in Nigeria and they proved successful, then make your payment with confidence. These considerations mean you know what you are doing and it will be difficult to make a wrong choice under such conditions.
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