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32 common problems with diesel generator sets
2025-12-05 16:04:08

**1. Impact of Different Climatic Environments on Diesel Generator Set Operation**  

- Rainwater  

- Dust and windblown sand  

- Saltwater and fog in coastal areas  

- Corrosive gases in the air, such as sulfur dioxide  


**2. Composition of a Diesel Generator Set**  

- Diesel engine, generator, controller. Other components: base frame, base fuel tank, radiator, water tank, 

   anti-vibration pads, soundproof enclosure, muffler, silent canopy, etc.  


**3. Replacement Intervals for the Three Filters in Diesel Generator Sets**  

- Air filter: 1,000 hours. The replacement interval may be shortened depending on environmental conditions.  

- Fuel filter: Initial replacement at 50 hours, followed by every 400 hours. If diesel quality is poor, the replacement interval should be shortened.  

- Oil filter: Initial replacement at 50 hours, followed by every 200 hours.  


**4. How to Identify Genuine Engines**  

- Appearance: Professionals familiar with engines can distinguish authenticity based on appearance, color, and overall color differences.  

- Identification marks: Diesel engines have brand logo stickers on the engine block.  

- Nameplate identification: The engine nameplate displays the engine serial number, and the cylinder block and 

  fuel pump also bear corresponding codes. Verifying these codes with the original manufacturer can confirm authenticity.  


**5. Introduction to Motor Protection Rating (IP)**  

- ”I“ indicates the level of protection against solid foreign objects, with the highest level being 6.  

- ”P“ indicates the level of protection against water ingress, with the highest level being 8.  

- Examples: Protection ratings such as IP56, IP55, etc.  


**6. Introduction to Motor Insulation Classes**  

Motor insulation classes are categorized based on the heat resistance of the insulating materials used, generally divided into five classes:  

- Class A: 105°C  

- Class E: 120°C  

- Class B: 130°C  

- Class F: 155°C  

- Class H: 180°C  


**7. Introduction to Noise Levels**  

- 30–40 decibels represent an ideal quiet environment.  

- Above 50 decibels can affect sleep and rest.  

- Above 70 decibels can interfere with conversation and work efficiency.  

- Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 90 decibels can severely impact hearing and cause conditions such as neurasthenia, 

   headaches, and high blood pressure.  

- Sudden exposure to noise levels as high as 150 decibels can cause acute trauma to auditory organs, eardrum rupture, bleeding, 

   and complete loss of hearing.  

  To protect hearing, noise should be controlled below 90 decibels; for work and study, below 70 decibels; and for rest and sleep, below 50 decibels.  


**8. Purpose of Parallel Operation of Diesel Generator Sets**  

- Expand power supply capacity.  

- Improve power supply reliability and achieve uninterrupted power supply.  


**9. Function of ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch)**  

ATS is a switching device for alternating between grid power and generator power. It has two sets of switching contacts: 

one for generator power and one for grid power. It can achieve automatic switching based on controller commands.  


**10. Fuel Consumption Calculation**  

- Fuel consumption (L/h) = Diesel engine rated power (kW) × Fuel consumption rate (g/kWh) / 1000 / 0.84  

  (Density of diesel #0 is taken as 0.84 kg/L)  


**11. Steps for Commissioning a Diesel Generator Set**  

- Diesel engine inspection → Generator inspection → No-load testing → Load testing → Fill out the commissioning report → Clean up the site  


**12. Classification of Power Generation Methods Based on Energy Sources**  

Nuclear, hydro, wind, and thermal power. Thermal power includes coal, diesel, gasoline, gas, and biogas. 

The generators we currently operate are primarily diesel generators. Diesel is further divided into light diesel (#0 diesel, commonly used in 

high-speed diesel engines) and heavy oil (#120, #180 diesel, commonly used in medium-speed and low-speed diesel engines).  


**13. Main Functions of the Control System**  

- Manual, automatic, and test shutdown modes.  

- Various safety protection functions.  

- Memory for operational faults.  

- LED fault display and alarm.  

- Display of voltage, current, frequency, etc.  

- Can be connected to an external computer if the controller has RS232 or RS485 ports.  


**14. Consequences of Prolonged Overloading of Diesel Generator Sets**  

Generator sets generally should not be overloaded during operation but can withstand short-term overloads. 

Prolonged overload operation (exceeding rated power) may lead to issues such as:  

- Overheating of the cooling system.  

- Overheating of generator windings.  

- Decomposition of lubricating oil concentration leading to low oil pressure.  

- Reduced lifespan of the generator set.  


**15. Consequences of Low Load Operation**  

If the generator set operates under low load for an extended period, the water temperature may not reach the normal operating range, 

increasing oil viscosity and friction. Unburned oil in the cylinders may form a lacquer-like coating on the cylinder gasket due to heating. 

If low load operation persists, blue smoke may appear, or the cylinder gasket surface coating may need to be removed or the gasket replaced.  


**16. Key Considerations for Installing an Exhaust System**  

Generator sets come with standard configurations, such as industrial mufflers, flexible exhaust connectors, and elbows. 

