Learn More About Diesel Power Generator Fuel Consumption

When investing in a power generator, you need to take some factors into consideration to find the right one that best fits your needs. Fuel efficiency should be one of the most primary considerations. A fuel efficient generator will offer significant fuel savings for you. Diesel generators are typically more efficient than gas-powered generators. In this article, you'll learn more about the fuel consumption of diesel power generators.

What is the fuel consumption of a diesel power generator?

Diesel generator sets can serve as backup emergency power in different scenarios and provide a stable and constant electricity during power outages. You have to have a basic understanding of fuel consumption of diesel generators in order to manage the operating costs.  

Diesel generators are known for their high thermal efficiency. A diesel power generator typically consists of a diesel engine and an electric generator. It usually runs on fuels such as diesel fuel and works by compressing air and burning fuel. Generally speaking, diesel engines have the highest thermal efficiency of any internal combustion engine. To practically describe the thermal efficiency, most manufacturers of diesel generators measure the consumption rate with G/KW.H (grams per kilowatt hour). Some manufacturers directly shows you the L/H (Liters Per Hour), which means how many liters of fuel are consumed in an hour.

How many liters is a diesel generator per kwh? As a rule, a diesel generator requires 0.4 liters of fuel per kWh produced, which equates to a 25 percent efficiency ratio.

The following table shows an approximation of the diesel generator fuel consumption per hour in liters at different loading conditions:

Friendly reminder: The figures in the chart should be used as an estimate only. Because they may change due to a variety of factors, such as the generator efficiency and the fuel condition.

The fuel consumption of diesel power generators are affected by a number of different factors, including their size, generator brands, power, and the loading condition, etc.  

How can you reduce the fuel consumption of your diesel power generator?

Due to the rising fuel costs and other factors, it's understandable that you want to reduce the fuel consumption for your diesel generator set. Blow are several recommendations to save fuel in the operation of a diesel generator:

1. Use the proper fuel

It’s important to use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer and avoid using fuel of poor quality, or the efficiency of your diesel power generator will be affected.

2. Use clean fuel

Additionally, using the fuel that contains impurities or sediment can reduce combustion and damage your generator. Keep in mind that always use clean fuel to improve the generator’s efficiency.

3. Keep the operating temperature of generator correct

Make sure the temperature of the cooling water reaches the correct standard. If the water temperature is incorrect, it will result in inefficient combustion of diesel fuel and the fuel consumption will increase eventually.

4. Select the right diesel generator

A high-quality with proper operation can greatly reduce fuel consumption. When buying a diesel generator, choose a generator brand which is fuel efficient and follow the manufacturer's instructions to operate the generator.

Read more about ways to reduce fuel consumption of diesel generator sets.

If you still have any questions about diesel power generator fuel consumption or are shopping for a new generator, contact us today! With years of experience, Dingbo Power can provide you with the right advice and help you choose a diesel generator that best meets your specific requirements.