DIESEL POWER PLANT
water availability is limited due to
Types
● Diesel power plant based on fuel used
○ Diesel
○ Petrol / Gasoline
● Two main types of of diesel power plant
○ Stationary Diesel Power Plants
- Stationary units are equipped with either
two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engines,
connected to synchronous generators.
- Diesel power plant units are considered
average as long as its rating does not exceed
750kW.
- Diesel plants are considered large with
power ratings equal to or exceeding 2,200
kW.
- These plants are primarily employed in
locations distant from transmission lines,
where constructing steam or hydroelectric
power plants is impractical.
○ Mobile Diesel Power Plants
- Mobile diesel power plants can serve as a
primary, auxiliary, or standby power source,
finding extensive application in agriculture,
transportation, forestry, and expeditions
engaged in geological exploration.
● Diesel Power Plants Classification Based
on Their Applications
1. Peak Load Plant
- used in combination with thermal
or hydro-plants as peak load plants
2. Mobile Plants
- used for temporary or emergency
purposes such as for supplying
power to large civil engineering
works for supplementing electricity
supply systems that are temporarily
short of power. They are mounted on
skids or trailers and transported to
the required site.
3. Stand-by Units
- Utilized as standby units to provide
partial load as needed, a diesel plant
can, for instance, act as a backup for
a hydro-plant in situations where
decreased rainfall. Here, the diesel
unit operates in parallel with the
hydro-power plant, temporarily
supplying power until there is
enough water to handle the full load.
4. Emergency Plant
- Typically inactive, these plants are
reserved for emergency situations
where a power outage could result in
financial loss or pose a risk, such as
in critical industrial processes, tunnel
lighting, and hospital operating
rooms.
5. Nursery Station
- In situations where a temporary
power plant is needed to supply
electricity to a small town until the
main grid becomes available, it is
referred to as a "Nursery Station." A
Nursery Station can be relocated to
another area requiring power on a
smaller scale, and a diesel power
plant is well-suited for this purpose.
6. Starting Stations
- Compact diesel units can be
employed to initiate the startup of
large steam plants, running the
auxiliary systems initially for the
startup process before being
disconnected.
7. Central Stations
- Diesel units can be used as central
stations, such as for commercial
purposes and public utilities e.g.,
cinema halls, hospitals and
municipalities.
Working Process of Diesel Power Plant
- Diesel power plants produce power from a
diesel engine. When the diesel fuel burns
inside the engine, it starts to produce
mechanical power. The combustion of diesel
fuel produces increased temperature &
pressure inside the engine. Due to this
pressure gases are formed, this gas pushes
 the piston inside the diesel engine, and then
mechanical power is produced.
Diesel Engine
- a type of internal combustion engine in which
combustion occurs as a result of the high
temperature reached in compression. This type of
engine is very common in industrial, agricultural
and heavy transport machinery due to its greater
power, hardness and simplicity.
How power is generated from diesel?
- Diesel generators convert some of the chemical
energy, contained by the diesel fuel, to mechanical
energy through combustion. This mechanical
energy then rotates a crank to produce electricity.
Types of diesel engine
There are two classes of diesel engines: two-stroke
and four-stroke.
- A four-stroke diesel engine: the operating
cycle follows four stages: aspiration,
compression, combustion, and escape.
- A two-stroke diesel engine: the operating
cycle is reduced to aspiration–
compression and combustion–escape.
Parts of Diesel Engine
Engine block
- Main structure on which other parts of the
engine are placed. It is made of aluminum or
iron and in it we can find the cylinders and
the refrigeration and lubrication ducts.
Pistons
- A part that is located inside the cylinders of
the engine block that alternately move from
top to bottom, compressing the air-fuel
mixture and transmitting to the crankshaft
the force resulting from the pressure caused
during the combustion process.
Connecting rod.
- This piece is in charge of connecting the
piston with the crankshaft and transmitting
the movement. The connecting rods along
with the pistons and crankshafts are the parts
that make the machine move.
Crankshaft
- It is an axis that converts the reciprocating
movement of a piston into a rotary
movement.
Sump/Oil pan.
