Mr.Nitin S.

Patil
Sanjay Ghodawat Polytechnic, Atigre
Electrical Engg. Dept.

Diesel Electric Power Plant

SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

Chapter No. 4

Diesel Electric Power Plant

Total Marks: 12 Hours: 05

INDEX
Sr. Page
Contents
No. No.
1 Introduction 3
2 Definition of Diesel Electric Power Plant 4
3 Basic Principal of Diesel Electric Power Plant
5
4 List of Diesel Electric Power Plant in India
5 Uses of Diesel Electric Station 6
6 Selection of Site for a Diesel Power Station 7
7 Schematic arrangement of Diesel-Electric Power Plant 8
8 Main Components of Diesel Electric Power Plant 9
9 Four Stroke Cycle Engine 20
10 Two Stroke Cycle Engine 22
11 Comparism between Four & Two Stroke Engines 26
12 Maintenance of Diesel Electric Power Plant 27
13 Advantages, Disadvantages & Application of Diesel Power Plant 28
14 Special Question asked for MSBTE Exam 30
15 Technical Words & its meaning 31

Mr.N.S.Patil 2
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

1. Introduction:

Q.1) How Electrical Power Produce using Diesel Power Plant?

In a diesel power station, diesel engine is used as the prime mover. The diesel
burns inside the engine and the products of this combustion act as the working fluid to
produce mechanical energy. The diesel engine drives alternator which converts
mechanical energy into electrical energy.

As the generation cost is considerable due to high price of diesel, therefore, such
power stations are only used to produce small power. Although steam power stations and
hydro-electric plants are invariably used to generate bulk power at cheaper costs, yet
diesel power stations are finding favour at places where demand of power is less,
sufficient quantity of coal and water is not available and the transportation facilities are
inadequate. This plants are also standby sets for continuity of supply to important points
such as hospitals, radio stations, cinema houses and telephone exchanges.
,

Mr.N.S.Patil 3
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

2. Definition of Diesel Electric Power Plant:

A generating station in which diesel engine is used as the prime mover for the
generation of electrical energy is known as diesel power station.

Or
For generating electrical power, it is essential to rotate the rotor of an alternator
by means of a prime mover. The prime mover can be driven by different methods. Using
diesel engine as prime mover is one of the popular methods of generating power. When
prime mover of the alternators is diesel engine, the power station is called diesel power
station.
The mechanical power required for driving alternator comes from combustion of
diesel. As the diesel costs high, this type of power station is not suitable for producing
power in large scale in our country.
But for small scale production of electric power, and where, there is no other
easily available alternatives of producing electric power, diesel power station are used.

Mr.N.S.Patil 4
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

3. Basic Principal of Diesel Electric Power Plant

Or

Chemical Energy of Diesel ↔ Heat Energy ↔ Mechanical Energy ↔Electrical Energy

4. List of Diesel Electric Power Plant in India?

Mr.N.S.Patil 5
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

5. Uses of Diesel Electric Station:

1. Central Station

2. Standby Plant ( )

3. Peak Load Plant ( )

4. Emergency Plant ( )

5. Mobile Plant ( )

6. Nursery Plant

7. Supply Units for Cinemas, Hospitals etc

Mr.N.S.Patil 6
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

6. Selection of Site for a Diesel Power Station:

1. Near to Load Center:

As far as possible the plant should be installed near to load center, to reduce
transmission & distribution cost of electrical energy.
(
)

2. Availability of Land:
For erection of diesel power plant, land should be available near to load center at low
cost.

3. Availability of Water:
The soft water is freely available for the purpose of cooling.

4. Foundations:
As we know that, the diesel engines or a machine produces vibrations. So provide
good foundation to erect the diesel engine.

5. Fuel Transportation:
The diesel plant is far away from fuel mines. So to provide fuel to the plant arrange
good transportation facility like road, rail etc.

6. Local Conditions:
For increasing the demand of power & future expansion space available.

7. Noise Pollution:
The plant should away from populated areas, because it produces noise.

Mr.N.S.Patil 7
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

7. Schematic arrangement of Diesel-Electric Power Plant:

Mr.N.S.Patil 8
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

8. Main Components of Diesel Electric Power Plant:

Q.1) List the main parts of diesel electric power plants.

