DGset
DGset
DGset
DG SET
Index
1. GENERAL
2. MAIN PARTS OF DG SE
3. FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
4. PROCEDURE FOR STARTING DG SET
5. MAINTENANCE OF DIESEL GENERATOR SET
6. DO’S & DON’TS FOR DG SET MAINTENANCE
7. TROUBLE SHOOTING
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
There are various types of power stations. Earlier railways had standby units which had coal fired
boilers and the steam coming from these boilers was used for running steam turbine or steam
engines. These were used to drive generators for electricity generation. These sets have been shut
down one by one and have been replaced by diesel engine driven generating sets (DG sets)
wherever power requirement was still existing.
The DG set is a compact and robust machine in which mechanical energy is converted into
electrical energy.
It uses diesel oil and works on diesel cycle. In this system the air is suppressed inside the
cylinder and then diesel is injected which burns itself due to high temperature of compressed air.
The diesel is injected through injector in the chamber.
This is also called four stroke diesel cycle compression ignition engine. Which consists of
four strokes, as follows :
Suction stroke
Compression stroke
Power stroke
Exhaust stroke
An alternator works on the Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. It is coupled with the
diesel engine and the kinetic energy of engine is transmitted to alternator and converted into
electrical energy through the alternators. This electrical energy is then fed to the load.
DG set can be easily located near the load hence requiring less expenditure for inter
connection.
Sets of varying sizes and of small capacities are available.
Requires less space and building layout is simple.
Requires less water supply.
Automatic or remote starting of set make it possible to reduce periods of power supply
interruption.
Fuel handling and storage is easy.
Uniformly high efficiency for all sizes.
It can be procured and installed quickly and easily.
1.4 DIS-ADVANTAGES
For some trains buffet car with gadgets such as milk heater, hot water boiler, refrigerators, deep
freeze, bottle-cooler toaster etc. working on 230 V are provided. The load of such gadgets
amounts to 25 KW. For early starting trains like Deccan Queen, there is a great demand for snacks
on run in the morning and evening as passengers do not get time at home due to its early departure
timings. Provision of DG set to meet this load and other loads of light and fans become necessary.
This provision of DG set also eliminates need to have conventional alternators driven by the axle,
lead acid batteries, heavy battery boxes and the switch gears. Reduction in the tare weight of
coaches enables attachment of extra coaches to the trains. Power used for driving axle driven
alternators becomes available for hauling the trains. For end on generation there are 2 power
cars one at each end with about 60 KVA capacity DG set. Provision of DG set eliminates the need
to charge the batteries of the train, if found discharged at the terminals, making it possible to start
the train after a short period and thus makes possible to improve turn rounds and thus improve
rake utilisation.
CHAPTER 2
To transmit force in either direction between the piston and the crank on the crankshaft.
It holds the cylinder, crankshaft and main bearing in firm relation to each other. This structure is
made up of two parts, the frame and the bed plate.
2.1.7 Fuel Injection Pump
It forces the oil into cylinder and fuel injection nozzle breaks up the oil into fine spray.
2.1.8 Crankshaft
To operate the fuel injection pump and the valve.
2.1.9 Fly Wheel
To store the surplus energy of the power stroke & to return that energy when the piston is being
pushed upward on the compression stroke.
2.1.10 Blower
To force air in to cylinder.
CHAPTER 3
The DG set uses high speed diesel oil as a fuel. This fuel is injected into the combustion chamber.
Following points should be taken care of in fuel injection :
The injection in the beginning and end should be with high pressure & not with low pressure.
As per the load requirement the injection should be at the right time, rate & quantity.
The fuel injection should be complete molecular form & it should be spread uniformly in the
ignition chamber.
In the compression ignition engine the fuel injection is of the following types.
Now a days this method is not used earlier this was used
In this method fuel is directly injected into ignition chamber at high pressure. This burns due to
the heat of compression. In this method one fuel pump is required to give pressure of 300 kg/cm2.
In this system cylinder or multi cylinder engine will have high pressure pump & metering unit for
each cylinder. This is a complex & costly system of fuel injection.
Figure 3.2
In this arrangement a common fuel is pumped by a multi cylinder pump and the pressure is
controlled in this system by the relief valve. The common rail supply fix quantity of fuel to each
cylinder. The fuel in this is spread in better way. For high out put this system is more useful in
engine.
Figure 3.3
CHAPTER 4
The following procedures are adopted for starting diesel generator set.