- It is anchored under the engine and is
responsible for collecting the oil that
lubricates the engine, which is falling from
the top.
Oil pump.
- This part is in charge of guaranteeing proper
lubrication of the engine and all its parts. It
sucks oil from the crankcase to propel it and
distribute it through the oil filter to all
engine components.
Cylinder Head Gasket.
- Located between the cylinder head and the
engine block, the cylinder head gasket is the
part in charge of sealing well and
compressing the cylinder head to prevent oil
leaks in the engine.
Valves.
- The inlet valves allow air and fuel to pass
inside, and the outlet valves expel exhaust
gases.
Camshaft.
- This mechanism is responsible for opening
and closing the valves by means of an axis
or rotation bar that incorporates blades or
sails. It controls that the emission and
exhaust valves open and close in a
coordinated manner and at the exact
moment.
Combustion chamber.
- Part of the engine where combustion occurs
resulting from the mixture of air and fuel.
Bearings.
- Protect and allow the parts to rotate freely,
avoiding friction and heating of the motor.
Injection pump.
- It serves to increase the pressure of the fuel
so that, when it is injected into the engine in
spray form through the nozzles, it causes
spontaneous ignition inside the combustion
chamber.
Fuel injector.
- The injectors are capable of spraying a
certain amount of fuel into the combustion
chamber, where it mixes with air.
Generator
- A device that converts mechanical energy
obtained from an external source into
electrical energy as the output.
Main components of a generator
The main components of an electric
generator can be broadly classified as
follows:
Engine
- The engine is the source of the input
mechanical energy to the generator. The size
of the engine is directly proportional to the
maximum power output the generator can
supply.
Alternator
- Also known as the ‘genhead’, is the part of
the generator that produces the electrical
output from the mechanical input supplied
by the engine. It contains an assembly of
stationary and moving parts encased in a
housing.
(a) Stator – This is the stationary
component. It contains a set of electrical
conductors wound in coils over an iron core.
(b) Rotor / Armature – This is the moving
component that produces a rotating
magnetic field in any one of the following
three ways:
(i) By induction
(ii) By permanent magnets
(iii) By using an exciter
Fuel System
- The fuel system or a tank usually has
sufficient capacity to keep the generator
operational for 6 to 8 hours on an average.
Common features of the fuel system include the
following:
(a) Pipe connection from fuel tank to engine
- The supply line directs fuel from the tank to
the engine and the return line directs fuel
from the engine to the tank.
(b) Ventilation pipe for fuel tank
- The fuel tank has a ventilation pipe to
prevent the build-up of pressure or vacuum
during refilling and drainage of the tank.
(c) Overflow connection from fuel tank to the
drain pipe
- This is required so that any overflow during
refilling of the tank does not cause spillage
of the liquid on the generator set.
(d) Fuel pump
- This transfers fuel from the main storage tank to
the day tank. The fuel pump is typically
electrically operated.
(e) Fuel Water Separator / Fuel Filter
- This separates water and foreign matter from
the liquid fuel to protect other components
of the generator from corrosion and
contamination.
(f) Fuel Injector
- This atomizes the liquid fuel and sprays the
required amount of fuel into the combustion
chamber of the engine.
Voltage Regulator
- This component regulates the output voltage
of the generator.
Cooling & Exhaust System
(a) Cooling System - More likely a raw/fresh water
and hydrogen coolant are used as a coolant.
(b) Exhaust System - More likely an exhaust pipe
which is usually made of cast iron, wrought iron, or
steel.
Lubricating System
- Requires to ensure durability and smooth
operations for a long period of time.
Battery Charger
- A device that replenishes the energy in the
generator's battery, ensuring it remains
charged and ready for starting the generator
when needed. It converts electrical power
from an external source, such as the grid or
another generator, into the appropriate
voltage and current to recharge the
generator's battery.
Control Panel
- This is the user interface of the generator
and contains provisions for electrical outlets
and controls.
