Power plants and substations in UAE

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A diesel power station (DPS) is a unit designed for electricity generation that operates on diesel fuel. This device is often referred to as a diesel generator. While there is no significant error in this definition, it's important to note the distinctions: a diesel generator is a system that combines a generator and a diesel engine; a diesel-electric unit is a diesel generator mounted on a frame with a fuel tank and control instruments; and a diesel power station is a diesel-electric unit equipped with a set of spare parts, mounted on a stationary platform or mobile chassis, featuring a control panel, automation systems, and devices for distributing electricity. It may have multiple engines and/or generators.

Clients can rent a diesel power station with either synchronous or asynchronous generators. Synchronous generators provide higher quality electricity output (the output parameters for current are more accurate, with voltage deviations not exceeding 1% and frequency deviations at 2.5%). They can handle threefold instantaneous overloads, which is crucial when starting household appliances and industrial equipment. When inductive loads are present, a synchronous DPS can be loaded up to 80% of its rated capacity, while an asynchronous unit (without a starting booster) can only handle 30%. Synchronous generators are typically installed on stationary industrial DPS. Asynchronous generators are simpler and cheaper but do not provide precise parameters and poorly withstand peak loads.

When choosing a DPS, it is advisable to opt for a diesel power station with a brushless power source, as it is more durable and requires less maintenance. DPS is usually started using an electric starter since manual starting can be difficult. If equipped with automation, the unit will turn on automatically when the voltage in the electrical network disappears. DPS can have either air or water cooling systems. Air-cooled systems are found in low-power, non-professional DPS with a service life of 4,000 to 5,000 operating hours. Industrial units (service life of 20,000 to 40,000 hours) typically use liquid cooling. These can be equipped with low-speed and high-speed engines. Low-speed engines (1500 RPM) are larger, heavier, and more expensive. However, high-speed engines (3000 RPM) are noisier, have a shorter service life, and consume more fuel. For continuous round-the-clock operation, it is recommended to rent a diesel power station with a low-speed engine. Models with turbocharging have a special compressor for air supply, which allows for greater fuel combustion due to the increased air mass, significantly boosting the unit's power. In non-turbocharged engines, air enters the combustion chamber due to the vacuum created during the piston's movement from TDC to BDC.

When arranging the rental of a diesel power station, it's important to consider that DPS may be equipped with automation systems, noise reduction features, and heat recovery systems. Normal noise levels (in absolute units LWA at a distance of 7 meters) are considered to be: 77 to 82 dB for open DPS; 67 to 71 dB for DPS in soundproof enclosures. In models with heat recovery (which can be up to 60%), the recovered heat is used for heating oil and diesel fuel, as well as for heating and domestic needs in the building where the unit operates. In this case, efficiency increases from 39-47% to 70-80%.

Usage of Diesel Power Stations

Diesel power stations are used as primary, supplementary, or backup (emergency) sources of electricity for powering heavy consumers and lighting networks.

Operating Principle

A diesel internal combustion engine converts the thermal energy from burning diesel fuel into mechanical energy that rotates the crankshaft. The torque is transmitted directly to the generator rotor through a flange or a dampening coupling. As the rotor spins in a magnetic field, an electromotive force (EMF) is generated, causing electrons to move, which results in the production of alternating electric current.

Classification of Diesel Power Stations

1. By Output Power:

Low power: less than 74 kW

Medium power: from 74 to 736 kW

High power: over 736 kW

2. By Type of Current:

Three-phase

Single-phase

3. By Output Voltage:

380 V

220 V

4. By Forced Air Supply System:

With turbocharging

With low boost

With medium boost

With high boost

Without turbocharging

Power Assessment When Choosing a Diesel Power Station

The required power of a diesel power station (DPS) depends on many specific conditions, particularly the starting currents of electrical devices and equipment, which can significantly increase power consumption. Below are the coefficients for increasing this parameter that should be considered when ordering a diesel power station:

1 – television, kitchen stove, coffee maker, heater, lighting (including production lighting with incandescent bulbs)

1.5 – drill

2 – microwave, angle grinder, computer, cash register, impulse air heater, saw, planer, grinding machine

3 – washing machine, perforator, concrete mixer

5 – refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner

Renting a diesel power station is popular because, among similar installations (gasoline and gas generators), DPS is the optimal choice for ensuring uninterrupted power supply. For organizations that would like to acquire such a unit but cannot do so immediately, leasing a diesel power station is a suitable option. This is a rental agreement for a period of at least 6 months with the right to purchase at the residual value afterward.

Where to Rent a Power Station?

SpecGo allows direct interaction between owners of construction equipment and clients, enabling rental of power stations on the website without intermediaries. You can request the rental service for a diesel power station from any city in the UAE; you only need to submit your application. The cost per shift or per hour of rental should be confirmed with the chosen provider listed in the announcement. Verified owners, ensuring that the quality of work is beyond doubt, conduct the rental of DPS!