Question

What are the commercial applications, Advantages/ Disadvantages and utilisation of Diesel engine.

Answer 1

Advantages of a Diesel Engine

The diesel engine is much more efficient and preferable due to the following reasons:

• They are more rugged and reliable
• There is no sparking as the fuel auto-ignites. The absence of spark-plugs or spark wires lowers maintenance costs
• Fuel cost per Kilowatt produced is thirty to fifty percent lower than that of gas engines
• An 1800 rpm water-cooled diesel unit operates for 12,000 to 30,000 hours before any major maintenance is necessary. An 1800 rpm water-cooled gas unit usually operates for 6000-10,000 hours before it needs servicing
• Gas units burn hotter than diesel units, and hence they have a significantly shorter life compared with diesel units

Dis-advantages of a Diesel Engine

• Higher Noise and maintenance costs
• Bulk in size. ( Size of the diesel engine is larger in size as it requires higher compression ratio )
• Efficiency is less
• Cannot use in luxurious cars or vehicles. ( As diesel engines not having a smooth operation )

Applications of a Diesel Engine

Diesel engines are commonly used as mechanical engines, power generators and in mobile drives. They find wide spread use in locomotives, construction equipment, automobiles, and countless industrial applications. Their realm extends to almost all industries and can be observed on a daily basis if you were to look under the hood of everything you pass by.

Industrial diesel engines and diesel-powered generators have construction, marine, mining, hospital, forestry, telecommunications, underground, and agricultural applications, just to name a few. Power generation for prime or standby backup power is the major application of today's diesel generators.

• Diesel Engines
• Diesel Generators
• Turf Equipment
• Off-Highway and Construction Equipment
• Farming Equipment
• Truck and Bus applications