DIESEL POWER STATION

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.

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 favor 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.

ADVANTAGES OF DIESEL POWER STATION:

(a) The design and layout of the plant are quite simple.
(b) It occupies less space as the number and size of the auxiliaries is small.
(c) It can be located at any place.
(d) It can be started quickly and it can pickup load in a short time.
(e) There are no standby losses.
(f) It requires less quantity of water for cooling.
(g) The overall cost is much less than that of steam power station of same capacity.
(h) The thermal efficiency of the plant is higher than that of a steam power station.
(i) It requires less operating staff.

DISADVANTAGES OF DIESEL POWER STATION:

(a) The plant has high running charges as the fuel (diesel) used is costly.
(b) The plant doesn't work satisfactorily under overload conditions for a longer period.
(c) The plant can only generate small power.
(d) The cost of lubrication is generally high.
(e) The maintenance charges are generally high.