Manual.
Through battery using.
Push button
Self start.
Normally small DG set are started using handle in the groove which is inside the diesel engine
shaft. Initially the handle is rotated manually and when the firing in the engine starts the handle is
pulled out. The handle is so designed that it can rotate the engine shaft in only one direction. After
the start the handle becomes free & it can be extracted outwards.
This arrangement is used in big diesel generator set, in this method engine is not required to be
started by using a handle rather this can be done by pressing a push button.
After pressing the button the battery is connected to the generator which moves the engine shaft
resulting in the start of the engine. Through this method DG set can be started comfortably as per
the requirement. This arrangement can also be provided in small DG sets. This requires least
physical efforts to start DG set. Precaution should be taken to avoid to press of push button
continuously for long duration say 1 min. or more.
CHAPTER 5
5.1.1 Engine
Check previous day’s log book and take corrective action as required.
Before starting the engine, check drain water and sediment from fuel tank and fuel water
separator through drain cock.
Check fuel, oil, water and exhaust leaks and correct if leaking.
Check radiator water and fill radiator with chromate concentration 3500 ppm treated water and
radiator cap must be tightened properly to avoid aeration and overheating of the coolant.
Check air cleaner oil level and top up with clean engine oil, if required.
Check air line connections for leaks and correct if necessary.
Drain condensed from air receiver tank at beginning of each shift and then close the drain cock
properly.
Start the engine and note the oil pressure both at idling i.e. 15 psi (1.09 Kg/cm2) minimum,
and rated speed 50-70 psi (3.63 to 5.08 Kg/cm2) minimum. In case in change of oil pressure,
then stop the engine and check through trouble shooting techniques the cause and correct if
necessary.
Engine oil should be checked at least 20 minutes after stopping the engine and top up if
necessary.
Record oil pressure. Fill fuel tank if required.
5.1.2.3 Alternator
5.2.1 Engine
Check the Lubrication oil level in engine and governor and top up if necessary.
Check coolant oil for it’s proper functioning.
Check the constant heater functioning.
Check the anti-freeze and concentration of coolant, if any.
Check the condition of belt for it’s proper tension.
Check the condition of pre-cleaner dust fan.
Check the condition of air cleaner restrictions.
Check the oil bath filter and level of oil bath.
Check the vibration and tightness of the bolts.
5.2.2 Batteries
In addition to Daily and Weekly schedules, following checks should be carried out :-
5.3.1 Engine
5.3.2 Batteries
In addition to Daily, Weekly and Monthly schedules, following checks should be carried out :
5.4.1 Engine
Clean oil bath air cleaner tray screen with the help of clean solvent.
Clean main fuel tank breather by using clean solvent.
Check the coolant pH value, if it is below (8.5 to 10.5) normal range then chromate
concentration should be 3500 ppm.
Check the magnesium plate for pitting or being eaten. In case of 50% area is lost, change it.
Change water filter element.
Change fuel filter element washer and `O’ rings on mounting bolt and clean shell fuel filter.
Check and adjust the belts. In case of change of new belts, which will stretch within one hour
of use and must be re-adjusted keeping tension of belts within permissible limits.
Check all air cleaner connections for cracks, chafing etc. & tighten all air intake
connections.
Check the throttle linkage.
Remove and clean air compressor delivery hose.
Change crank case breather element.
5.4.2 Battery
5.4.4 Alternator
Visually examine the terminal box, junction box and insulator etc, and clean them by using dry
and clean cloth.
Check condition of cooling fan.
Steam clean engine, instruction at Sl. No. 5 of yearly check schedule may also be followed in
absence of steam.
Check vibration dampers and replace it if necessary.
5.6.2 Battery
5.6.4 Alternator
In addition to Daily, Weekly, Half yearly, Yearly and two yearly schedules and when the engine
operating conditions deteriorate in performance, it can be ascertained by the following symptoms :
a. Heavy smoke
b. Loss of power
c. High oil/water temperature
d. Loss of lubricant, oil pressure
e. Unusual noise and vibrations.
The above checks are for inspection of wear or assembly deterioration of parts and assemblies,
which should be restored to only after trouble shooting in addition to routine maintenance
checks, which may eliminate the engine performance problems and being the engine back to
it’s normal conditions.
It is essential that the above checks be strictly followed in order to prevent dismantling of the
engine, whose performance can be simply corrected by trouble shooting and routine
maintenance checks.
