If Darwin himself were alive today I dare say that he would be driving a diesel. No other engine out there has more perfectly illustrated his theories of evolution than the diesel. Now as true as it might be that diesels were once known for being the “slow and smelly” vehicles on the road car makers as well as several performance companies have set out on a mission to put an end to that reputation. With the additions of a turbo or multiple turbos (i.e. '08 Powerstroke) and intercooler(s) as well as intakes, chips/modules and exhaust systems the reputation once held by diesels is now evolving, Darwin would be so proud.
So why diesel performance? In the past there never really was a question as to which “species” was more dominant when it came to performance. It has not been until recently that there has even needed to be a debate as to which is better, gas performance or diesel performance and even today you will have people try to argue that gas performance is where it is at but I am here to say that not only is there more horsepower available for the money when it comes to performance products for diesels but you will have longer engine life as well as maintain if not increased fuel mileage.
One of the strongest points in the argument for Diesel Performance is the fact that you can add engine mods to a diesel engine and it won’t harm the engine or make it burn hotter to the extent of damaging the engine permanently. Don't get me wrong you can still fry your engine but diesel engines are built much stronger and much more durable. One of the main reasons that diesel engines are so durable or will last longer in general is the way that combustion occurs in the engine. Diesel engines “fire” or “combust” differently than gas engines mainly because of the type of fuel that is used. In gasoline engines a spark plug is used to combust the fuel but in a diesel combustion occurs mainly due to the temperature of the compressed air which causes the fuel to ignite. Because of this diesel engines are built more durable because they have a higher compression ratios (20:1 for a typical diesel vs. 8:1 for a typical gasoline engine) it is being built to withstand this higher compression that makes these engines more ready for performance modifications straight from the factory.
As the diesel engine has evolved over the years turbo chargers have been added to increase power as well as efficiency, this has made way for huge increases in horsepower both stock as well as with the addition of after market products. One of the main reasons that diesel performance is so much more viable is the fact that because the engine is built for a higher compression ratio anyway so it is going to be able to withstand the boost that is created by a turbo much better than a gasoline engine, also allowing the addition of performance modifications without shortening the life of the engine as usually happens with gasoline engines when performance mods are added.
Like it or not diesel performance is here to stay, and whether or not you believe in evolution it's happening and will continue to happen in the diesel performance market. Don’t be surprised when you see good old Darwin himself roll past you on the street in his tweaked out diesel.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Programming the Diesel Performance
Want to squeeze every little amount of fuel in your fuel tanks? Want to gain every last ounce of power from your engines? Want to gain better fuel economy, while saving the last penny in your billfolds? Or want to drive a more powerful car, SUV or truck? Want to achieve all of the above? If you answer yes, then better install a diesel programmer in your car, SUV or truck.
Also known as Diesel Performance chips, Diesel programmers do all the things above.
Diesel performance chips have evolved in the last decade or so that they have been in use, and vastly gained popularity. The reason for their evolution and following is because the diesel performance chips are able to dramatically increase engine power. There are diesel performance chips that can increase power as much as 230 horse power and 400 foot pounds of torque. That is comparable with the power of some bone stock diesel trucks.
There are three ways that diesel performance chips are able to create and increase the power and improve fuel economy.
1. Diesel performance chips are able to increase the power and improve fuel economy through duration. By duration, we mean that the fuel injectors are opened for as longer period of time so that more fuel can be injected into the cylinder. More fuel means more power. Diesel performance chips that use duration are not good choices for a gain of fuel mileage, but it creates a lot of power.
2. Timing. It means that the fuel is injected earlier than usual. Timing, when used correctly, adds a lot greater amount of power and also adds to fuel economy. The goal of fuel timing is that the fuel is injected into the cylinder at a more efficient time. Then more power is extracted form every molecule of fuel.
3. The third way is through pressure. Pressure means that the fuel rail lines pressure is increased, so more fuel is injected (creating more power), but at the same time having more pressure on the fuel when it gets to the injector helps it create a finer mist or atomize, so that the fuel exits the finer holes in the injector tips. The improved atomization also helps the fuel to get mixed even better with the air that enters the cylinder and is able to extract more power out from the fuel.
