Is a Used Diesel Generator Better for Industrial Plants? ...
May. 06, 2024
Is a Used Diesel Generator Better for Industrial Plants? ...
Many industrial plants are now considering used diesel generators as a cost-effective solution. According to a post on PowerElectronics, "Buying a pre-owned generator can be a more financially sound decision compared to purchasing a new one, especially for large-scale industrial applications where the upfront cost can be substantial."
A commercial diesel generator could be an excellent asset for your business operations and industrial applications.
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It can protect you against the eventuality of power outtakes, storms, and other natural disasters. With a reliable generator, you would mitigate any downtime, protecting your profits and employees.
Now, suppose you're in the market for a generator. In that case, you're probably asking yourself whether it's vital to shell out for a new one.
Buying a used generator is a surefire way to save on costs. But is it a better decision for your industrial plant to buy a used diesel generator?
In this post, we'll answer your questions.
The Benefits of a Diesel Generator
Before we get started, here's what you need to know about adding a Diesel generator to your industrial plant.
Reliable Power Supply
Diesel generators are used to produce electric energy along with electric generators. They can be used as power supplies in case of an emergency.
Both residential and industrial generators are available. The industrial type is often large and can provide a great deal of power over long periods.
This means during a power outage, your plant won't suffer a loss of profit, and you'll be able to keep working conditions running as they should.
Frequency of Power Outages
Power outages are more common than you might think. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports a total of 3,571 total outages in 2015. These lasted 49 minutes on average.
Large industrial plants where a large amount of product is produced every minute could mean severe financial losses. To put a number on it, outages cost on average $18 billion to $33 billion in the United States per year!
Having a backup generator is excellent insurance in any circumstance.
New vs Used Diesel Generator: The Pros and Cons
Let's address the question of whether buying new is a requirement to ensure your generator runs smoothly and supports your plant sufficiently. For this, we can quickly assess the pros and cons of new generators.
Advantages of New Generators
There are a few main benefits to buying new generators. For one, you'll have an easier time choosing the equipment that is perfect for your needs.
You can find the exact features and specifications you are looking for with a new model. New generators also theoretically offer the best the industry currently has to offer.
Worry-Free Operation
Another key benefit is that you don't have to worry about the previous owner or if the generator has ever been seriously damaged.
This is probably the biggest concern for industry plants owner looking at buying used Diesel generators. With pre-owned equipment, you have cause to worry about maintenance costs popping up in the future.
Cost Factors
However, with the proper research and a curated selling site, using generators can be avoided. And this is where the severe flipside to new generators comes in: they are considerably more expensive.
You might save anywhere up to 70% for a pre-owned Diesel Generator. It's also worth noting that new generators might take a while to get to you. Used models don't have the same long waiting period.
Summary of New Generators
- Are the latest make and model
- Have no hours (or wear and tear)
- Come with a manufacturer's warranty
- Are likely EPA Tier 4i and Tier 4F compliant
- Are more expensive
- Often come with a waiting period as they might be made to order
- Modifications may get in the way of the warranty
Advantages of Used Generators
Is a Used Diesel Generator Better for Industrial Plants?
Now let's turn our attention to used generators instead. We've already mentioned the main concern with older models.
This is that previous owners might have damaged the generator in some ways. But the term "used" doesn't need to deter you from the purchase.
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Industrial grade quality in the making of generators dictates that they are made to last. Used or not, the generator should continue to function perfectly.
Immediate Availability
Several benefits come with used generators:
- They are available immediately, with a lower lead time
- Purchase, delivery, and installation can all be achieved with a quick turnaround time
- You can get a used model with low hours
- There's a greater selection of brands and models available to suit your needs (certified sellers of used Generators offer a variety of brands, including smaller brands)
- You can get a wider variety of upgrades and aftermarket additions to finetune the generator to your needs
- Used generators from credible sellers are serviced and tested (this means they'll run in top condition at a fraction of the price)
- Often up to 70% cheaper than a new diesel generator.
The Downsides
Of course, there are some downsides to purchasing a used model as well. These include:
- Cosmetic marks from wear and tear
- Older models may only meet older EPA requirements (this might exclude them from being used for prime applications)
- They usually won't come with a manufacturer's warranty
We've mentioned that you can also expand upon a used generator more flexibly. This is because you can swap out control boards more easily and customize the control board process.
Get a Certified Diesel Generator for Your Industrial Plant
You can buy a used diesel generator for your industrial plant. This is an especially good idea if you're looking for a backup generator and don't need it to support primary applications.
As long as you buy from a certified seller, a used generator will save you money and run for years to come.
Central States Diesel Generator is a trusted seller that buys and sells generators from reputable brands like Caterpillar, Cummins, and Kohler. Browse our online shop today to find the perfect generator for your needs.
Choosing a Generator That's Right for You
HOW TO CHOOSE A USED DIESEL GENERATOR
THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Once you've decided to purchase a used diesel generator set, there are several considerations you must keep in mind when choosing which used diesel generator to buy, where to install your generator and how to install it. In this paper we discuss with you some decisions during the selection process. Choosing the right machine is not difficult if you take the time to determine your objectives and facility requirements carefully, and have a fundamental understanding of what to look for in a used diesel generator. Remember that US Power’s sales engineering staff is available to help you with all steps of the generator selection, sizing and installation process. You will also need to know a few terms and have a basic understanding of the different types of generator sets and their operating principles. Please refer to our glossary of terms as needed.