5.7.1 Electrical
In addition to all the routine maintenance schedules, following checks shall be done :
Check the capacity of battery as per relevant IS and if the capacity is less then 80 %, replace
the batteries.
5.7.3 Alternator
After the engine has “E” check i.e. after every 4 years, it should have a major inspection to
determine whether it may be operated for another service period or it should be overhauled.
Major inspection requires partial disassembly of the engine, it should be done only in a well
equipped shop.
Note: Parts which are worn beyond worn replacement limits recommended by manufacturers
should be replaced with new or rebuilt parts or units.
CHAPTER 6
6.1 GENERAL
6.1.1 Do’s
Do keep your engine clear and in adjustment.
Do ensure proper clearing of air cleaner & fuel filter.
Do connect the load only when generator voltage regulation is normal.
Do ensure sufficient fuel before starting.
Do open the door & windows for proper ventilation.
Do clean area of any lubricating oil spilled while priming or filling crank case.
Do correct the troubles while they are simple.
Do prevent over speeding.
Do guard against corrosion.
Do check and control operating temperature.
Do regulate the engine fuel.
6.1.2 Don’ts
Don’t start the engine without checking of engine fuel and level of lubricating oil.
Don’t start engine without opening fuel caps.
Don’t smoke in the generator room & also don’t keep inflammable goods in generator room.
Don’t forget to clean silencer after every three six months possibly.
Don’t mix water into fuel.
Don’t mix different grades of grease.
Don’t pour diesel when engine is running.
6.2.1 Do’s
Ensure both seal rings of inner and outer elements are intact.
Check the tightness of clamps and hoses between air cleaner housing and turbocharger.
Clean the outer paper elements from inside with air pressure 30 Psi and nozzle size 1/4”. Hold
nozzle at safe distance.
After cleaning, inspect the paper element with lamp for punctures or ruptures. Place lamp
inside the outer paper element.
Inspect seal below the wing nut and replace as necessary (for both elements).
Use genuine paper elements only.
Store the filters in polythene bag only. Remove element from wrapper/packing only at the time
of replacement.
Dust collector rubber cap to be cleaned and it should be fitted facing downwards.
Inspect the air cleaner and rubber hoses periodically and when it is noticed that the same are
hard, replace them.
6.2.2 Don’ts
Do not operate the engine with choked air cleaner as it will lead to black smoke. Never
remove safety inner element for cleaning. This is to be replaced only when it is choked.
Do not operate the engine without restriction indicator. Dust will enter the engine and piston
rings and liners will gets damaged.
Do not operate the engine with hard hoses as it will develop cracks and dust will enter and will
ruin the piston rings and liners.
6.3.2 Don’ts
Do not operate the engine without removing the water and sediments from water separator and
diesel tank as they will re-circulate and fuel filters will get choked early resulting in LESS
HORSEPOWER.
If you do not clean/replace the primary filter in time as necessary, engine will not take load.
Do not operate the engine with clogged fuel filter otherwise engine will not take load.
Do not fill the secondary fuel filter with diesel as it will reduce the life of the fuel system.
6.4 COOLING SYSTEM
6.4.1 Do’s
Check the coolant level in the radiator and top up, if necessary.
Stop the leakage in time.
Add coolant conditioner in the coolant periodically and maintain pH value of the coolant in the
radiator between 8.5 to 10.5. Check this with pH value paper.
Clean the radiator & oil cooler externally if it is choked.
Idle the engine for 3 to 5 minutes before stopping.
Add coolant in the radiator when engine is cold.
Check the belt tension periodically.
6.4.2 Don’ts
Do not operate the engine with less coolant in the radiator as it will lead to overheating of
engine.
Do not operate the engine with leakage as it will lead to overheating of the engine.
Do not operate the engine without adding coolant & when pH value is lesser than 8.5, as it will
lead to corrosion & scale inside the engine block, cylinder head & radiator, resulting in
overheating.
6.5.1 Do’s
6.5.2 Don’ts
Do not add more oil than FULL mark on the dipstick as it will lead to the problem of more oil
consumption and higher oil temperature.
Do not operate the engine with leakage as severe mechanical problems will occur.
Prolonged oil change periods and filter change will lead to early overhauling of the engine.
Do not use non-genuine filters if you desire to get maximum life from the engine.
Do not top up the oil with dirty funnel or container as dust will enter in the lubricating system.
CHAPTER 7
TROUBLE SHOOTING
grade of fuel