Users can install the exhaust system using the provided components but must consider the following:  

1. Ensure backpressure is lower than the set maximum (typically below 5 kPa).  

2. Secure the exhaust system to avoid lateral and vertical pressure.  

3. Allow for expansion and contraction space.  

4. Allow for vibration space.  

5. Reduce exhaust noise.  


**17. Is It Advisable to Add Coolant Immediately When the Diesel Engine Overheats?**  

Absolutely not! Wait until the engine cools naturally to room temperature before adding coolant. Adding coolant suddenly 

when the diesel engine is overheated and low on water can cause cracks in the cylinder head, cylinder liner, 

or engine block due to rapid temperature changes, severely damaging the engine.  


**18. Steps for ATS Automatic Switching Operation**  

1. **Manual operation mode**:  

Turn on the power key, press the "Manual" button on the module to start directly. Once the generator starts successfully 

and operates normally, the automation module enters a self-check state, automatically increasing speed. After successful speed increase, 

the generator will automatically synchronize and connect to the grid based on the module display.  

2. **Fully automatic operation mode**:  

Set the module to "Auto" mode, and the generator enters a standby state. In automatic mode, it continuously monitors and 

evaluates the grid power status via external signals. If grid power fails or is lost, the generator automatically starts. 

When grid power is restored, it automatically switches off, reduces speed, and shuts down. After grid power returns to normal 

(confirmed by a 3-second system check), the generator automatically disconnects, delays for 3 minutes, shuts down, and prepares for the next automatic start.  


**19. How to Handle Difficulty Starting Due to Poor Cylinder Sealing?**  

When starting a cold engine, especially in winter, insufficient oil on the piston rings and cylinder walls can lead to poor sealing, 

causing repeated failed starts. If cylinder wear significantly affects sealing, starting becomes even more difficult. To address this, 

remove the injectors and add 30–40 ml of oil to each cylinder to enhance sealing and improve compression pressure.  


**20. Self-Protection Function of Diesel Generators**  

Diesel engines and alternators are equipped with various sensors, such as coolant temperature sensors and oil pressure sensors. 

These sensors display the engine’s operating status to the operator and allow setting upper limits. When these limits are reached or 

exceeded, the control system issues a warning. If the operator takes no action, the system automatically shuts down the generator set. 

This is how diesel generator sets achieve self-protection.  


**21. Sources of Noise in Diesel Generator Sets**  

- Intake noise, exhaust noise, and cooling fan noise.  

- Combustion noise from the combustion chamber and mechanical noise from engine component friction.  

- Noise generated by the rotor rotating at high speed in the electromagnetic field.  


**22. Winter Starting Tips for Diesel Generator Sets**  

- Preheating: Add hot water to the cooling system or use a heat source to warm the oil pan.  

- Improve sealing: Remove the injectors and add 30–40 ml of oil to each cylinder to enhance cylinder sealing and improve compression pressure.  

- Cranking: Manually rotate the crankshaft before starting to ensure smooth operation.  


**23. Functions of Diesel Generator Piston Rings**  

- Heat transfer.  

- Oil control.  

- Support.  

- Maintain gas tightness.  


**24. Methods and Sequence for Running-In a New Engine**  

- First, cold running-in: manually rotate or use external force to turn the crankshaft.  

- Then, hot running-in: operate under no load.  


**25. Causes of Oil Deterioration**  

- Use of incorrect or substandard oil.  

- Poor generator operation, such as blow-by, oil leakage, excessive clearances, or high oil temperature.  

- Frequent low-temperature operation.  

- Exhaust gases entering the oil pan, condensing into moisture and acidic substances.  

- Dirty oil filter or internal leakage in the filter, bypassing filtration.  


**26. Function of the Oil Pump**  

The oil pump supplies lubricating oil at sufficient pressure to ensure effective lubrication of all moving parts. 

Gear-type and rotor-type oil pumps are widely used in diesel engines.  


**27. Function of the Governor**  

The governor adjusts the fuel supply sensitively based on changes in external load to maintain stable speed. 

It must include two basic components: a sensing element and an actuator.  


**28. Function of the Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)**  

The AVR maintains stable voltage from no-load to full-load operation. It features a voltage-frequency (Hz) proportional characteristic, 

which adjusts the output voltage downward correctly when the rated speed decreases. 

This characteristic helps protect the engine when sudden large loads are applied.  


**29. Battery Maintenance**  

For frequently used generators, batteries generally do not encounter issues with regular maintenance. 

For batteries not used for extended periods, periodically check the charge level and recharge them. 

Recharge every 12 weeks (or every 8 weeks in tropical regions).  


**30. Conditions for Automatic Delayed Shutdown**  

Low fuel level, high coolant temperature, low coolant level, overload, or failed start, with corresponding signals issued.  


**31. Conditions for Emergency Shutdown**  

Overspeed, short circuit, phase loss, overvoltage, loss of voltage, or low frequency.  


**32. Conditions for Automatic Audible and Visual Alarms**  

Low oil pressure, high coolant temperature, low coolant level, overload, failed start, overspeed, short circuit, phase loss, overvoltage, 

loss of voltage, low frequency, low or high starter battery voltage, low fuel level, and alarms triggered by relay contacts in the generator’s alarm system.


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