The essential components of a diesel electric power plant are as follow:

1. Diesel Engine [ ]

2. Engine Fuel Supply System [ ]

3. Engine Air Intake System [ ]

4. Engine Exhaust System [ ]

5. Engine Cooling System [ ]

6. Engine Lubrication System. [ ]

7. Engine Starting System. [ ]

8. AC or DC Generators

The above figure shows the schematic arrangement of diesel power plant
(Page No. 4). We will study in brief the function of each component in the
plant.

Mr.N.S.Patil 9
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

1. Diesel Engine:

It is the main components used in diesel electric power plant for developing mechanical
power. This mechanical power we use to run the generator & produce electrical energy. For
producing the electrical energy the diesel engine is mechanically coupled to generator.

When the diesel fuel burning inside the engine, its start to produce a 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. With the use of this mechanical power the shaft of diesel engine
starts rotating.

Mr.N.S.Patil 10
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

2. Engine Fuel Supply System:

Q.1) Explain fuel system used in Diesel Electric Power Plant.

It consists of Fuel Storage Tank, Fuel Filter or Strainer, Fuel Transfer Pump, Day Tank,
Heaters & Connecting Pipes.

First up all with the help of transportation facility available (road, rail etc.) the diesel fuel
stored in storage tank. Then this diesel fuel transfer to day tank, the function of day tank is how
much quantity of diesel required for 24 hours is store. If the day tank is full or overflow occurs,
then excessive diesel returned to storage tank. The filter or strainer is used to purify diesel. With
the help of fuel transfer pump the diesel is transfer to day tank.

, , , ,
,

Mr.N.S.Patil 11
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

3. Engine Air-Intake System

Q.1) Explain Air-intake System of diesel power station in brief.

This System includes air filters, air tank, compressor & connecting pipes. The air
filters are used to supply the fresh air to diesel engine for the purpose of combustion.
- air because, if dust particles in the air entered into the engine will
Engine required fresh
cause disastrous effect to valve, cylinder & pistons. The compressor or Supercharger is
used to increase pressure of the air supplied to the engine. This will helps to increase the
output power.

, ,

Mr.N.S.Patil 12
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

4. Engine Exhaust System:

Q.1) Describe the following system of diesel power plants: Engine Starting System
& Engine Exhaust System.

Q.2) Describe the fuel & Exhaust System in Diesel Power Station

These systems consist of silencers & connecting ducts. As the temperature

of the exhaust gases is sufficiently high, it is used for heating the fuel oil or air
supplied to the diesel engine. The exhaust gas is removed from engine, to the
atmosphere by means of an exhaust system. A silencer is normally used in this
system to reduce noise level of the engine.

Mr.N.S.Patil 13
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

5. Engine Cooling System

The Diesel Engine Cooling System Consist of coolant pumps, water cooling towers or
spray pond, water treatment or filtration plant & Connecting Pipe Works.

The heat produced due to internal combustion, drives the engine. But some parts of this
heat raise the temperature of different parts of the engine. High temperature may cause
permanent damage to the machine. Hence, it is essential to maintain the overall temperature of
the engine to a tolerable level. Cooling system of diesel power station does exactly so.

The cooling system is required to carry heat from diesel engine to keep its temperature
within safe limits. The water pump circulates water to cylinder of diesel engine to carry away the
heat. The cooling tower is used for the same water reused.

The cooling system requires a water source, water pump and cooling towers. The pump
circulates water through cylinder and head jacket. The water takes away heat from the engine
and it becomes hot. The hot water is cooled by cooling towers and is re-circulated for cooling.

The cooling system can be classified into two types:

1. Open Cooling System: A Plant near the river may utilize the river water for cooling &
discharging again the hot water into river. This type of cooling system is known as open
cooling system.

Mr.N.S.Patil 14
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

, ,

2. Closed Cooling System: The Cooling Water is circulated again & again and only water
lost due to leakage, evaporation etc. is made up by taking make up water from supply
source.
,

, ,

Mr.N.S.Patil 15
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

6. Engine Lubrication System:

Engine lubrication system consists of lubricating oil pump, oil tanks,

filters, coolers, purifiers & connecting pipes. This system provides
lubricating oil to moving parts of the system to reduce the friction between
them wear & tear of the engine parts.

