Generator sets are large and sophisticated machines that manage to generate an electrical current through an internal combustion engine.
The proper functioning of all parts and the connection between them is very important. Therefore, we are going to clarify some concepts related to the use of diesel fuel to mobilize the internal combustion engine.
Fuel influence
The most obvious reason why a particular fuel should be used is the energy that can be obtained from it.
As you may already know, there are generators with very different power ranges, from 10kw to 160kw diesel generators, and more. Therefore, that power will depend directly on the internal combustion engine used. And the better the quality of the fuel, the higher the power and the lower the consumption.
In addition, it also affects the good maintenance of the combustion engine. These are prepared to work with a specific type of fuel. So, if a different one is used, it could seriously impair the useful life of the engine.
Types of diesel fuel
When we talk about diesel, there are 3 types to consider: type A, type B and type C. Each one has a different filtering and purity, among other characteristics.
Type A is used almost exclusively in the automotive industry, where special care must be taken with engines as they have very delicate elements. Likewise, more additives are usually included to modify its qualities and make it more optimal for certain issues.
Type B, on the other hand, is famous for being used in agricultural vehicles. It’s also used for heating at the domestic level or for generators.
Finally, type C is the one used on large scales; in machinery and industrial heating, where the energy requirement is very high.
It is quite easy to distinguish the types of diesel thanks to the shades. While type C is blue, type B is more reddish and type A is yellowish.
Why to use type B diesel in generators
Why is type B the most suitable for this case? We could say that B is an intermediate point between the other two types of diesel.
Diesel A is too refined for what is really needed in a generator of this type. There are no elements as sensitive as those of a car or motorcycle engine. In addition, not so many additives are needed. Therefore, an excessive price would be paid for what is required.
On the other hand, diesel C is the other extreme. It is designed to be used as a “pure” fuel and to provide heat, so it has a high paraffin content that can cause breakdowns in certain systems.
It’s important to remember that diesel generators are designed so that they can be used in all kinds of events, in domestic or industrial places. Therefore, type B diesel must be consumed.
There is also a law that regulates the use of different fuels. This means that, even if you wanted to use a cheaper one, even if it meant a risk, the law would not allow it. It may seem strange, but the reason is very simple. Each fuel is designed for a specific type of work and has its own characteristics, as we have seen. This gives rise to a different tax being applied to each type of diesel.
