DIESEL POWER GENERATION

Multiplication factor (k) is the ratio of the neutrons in one generation and the immediately preceding generation. If k < 1, it implies that the number of neutrons that can initiate the fission reactions gradually decreases and therefore the process dies down. If k > 1, it implies that more and more neutrons will be produced as the number of fission reaction increases and as a consequence, a nuclear explosion occurs as in the case of an atomic bomb.

The thermal efficiency of gas turbine plant is 20–25%.

The thermal efficiency of steam power plant is 25–30%.

In India, gas turbine plant of size 70 MW was situated at Namrup in Assam, working as a base-load plant with natural gas fuel. Second one Uran Gas Turbine Power Plant was placed at Maharastra. Continuous combustion constant pressure type combustion cycle working on constant pressure principle known as joule (or) Brayton cycle. The explosion or constant volume type combustion cycle working on constant volume principle known as Atkinson cycle.

Generators come in various sizes, from the small Honda sets giving a few kilowatts to the large 1000 kVA generators. All modern        generators are driven by diesel and are provided with large fuel tanks so that the generator can run for many hours without being replenished. One of the problems with diesels is that if it runs out of fuel, it would be necessary to bleed the fuel lines to allow the diesel to run again. On occasions, when it is necessary to run generators for long periods of time without switching off, it may be necessary to make special arrangements to introduce fuel from an external fuel tank system. The generators are normally three-phase and require that the phases are fairly well balanced to ensure that the diesel runs smoothly; the diesels used for the entertainment industry require to be silent running. It is essential that the frequency of supply is kept stable, and this is usually done by fitting electronic governor systems. Normally, the rear of the generator contains a distribution panel which is fitted with voltmeters, ammeters and the various switches required to run the diesel itself. The normal procedure is to wire to the generator from the local distribution units, check all the electrical system is OK and safe and then run the generator, when the generator is running the main switches are applied and electricity is supplied to the system.