This system minimizes the water of rubbing surface of the engine. Here
lubricating oil is stored in main lubricating oil tank. This lubricating oil is
drawn from the tank by means of oil pump. Then the oil is passed through the
oil filter for removing impurities. From the filtering point, this clean
lubricating oil is delivered to the different points of the machine where
lubrication is required the oil cooler is provided in the system to keep the
temperature of the lubricating oil as low as possible.

It is then cooled through heat exchanger by means of cold water and then
it is fed to the engine.

, , , ,

Mr.N.S.Patil 16
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

7. Engine Starting System:

Q.1) Explain starting system used in Diesel electric power plant.

The function of starting system is to start the engine form stand still or cold
conditions by supplying compressed air.

For starting a diesel engine, initial rotation of the engine shaft is required. Until
the firing start and the unit runs with its own power. For small DG set, the initial
rotation of the shaft is provided by handles but for large diesel power station.
Compressed air is made for starting.

This system includes storage compressed air tank, self starter, auxiliary engines
& electrical motors (battery) etc.

1. Starting of Small Engine:

Small sets or small capacity of diesel engines are started manually.

2. Starting with the help of Auxiliary Engine:

When it is started by auxiliary engine, the auxiliary engine is

disengaged by the main engine & started by hand. When it is warmed up,
it is geared with the main engine so that it will start to rotate. After that
within, few seconds auxiliary engine disengaging.

3. Starting with the help of batteries:

To start the electrical motor batteries are used, the motor is geared
with diesel engine, it will start rotating with the motor & will start in few
seconds & as it picks up the speed the motor gets disengaged
automatically. In some cases the motor works as a generator, this will
further helps to charge the batteries.

4. Starting with the help of compressed air:

Mr.N.S.Patil 17
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

A large capacity (above 75kW) capacity diesel engines are started

with the help of compressed air. Diesel engines are started with the help
of compressed air following procedure adopted:
1. First up all open the compressed air valve, then starting lever
operated.
2. First up all air should be cut off in first combustion. Then open
ventilating valve. Start the engine after two or three revolutions.

, ,

1.
.
2.

3.

4. compressed air)
,
-

Mr.N.S.Patil 18
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

8. AC or DC Generators:

1. For Single Phase:

Single Phase, 230 Volts, and 50Hz frequency generators are used as per
requirements of load.

2. For Three Phase:

Generally, three phase, 50Hz, salient pole type, the number of poles
depends upon diesel engine speed. Generally, speeds of diesel engines are
low that’s why 6 or 8 poles generators used. Generators are coupled with the
shaft of diesel engine. These generators are 3.3kV, 6.6kV or 11kV output
capacities.

3. DC Generator:

Generally DC Compound generator is used, which help to develop an output

voltage of 230 Volts.

Mr.N.S.Patil 19
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

9. Four Stroke Cycle Engine:

Q.1) Describe the working of four-stroke diesel engine.

Q.2) state different types of engines in diesel power pl

---Or---
A four-stroke engine (also known as four-cycle) is an internal combustion
(IC) engine in which the piston completes four separate strokes while turning a
crankshaft. A stroke refers to the full travel of the piston along the cylinder, in
either direction. The four separate strokes are termed:

1. Suction: This stroke of the piston begins at top dead center (T.D.C.) and
ends at bottom dead center (B.D.C.). In this stroke the intake valve must be
in the open position while the piston pulls an air-fuel mixture into the
cylinder by producing vacuum pressure into the cylinder through its
downward motion.

Suction ,

Mr.N.S.Patil 20
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

2. Compression: This stroke begins at B.D.C, or just at the end of the suction
stroke, and ends at T.D.C. In this stroke the piston compresses the air-fuel
mixture in preparation for ignition during the power stroke (below). Both the
intake and exhaust valves are closed during this stage.

Compression ,
,
,

3. Power: This is the start of the second revolution of the four stroke cycle. At
this point the crankshaft has completed a full 180° revolution. While the
piston is at T.D.C. (the end of the compression stroke) the compressed air-
fuel mixture is ignited by a spark plug (in a gasoline engine) or by heat
generated by high compression (diesel engines), forcefully returning the
piston to B.D.C. This stroke produces mechanical work from the engine to
turn the crankshaft.

