Altitude affects genset power

Why is the use of diesel generator sets limited by altitude?

In the previous data on diesel generator sets, there are many restrictions on the use environment of diesel generator sets, including altitude. Many netizens ask: Why does altitude affect the use of generators? The following is the answer from our company engineers. 

The altitude is high and the air pressure is low, the air is thin, and the oxygen content is small, then for the naturally aspirated diesel engine, the combustion conditions will become worse due to the insufficient intake air, and the diesel engine power will be insufficient. Therefore, diesel generator sets are marked with the altitude range of use. Once this range is exceeded, when the generator set has the same power, a large diesel engine must be selected before it can be matched into a generator set.

 

When the altitude increases by 1000m, the ambient temperature decreases by about 0.6 degrees. In addition, due to the thin air in the plateau, the starting performance of the diesel engine is worse than that in the plain area. In addition, due to the increase in altitude, the boiling point of water decreases and the wind pressure of the cooling air And the cooling air quality is reduced, as well as the increase of heat per kilowatt per unit time, so the cooling conditions of the cooling system are worse than that of the plain.

 

In addition, due to the rise of sea water, the boiling point of water decreases, and the air pressure and cooling air quality decreases, and the cooling system of the cooling system is better than that of the plain. Generally in the high sea area is not suitable for the use of open cooling cycle, can be used to increase the pressure of the closed cooling system to improve the use of the plateau cooling liquid boiling point.

So, if the use of diesel generating units in special areas of the region, the general unit is certainly not applicable, we should be in the purchase of the sales staff should be consulted.

Precautions for the use of diesel generator sets in high altitude areas:

1. It is not suitable to use an open cooling cycle in high altitude areas, and a pressurized closed cooling system can be used to improve the altitude

The boiling point of the coolant when used.

2. When using the unit in high altitude areas, auxiliary starting measures corresponding to low temperature starting should be taken.