A generator set, also known as a genset, is the combination of an electrical generator and an engine mounted together to form a single piece of equipment that produces electrical power. In the generator, referred to as an alternator, the mechanical work of the engine generates electrical power. Generation sets are used in sites that are not connected to the power grid or to supply emergency power when the grid fails. Generator sets may also be employed to produce energy during peak usage hours when the energy costs are the highest, to decrease the amount of electricity that must be purchased from the utility company, in a power-saving application called peak shaving.

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Generator
An electrical generator is a device that converts mechanical energy from an external source to electrical energy. It is important to understand that a generator does not actually "create" electrical energy, but uses a prime mover to force the movement of electric charges in the wire of its windings through a circuit. Thus, the electric current supplied by the generator is actually the flow of electric charges.
The generator works using the process of electromagnetic induction. During electromagnetic induction, a source moves an electrical conductor, or wire, in a magnetic field, which induces the flow of electric charges. The movement of the wire creates a voltage difference between the two ends of the wire, causing electric charges to flow and generating current.

Generators can produce a tremendous amount of heat, and the interior components must be cooled constantly so the generator is not damaged. The cooling method is a critical design element of a generator. Most generators are air cooled, hydrogen cooled, or liquid cooled. The size and type of generator determines the type of cooling system that is needed. Air cooling systems are usually used for smaller generators (which cannot reject heat as quickly as with liquid or hydrogen). Hydrogen cooling, which is usually used for large generators, is the most efficient method.
Diesel Genset

There are many reasons that diesel gensets are commonly chosen for power generation. Diesel fuel is safer to store because it does not ignite as readily as gasoline, natural gas, or propane. Diesel fuel is difficult to ignite intentionally at atmospheric pressure and almost impossible to ignite accidentally. Diesel engines typically burn about 30–50% less fuel than a gasoline engine on a per kW basis. Diesel engines running at 1800 RPM operate on average for 12,000 to 30,000 hours before major maintenance is required [57]. This is two to three times longer than the lifespan for a gaseous generator set.
Minnesota State University, Mankato
The Minnesota State campus currently purchases its bulk electricity from a local utility. However, the utility plant on campus provides emergency and stand-by power generation. Emergency generators must have the capacity to supply power within 10 seconds of a power failure. At the campus plant the emergency power is generated by two model D600FRX4T1 Katolight diesel generators.


Other Fuel Options
Gensets are usually powered by diesel fuel, but other fuels can be used as well.
Gasoline

Gasoline-fueled generator sets are the second most commonly used type of genset. Gasoline generator can be purchased at a lower cost than diesel generators, whose components are more expensive. Given their lower purchase price, gasoline generators are cost-effective when used intermittently because they are not as fuel-efficient as diesel generators. Gasoline generators are particularly well suited for portable use because gasoline is readily available at gas stations all across the U.S.
Natural Gas
Natural gas burns more cleanly than diesel or gasoline, with fewer negative impacts on the environment. Because gaseous gensets have a shorter lifespan than liquid fuel gensets, the purpose of the genset must be evaluated. Natural gas gensets are practical because the many buildings and homes that already have access to natural gas would not require external storage.
Propane
Propane also burns more cleanly than diesel or gasoline, but a propane genset can consume up to three times as much fuel as a diesel generator. Furthermore, propane is extremely flammable, which makes it dangerous to work with. For emergency home use, however, a propane-fueled generator is more reliable because propane can be stored virtually indefinitely without gumming up the engine's fuel system [59].
Generator Set Applications
Generator sets are designed differently for different applications; some are designed for continuous loads, while others are designed to be operated only for shorter periods of time, such as for backup generation, peak shaving or portable use.
Continuous Load
Generator sets that are used continuously are usually employed in remote locations or sites where there is no access to a power grid, such as mining operations, construction sites, and ships. In rare cases, even where there is access to a power grid it may be cheaper to generate power with a genset.
Backup Generation
Backup generators usually sit idle in the basements of hospitals, schools, communication facilities, and military bases, but when a power grid fails, they are critical to maintaining operations at these facilities, with potentially life-saving impacts. They start automatically during power outages in order reduce the amount of downtime of the facilities.
Peak Shaving
Gensets used for peak shaving are used only when the electricity demands are highest, typically between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm, when people are just getting home from work, turning on the lights and television, cranking up the air conditioning, and starting to cook dinner.

Sometimes an institution will make arrangements with an electric company to receive a lower rate in exchange for allowing the company to cut off power from the institution during peak demand periods. During those periods the utility company notifies the institution that power will be cut for a certain amount of time, during which the institution will create its own power using the gensets.
Portable Use
In some instances, electricity is needed but cannot be obtained from the grid because the site is mobile (for example recreational vehicles (campers, RV's, boats) and commercial mobile vehicles (fire and emergency trucks, utility and telecom fleets). In response to this need, many businesses have manufactured a variety of portable gensets that are smaller and easy to use. But these come with lower outputs because of the smaller size.
Cogeneration Application
Cogeneration is the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat using a single fuel source. In a generator set system, cogeneration recaptures waste heat that is discharged through the exhaust from the engine. Cogeneration prevents the loss of energy in the exhaust exiting a stationary diesel engine, which can be as hot as 1200°F [60].
The electricity production of cost-effective cogeneration systems that use diesel engine generators area can range from 30 kW to more than 100 MW. Making continuous use of both electricity and thermal energy can save up to 35% on overall energy costs [61].
Locations
Physical sites that include Generator Sets:
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Components
Components on Engaged that are included in Generator Sets:
Diesel Engine
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Excitation systems provide variable DC current, control terminal voltage, ensure stable operation with other components, add to the system’s transient stability, and to keep the machine within acceptable operating range. |
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