Power ,

4. Exhaust: During the exhaust stroke, the piston once again returns to T.D.C
from B.D.C while the exhaust valve is open. This action expels the spent air-
fuel mixture through the exhaust valve.

[ ,
]

Mr.N.S.Patil 21
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

10. Two Stroke Cycle Diesel Engine:

Q.1) Explain the working of two stroke diesel engine with the help of neat diagram.

Compression:

Power:

Exhaust:

A two stroke diesel engine is a diesel engine that works in two strokes. A
diesel engine is an engine which operates using the Diesel cycle.

Mr.N.S.Patil 22
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

Q.1) Why the Two Strokes Engine more power produces than four-stroke engine?

A two-stroke diesel engine does not produce as much power as a four-

stroke diesel engine; however, it runs smoother than the four stroke diesel. This is
because it generates a power stroke each time the piston moves downward; that is,
once for each crankshaft revolution. The two-stroke diesel engine has a less
complicated valve train because it does not use intake valves. Instead, it requires a
supercharger to force air into the cylinder and force exhaust gases out, because the
piston cannot do this naturally as in four-stroke engines.

---OR---

Fig: Two Stroke Engine

One big difference between two-stroke and four-stroke engines is the

amount of power the engine can produce. The spark plug fires twice as often in a
two-stroke engine -- once per every revolution of the crankshaft, versus once for
every two revolutions in a four-stroke engine. This means that a two-stroke engine
has the potential to produce twice as much power as a four-stroke engine of the
same size.

Mr.N.S.Patil 23
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

It turns out that the diesel approach, which compresses only air and then
injects the fuel directly into the compressed air, is a much better match with the
two-stroke cycle.

Explanation of the above figure:

At the top of the cylinder are typically two or four exhaust valves that all
open at the same time. There is also the diesel fuel injector (shown above in
yellow). The piston is elongated, as in a gasoline two-stroke engine, so that it can
act as the intake valve. At the bottom of the piston's travel, the piston uncovers the
ports for air intake. The intake air is pressurized by a turbocharger or
a supercharger (light blue). The crankcase is sealed and contains oil as in a four-
stroke engine.

The two-stroke diesel cycle goes like this:

1. When the piston is at the top of its travel, the cylinder contains a charge of
highly compressed air. Diesel fuel is sprayed into the cylinder by the injector
and immediately ignites because of the heat and pressure inside the cylinder.

2. The pressure created by the combustion of the fuel drives the piston
downward. This is the power stroke.

Mr.N.S.Patil 24
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

3. As the piston nears the bottom of its stroke, all of the exhaust valves open.
Exhaust gases rush out of the cylinder, relieving the pressure.

4. As the piston bottoms out, it uncovers the air intake ports. Pressurized air
fills the cylinder, forcing out the remainder of the exhaust gases.

5. The exhaust valves close and the piston starts traveling back upward, re-
covering the intake ports and compressing the fresh charge of air. This is
the compression stroke.

6. As the piston nears the top of the cylinder, the cycle repeats with step 1.

---

Mr.N.S.Patil 25
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

11. Comparism between Four & Two Stroke Engines

Sr.No. Particulars 4 Stroke 2 Stroke
1 Stroke Per Cycle 4 Piston Stroke 2 Piston Stroke
2 Crank Rotation per Cycle Two Crank Rotation Four Crank Rotation
Half to Speed of Full to Speed of
3 Power Stroke per Cycle
Crankshaft Crankshaft
In Every Alternate
4 Power In Every Revolution
Revolution
5 Flywheel Heavy Light
6 Size of Engine Heavier, Larger Lighter, More Compact
7 Space Required More Less
In Place of Valve parts
8 Valve Inlet & Exhaust
are there
It is not hermetically
9 Crankcase Hermetically Sealed
Sealed
Crankshaft Direction of
10 In One Direction In Both Direction
Rotation
Lubricant Oil
11 Less More
Consumption
12 Thermal Efficiency Higher Less
13 Mechanical Efficiency Low High
Mopeds, Scooters,
14 Uses Cars, Tractors, Buses
Motor Cycles

Mr.N.S.Patil 26
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

12. Maintenance of Diesel Electric Power Plant

At the time of diesel engine or diesel electric power plant, following points
are considered during maintenance period.

a. To maintain the operating condition of diesel engine at every half

hour.
b. To maintain the correct record of the instrument reading in log sheet.
c. To maintain the record of instrument temperature, pressure, electrical
load, flow etc.
d. To check the level of fuel oil periodically.
e. Filterized the fuel and remove unwanted impurities.
f. Clean the fuel tank at regular interval.

