Selecting Commonly Used Diesel Generator Sets

Certain diesel generator sets need to operate continuously for extended periods at specific times or on a regular basis to serve as the primary power source for electrical loads; such generator sets are referred to as prime power generator sets. Prime power generator

sets can function as either prime units or standby units. In areas such as townships, islands, forestry operations, mines, and oil fields—as well as industrial and mining enterprises—that are remote from the main power grid, diesel generator sets must be installed

diesel generators to supply electricity for local residents’ production and daily needs; these units should operate continuously under normal circumstances.

Critical facilities such as national defense projects, telecommunications hubs, radio stations, and microwave relay stations should be equipped with standby diesel generator sets. Under normal circumstances, the electricity for these facilities can be supplied by the municipal power grid. However, in the event of

power outages caused by natural disasters—such as earthquakes, typhoons, or war—or other man-made factors that damage the municipal power grid, the installed standby units must be started immediately and maintained in continuous operation for extended periods to ensure

ensure a continuous power supply to the electrical loads of these critical facilities. These standby generator sets also fall under the category of prime power generator sets. Prime power generator sets operate for extended periods and experience significant variations in load curves;

therefore, the selection of unit capacity, number of units, and type, as well as the operational control methods, differ from those of emergency generator sets.