STAND-BY OR PRIME?
The first determination you will need to make is whether you will require stand-by or prime power. Simply stated, prime power is required when you have no other source of power. A stand-by diesel generator is a backup to normal utility power. Making this determination helps select the size of the generator as diesel generator kW output is de-rated approximately 20% for prime use.
GENERATOR TYPES & FEATURES
Generator sets produce either single or three phase power. Choose a single phase set if your motors are 5hp and smaller. Three-phase power is better for larger motor starting and running. Most homeowners will require single phase whereas industrial or commercial applications usually require three phase power. Three phase generators are set up to produce 120/208 or 277/480 volts. Single-phase sets are 120 or 120/240. Use the low voltage to run domestic appliances and the high voltage for your motors, heaters, stoves and dryers.GAS OR DIESEL?
We recommend diesel generators due to their longevity (30,000 plus hours) and lower operating costs from maintenance and fuel fuel efficiencies. Is is just a fact that modern diesel generators are more rugged, quiet and normally require much less maintenance than comparably sized gas (natural gas or liquid propane) units. But one of the most attractive features is that fuel costs per kW produced with diesels are normally thirty to fifty percent less than comparable gas units. One factor that makes diesel generators more rugged is that they run cooler and are built on heavier duty engine blocks. For instance, whereas 1800 rpm water cooled diesel units operate on average 12-30,000 hours before any major maintenance is required, similar 1800 rpm water cooled natural gas generators normally operate 6-10,000 hours before rebuild because they are built on a lighter duty gasoline engine block. One thing to keep in mind is that 3600 rpm air-cooled gas units are normally replaced (not overhauled) at 500 to 1500 hours. And again , because the gas units burn hotter (higher btu of the fuel) you will see significantly shorter lives than the diesel units.
OPERATING SPEED
Electric equipment is designed to use power with a fixed frequency: 60 Hertz (Hz) in the United States and Canada, 50 Hertz in Europe and Australia. The frequency output of a generator depends on a fixed engine speed. To produce 60 Hz electricity, most engines operate at 1800 or 3600 RPM. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. 1800 RPM, four pole sets are the most common and least expensive. They offer the best balance of noise, efficiency, cost and engine life. 3600 RPM, two pole sets are smaller and lightweight, best suited for portable, light-duty applications. To give you a word picture, it is similar to driving your car at 120 mph, versus 60mph – at 60mph your car will last longer, is quieter, requires less maintenance and will have a longer life. Most 3600 rpm units are twin cylinder air cooled lawn mower engines, while the water cooled 1800 rpm units are comparable to those found in forklift and tractor engines. This is why the 1800 rpm water cooled diesel generators are more expensive to purchase, but remember that they will last longer, offer less maintenance problems and be more fuel efficient. Your decision here is typically based on your budget and facility needs.
FEATURES & BENEFITS TO LOOK FOR: THE ENGINE
For long life and quiet operation we recommend four cycle, liquid cooled, industrial duty diesel engines. Whereas air-cooled engines require a tremendous amount of air and may require ducting, they are also noisy. Liquid cooling offers quieter operation and superior temperature control - which means longer life. One way to save time servicing your generator and money for new filters is to purchase a large, integral air cleaner with replaceable filter element and a critical muffler, which is built into the exhaust manifold. This saves the need for an additional muffler.On a DC electrical system the standard 12 volt system should include a starter motor and battery charging alternator with a solid state voltage regulator. Diesel units should also come with a pre-heat switch and start/stop switch, safety shutdown system to protect the engine in case of oil pressure loss. The generator should also have overspeed, overcrank and high water temperature alarms attached to the DC system circuit breaker.
GENERATOR END
Your AC generator should have a 4-pole revolving field. An automatic voltage regulator will provide “clean” power which is necessary if you are backing up any computuer equipment or sensitive electronic systems. Normal utility power is +/- 5% voltage regulation; many 1800-rpm models are even better +/- 2%! But this is something to confirm when evaluating each diesel generator.
ENGINE ACCESSORIES: Sound Attenuation, Filters and Block Heaters
Upon determining the generator size you will need, make a list of optional and installation equipment you require. For noise abatement, we recommend a residential (not industrial grade) muffler. Many cities require sound attenuated enclosures (70dba or quieter) as well. A good primary fuel filter/water separator is a must to protect your engine's fuel system. Stand-by sets may require a block heater to keep the coolant/water mix at an adequate temperature for easier starting, and a battery charger is always a good idea.
AC SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLS
All generator systems require a circuit breaker and a distribution panel. The circuit breaker protects the generator set from short circuit and unbalanced electrical loads. The distribution panel divides and routes the connected loads and includes circuit breakers to protect these loads. Switchgear can be as simple or complex as you want or can afford. Of course, as complexity increases, so does cost. Most applications will only require a base model automatic transfer switch with a digital panel and weekly exercise options. Some facilities however require soft-load and parelleling switchgear. Balance and a good electrical advisor are the keys here.
Please keep in mind – US POWER & ENVIRONMENT is a turnkey Power Solutions Specialist that can provide for all your generator needs from 3 Mega Watt units for industrial customers seeking heavy duty industrial standby generators to residential models. We can provide you with diesel, natural gas or propane powered units. We offer only top quality products that are priced at or below our competition who offer lesser brands!Want more information on 1500kw 1875kva Cummins Diesel Generator Set? Feel free to contact us.
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