Mr.N.S.Patil 27
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

13. Advantages, Disadvantages & Application of Diesel

Power Plant:
Q.1) State any FOUR advantages & disadvantages of diesel electric power plant

Advantages of Diesel Power Station

1. This is simple in design point of view.

2. Required very small space.

3. It can also be designed for portable use.

4. It has quick starting facility; the small diesel generator set can be started
within few seconds.

5. It can also be stopped as when required stopping small size diesel power
station, even easier than it’s starting

6. As these machines can easily be started and stopped as when required, there
may not be any standby loss in the system.

7. Cooling is easy and required smaller quantity of water in this type power
station.

8. Initial cost is less than other types of power station.

9. Thermal efficiency of diesel is quite higher than of coal.

10. Small involvement is less than steam power station.

11. It requires less operating staff.

12. The overall cost is much less than that of steam power station of same
capacity.

Disadvantages of Diesel Power Station

1. As we have already mentioned, the cost of diesel is very high compared to

coal. This is the main reason for which a diesel power plant is not getting
popularity over other means of generating power. In other words the running
cost of this plant is higher compared to steam and hydro power plants.

Mr.N.S.Patil 28
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

2. The plant generally used to produce small power requirement.

3. Cost of lubricants is high.

4. Maintenance is quite complex and costs high.

5. The plant doesn’t work satisfactorily under overload conditions for a longer
period.

6. The cost of lubrication is generally high.

7. The maintenances charges are generally high

Applications:

Q.1) Explain any SIX Applications of diesel power plants.

Q.2) Give FOUR Application of Diesel Power Plant

1. The diesel oil is used as a fuel in power generation.

2. It produces AC as well as DC Voltages.
3. It is used where small power is generation is requirement.
4. In case of any emergency diesel engines are used.
5. It is also used for peal load during small period of time.
6. It is used to restart the boilers.
7. It is used in remote places.
8. It can be used in areas having low load factor.

Mr.N.S.Patil 29
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

14. Special Question asked for MSBTE Exam:

Q.1) Explain how diesel power plants are used for starting power plant

Ans: At the time of starting new plant, when station auxiliaries etc. are not
fed from other sources, diesel plant is used to supply auxiliaries of the plant. When
auxiliaries are run, power can be started & generate electricity. The same action
will take place at the time of break-down of plant etc.

Q.2) State how diesel power plant can be used as peak load plant?

Ans: As diesel generating plant takes no time to start and stop. It can be
connected to the system at the time of peak load and normal load. It is not
economical to use them during normal loading as their generating cost is high.

Q.3) Write meaning of Captive Power Generation

Ans: Captive generating plant means a power plant set up by any person to
generate electricity primarily for his or her own use and includes a power plant set
up by any co-operative society or association of persons for generating electricity
primarily for use of members of such co-operative society or association.

Mr.N.S.Patil 30
SGP-Atigre Electrical Engg Dept.

15. Technical Words & Its Meaning

Sr.No. Words % its Meaning Sr.No. Words % its Meaning

1 Elements: 20 Duct:
Diesel power plant: Purifier :
2 21

3 Engine: 22 Efficiency:
Engine fuel system:
4 23 Crank:

Engine Air Intake System:

5 24 Rotation:

Engine Exhaust System:

6 25 Compression: ,

Engine Cooling System:

7 26 Suction: ,

Engine Lubrication System:

8 27 Inject:

9 Maintenance: 28 Burn:
10 Generator: 29 Ignition:
11 Principle: 30 Mixture:
Peak Load:
12 31 Auxiliary:

13 Diesel Fuel: 32 Electric motor:

14 Mechanical Power: 33 Warm:
Ventilation:
15 Components: 34

16 Transfer: 35 Revolution:
17 Strainer: 36 Combustion:
18 Heater: 37 Noise:
19 Dust: 38 Overflow:

Mr.N.S.Patil 31