What are Generator Operational and Design Features?
An engineer will encounter various generator types with different designs and operating characteristics throughout a career on board. Therefore, engineers need to know the basics of generator systems inside and out.
Generator operation and design features are critical elements of power generation technology. These features ensure power supply reliability by controlling generator performance, safety, and efficiency.
Below is a list of lesser-known marine generator design features and overlooked but critical generator technologies often not discussed or taught in training courses or maritime engineering books.
Air start motor
Air start motors are essential components of generators, as they provide the necessary power to start the generator. The air begins motor works by receiving compressed air from a compressor, which is then used to spin a turbine wheel inside the motor. This spinning turbine wheel creates a powerful torque to turn the generator’s crankshaft and get it running. Air start motors are cost-effective and reliable, making them an ideal choice for many generators.
Oil filter cleaning feature
Oil filters are essential to your generator maintenance routine as they help your engine run smoothly and efficiently. The oil filter cleaning feature is intended to make this process more efficient and manageable. This feature allows the user to clean the oil filter without disassembling the engine or removing it from the housing. It also reduces the time spent on routine maintenance, making more efficient use of time and resources.
Marine generators are equipped with double oil cleaning filters in the lubricating oil line. On some generators, these filters have a quick clean feature that can be used in emergencies or when lube oil pressure is low. After moving the filter selector handle back and forth a few times, the cleaning effect of the filter and the pressure of the lubricating oil rise sharply.
Telescopic pipe
A telescopic pipe is commonly used to supply lube oil to the piston in main two-stroke engines. This setup has become particularly popular in generators. It ensures that the lube oil can reach all parts of the generator, including those that may be challenging for traditional piping arrangements. The telescopic pipe allows for a more excellent range of movement and flexibility for the piping system, making it easier to ensure that all generator areas are adequately lubricated.
Fuel pump block and floating shaft
This design feature helps keep the fuel pump cool and running smoothly. The fuel pump block and the floating shaft are unique design features of the generator where the fuel pump is the generator by a floating shaft to operate the pump.
Floating shafts reduce vibration to improve performance and prevent damage to these components from excessive heat or shock. This feature also makes generator maintenance easier as all parts are easily accessible in one place.
Isolation rubber
Isolation rubber is a friction clutch commonly used in high-power generators. This structure helps separate the drive shaft from the generator frame, reducing the vibration and noise emitted by the generator. The insulating rubber lining also reduces misalignment between the two components, making maintenance easier. Its design allows it to absorb sudden shock loads, making it ideal for generators in heavy-duty applications. Due to its many advantages, insulating rubber is becoming increasingly popular in today’s generators.
Longer shutdown
If the generator must be shut down for more than 3 months, it is essential to take special precautions to ensure proper generator function when the generator is restarted. Using a rust-preventative spray on your liners is the best ways to keep your generator out of service long-term. This simple precaution will help protect your generator from rust and corrosion from long periods of disuse.
Indicator cock
The indicator valve measures and monitors the diesel engine cylinder pressure while the engine is running. This process involves analyzing the condition and efficiency of the machine. Valves are mounted on each cylinder head of a diesel engine. The indicator valve is connected to the combustion chamber (cylinder) through a bore.
Indicator valves are part of large two-stroke and four-stroke internal combustion engines. They connect the engine to the cylinder pressure gauge, allowing individual monitoring of the pressure in each engine’s cylinder.
Cold Start
Cold Start in a generator refers to the engine refusing to start when it is exposed to cold temperatures. It can be a significant issue if you are running an important project and the generator needs to be operating continuously. To solve this problem, one needs to turn the engine with an open indicator cock and turn the machine with the help of an external source like a shaft barring arrangement. This practice helps create enough pressure inside the combustion chamber, allowing for the successful starting of the generator.
Air manifold drain cock
The air manifold drain cock is a crucial part of any generator system. It helps to reduce the chances of moisture accumulation in the engine and other components. In conditions with high chances of moisture accumulation, it is essential to open up the air manifold drain cock to 1/4th turn. Drain cock will allow air to flow freely and prevents any potential damage caused by condensation build-up. It also ensures no pressure build-up in the system and damage is minimized.
Fuel Injection Valve
The fuel injection valve (FIV) is an essential part of the generator because it transfers fuel from the fuel tank to the combustion chamber. Generator performance depends mainly on the condition of the injectors, which must be pressure checked and overhauled regularly. A good quality IVF will increase the generator’s life and make it more efficient by providing better fuel economy.
Proper maintenance of the fuel injection valve can significantly increase the efficiency of a generator. It can also save you time and money by ensuring your generator runs smoothly and steadily. Regular maintenance will help avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Blog Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our article about the Generator Operational and Design Features. The article will help the readers to learn about this new feature and how it can be used. We are hoping that this article will help the readers to know about the Generator Operational and Design Features and use them for their own websites. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments. Thank you for reading!