Some features of the control panels:
(a) Electric start and shut-down
(b) Engine gauges
(c) Generator gauges
(d) Other controls:
- Phase selector switch
- Frequency switch
- Engine control switch (manual mode, auto
mode)
Main Assembly/Frame
- A housings that provide structural base
support. The frame also allows for the
generated to be earthed for safety.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Diesel power plants have unique capabilities
that make them suitable for certain applications and
limitations that restrict their usefulness for
large-scale power generation. This part discusses
the key benefits and drawbacks of utilizing diesel
power plants.
Advantages
● Can be located anywhere (does not require
access to coal or waterways)
● Requires less cooling water than steam
plants
● Simple design, easy to operate and maintain
● Less fuel storage space is needed compared
to coal plants
● Fast start-up and ability to pick up load
quickly
● Higher thermal efficiency than steam plants
● Lower operating staff requirements
● Modular design allows installation of small
capacities
● Does not have standby losses like steam
plants
● Can burn a wide range of liquid fuels
Disadvantages
● Diesel fuel is more expensive than coal or
natural gas
● High lubrication costs
● Generally higher maintenance costs than
steam plants
● Limited capacity, typically under 50MW
● Not suitable for prolonged overload
condition
● High generation cost per kilowatt-hour due
to diesel fuel cost
● Lower capacity than steam or hydro plants
of similar size
● Shorter working life than steam plants
● High running costs due to diesel fuel
expense
● Only practical for small power capacities
 References
List of Diesel Power Plants in The Philippines https://www.eeeguide.com/diesel-engine-power-pla
Luzon Grid nt/
● BAUANG DPP- 235.2 MW https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2021/08/diesel
● CIP II- 21.3 MW -power-plant.html
● RCBMI- 12.4 MW https://www.tutorialspoint.com/diesel-power-plant-
● SUBIC DPP- 120.0 MW operation-advantages-and-disadvantages
● BPGC- 54.6 MW https://www.generatorsource.com/How_Generators
● INGRID- 179.8 MW _Work.aspx
● CALIBU DPP- 30.6 MW https://comercialmendez.es/en/spare-parts/spare-par
● FCVC DPP- 25.6 MW ts-motors/lombardini-spare-parts/cylinder-head-gas
● TARLAC POWER- 18.6 MW ket-lombardini-ldw-2004-and-2204-0-notches.html?
● TMO- 242.0 MW mot_tcid=6ae1f234-a710-4bff-8f41-041f82e37666
Visayas Grid https://dipslab.com/advantages-disadvantages-diesel
● AVON-NABAS- 7.5 MW -power-plant/
● AVON-NEW WASHINGTON- 5.0 MW https://www.doe.gov.ph/list-existing-power-plants
● BOHOL DPP- 22.1 MW
● CALUMANGAN DPP- 31.0 MW
● PANAY DPP I- 22.3 MW
● TPC (Carmen Station)- 45.8 MW
● TPVI DPP- 44.6 MW
● Isabel Modular Diesel Ancillary Service
Power Plant- 86.3 MW
● EAST ASIA UTILITIES (MEPZA)- 49.6
MW
● ENERVANTAGE DPP- 11.0 MW
● CEBU PRIVATE POWER- 70.0 MW
Mindanao Grid
● SEDI DIESEL- 15.0 MW
● KEGI - JIMENEZ- 16.2 MW
● KEGI - PANAON- 15.7 MW
● KEGI - TANDAG- 7.8 MW
● MPC 114.4 MW
● BPC DPP- 7.3 MW
● COTABATO LIGHT- 7.3 MW
● KEGI - BUKIDNON- 3.2 MW
● KEGI - CAMIGUIN- 4.1 MW
● KEGI - MARAMAG- 7.8 MW
● KEGI - MISAMIS OR.- 10.6 MW
● MEGC- 15.0 MW
● MINERGY DPP- 1 18.9 MW
● MINERGY DPP- 2 27.4 MW
● MPI-DIGOS- 17.1 MW
● PSFI- 5.2 MW
● PSFI 2- 5.2 MW
● PSI- 20.9 MW
● PSI 2- 13.9 MW
● SPC - KORONADAL- 11.9 MW
● TPI DPP- 4.4 MW
● ZAMCELCO DPP- 16.0 MW
● IGACOS MODULAR DPP’s- 7.6 MW