When generator sets operate under harsh environmental conditions, they are prone to malfunctions due to environmental factors. In plateau and high-altitude areas as well as severe cold climates, targeted response measures and usage methods must be adopted. A comprehensive explanation of the usage methods of generator sets in special environments is provided below:
Usage Requirements in Plateau and High-Altitude AreasEngines of matched generator sets, especially naturally aspirated engines, will experience reduced fuel combustion efficiency compared to sea-level conditions due to thin air when used in plateau areas, leading to a certain degree of power loss. For naturally aspirated engines, the power loss is approximately 3% for every 300-meter increase in altitude. Therefore, when operating in plateau areas, the generator set should be run at reduced power to avoid issues such as excessive exhaust emissions and high gas consumption.
Operation Requirements in Severe Cold Climates(1)
Install Auxiliary Starting Devices (Oil Heaters, Water Jacket Heaters, etc.)Electric heaters can be used to preheat the coolant and lubricating oil of cold engines, raising the overall temperature of the engine to achieve smooth starting.
When the temperature inside the engine room is below 4°C, a coolant heater must be installed to ensure the engine block temperature is maintained above 32°C.
(2)
Install Low-Temperature Alarms for Generator SetsFor generator sets required to operate in environments with temperatures below -18°C, a lubricating oil heater must also be equipped to prevent lubricating oil from solidifying. The heater is installed at the engine oil sump to heat the lubricating oil inside, facilitating low-temperature engine starting.
(3)
Use Low-Temperature Special Lubricating OilSelecting low-temperature lubricating oil can reduce oil viscosity, improve lubricating oil fluidity, and minimize internal hydraulic friction resistance of the engine.
(4)
Adopt High-Energy Storage BatteriesChoose high-energy storage batteries, such as the commonly used nickel-metal hydride batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries. Attention should be paid to heating or thermal insulation protection of the batteries. When the temperature of the equipment room drops below 0°C, a battery heater should be equipped to maintain battery capacity and output power.
Supplementary Note: Engines of different uses and models have different low-temperature starting performance requirements, so the low-temperature starting measures adopted also vary. For engines with high low-temperature starting performance requirements, to ensure smooth starting at extremely low temperatures, multiple measures may need to be taken simultaneously, as follows:
- Install glow plugs
- Use an appropriate amount of starting fluid
- Increase mixture concentration
- Adopt ether-assisted starting
Operation Requirements in High-Humidity EnvironmentsFor generator sets operating in high-humidity environments, heaters must be installed in the generator windings and control cabinets to prevent short circuits or insulation damage caused by condensation inside the generator windings and control cabinets.
Operation Requirements in High-Dust and Poor Cleanliness EnvironmentsLong-term operation of generator sets in dusty and polluted environments is likely to cause component damage. Accumulated sludge, dirt, and dust will adhere to the surface of components, increasing the difficulty of equipment maintenance; in addition, the accumulations may contain corrosive compounds and salts, which will further erode components. Therefore, in such environments, the maintenance cycle of the generator set should be shortened to ensure the longest service life of the unit.
Application of Gas-Fired Generator Sets in Other Special Geographic EnvironmentsIn addition to playing an important role in power supply guarantee for various enterprises and institutions, gas-fired generator sets also have unique effects and significance in applications in other special environments.
(1)
Power Supply Construction in Border AreasChina's remote border areas are rich in resources, but some areas are far from the power grid, and the development of modern industries is inseparable from stable and sufficient power supply. With the advantages of low investment cost, short construction period, and the ability to form independent power grids for power supply, gas-fired generator sets have become the preferred solution to quickly meet the power demand in such areas. In recent years, gas-fired generator sets have been widely used in the development and construction of remote areas in many countries around the world.
(2)
Meeting Power Demand in Desert AreasTo support the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources in the hinterland of deserts, with the continuous advancement of desert development, the application proportion of gas-fired generator sets in desert areas will increase significantly.
(3)
Power Supply Guarantee in Scenarios Such as Tourism Development Zones(No specific content in the original text here; it can be supplemented according to actual application scenarios: for example, providing stable and reliable power supply for remote scenic spots, campsites and other areas without power grid coverage, ensuring the normal operation of tourist accommodation, entertainment and basic service facilities.)