Most diesel performance chips use two or even three of these techniques. By essentially adding a lot more fuel and improving how the engine burns them, the diesel performance chips can increase both power and economy.
By increasing power out of every molecule of fuel, you get to save on fuel consumption. Better fuel economy means saving a lot on your fuel bill. On the other hand, you also get to contribute less exhaust gases into the atmosphere, as the fuel is burned more cleanly and efficiently. You also get to save the cost of exploring and developing new oil fields, thus contributing a lot into saving the environment.
Also known as Diesel Performance chips, Diesel programmers do all the things above.
Diesel performance chips have evolved in the last decade or so that they have been in use, and vastly gained popularity. The reason for their evolution and following is because the diesel performance chips are able to dramatically increase engine power. There are diesel performance chips that can increase power as much as 230 horse power and 400 foot pounds of torque. That is comparable with the power of some bone stock diesel trucks.
There are three ways that diesel performance chips are able to create and increase the power and improve fuel economy.
1. Diesel performance chips are able to increase the power and improve fuel economy through duration. By duration, we mean that the fuel injectors are opened for as longer period of time so that more fuel can be injected into the cylinder. More fuel means more power. Diesel performance chips that use duration are not good choices for a gain of fuel mileage, but it creates a lot of power.
2. Timing. It means that the fuel is injected earlier than usual. Timing, when used correctly, adds a lot greater amount of power and also adds to fuel economy. The goal of fuel timing is that the fuel is injected into the cylinder at a more efficient time. Then more power is extracted form every molecule of fuel.
3. The third way is through pressure. Pressure means that the fuel rail lines pressure is increased, so more fuel is injected (creating more power), but at the same time having more pressure on the fuel when it gets to the injector helps it create a finer mist or atomize, so that the fuel exits the finer holes in the injector tips. The improved atomization also helps the fuel to get mixed even better with the air that enters the cylinder and is able to extract more power out from the fuel.
Most diesel performance chips use two or even three of these techniques. By essentially adding a lot more fuel and improving how the engine burns them, the diesel performance chips can increase both power and economy.
By increasing power out of every molecule of fuel, you get to save on fuel consumption. Better fuel economy means saving a lot on your fuel bill. On the other hand, you also get to contribute less exhaust gases into the atmosphere, as the fuel is burned more cleanly and efficiently. You also get to save the cost of exploring and developing new oil fields, thus contributing a lot into saving the environment.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Reducing Noise with Buying a Silent Generator
There is not such thing as a totally silent generator because after all there is an engine that is running and producing electrical power. What does happen is, these manufacturers of power generators will sometimes invest money in designs and materials that help reduce the noise through the engine or with sound dampening products. So when people talk about silent generators, they are really talking about noise reduced generators. There are some really well designed generators with good noise levels.
My first recommendation to people who have never brought a power generator is to ask someone who has one and go around and listen to how it sounds. For really bad designed generators, you can notice the difference at the engine sounds more like a lawnmower and can be very annoying not only to the owners but to the neighbors. If you do not know anyone with a generator, consider a generator with a noise level under 70 dB at 7 meters. This is around the average for many central AC units and should meet most municipal noise pollution laws. A good silent generator should have noise levels around this level or lower using sound dampening techniques.
Silent generators are also great for RV and marine vehicles. Because the vehicles are more enclosed and noise is more of a bother to the individuals in them. No one wants a noisy generator while trying to enjoy a boat ride or camping. A silent generator really solves this problem by lowering the noise level enough to talk over. Onan's MicroQuiet series is a good example offering really low noise levels for RV vehicles. There are a lot of other manufacturers as well that offer either quiet models or special sound shields or additions to lower the overall noise levels of their generators.
Many applications of generators also require quiet noise levels. Many municipalities and home owners associations have rules regarding the amount of noise pollution. These include how long lawn mowers and other noisy tools can be run. The same rules apply to generators and having a noise reduced generator that meets these standards is not only an option but a must. Many parks and other recreational areas have similar noise rules as well and quiet RV or marine generators will insure no problems arise from their use.
My first recommendation to people who have never brought a power generator is to ask someone who has one and go around and listen to how it sounds. For really bad designed generators, you can notice the difference at the engine sounds more like a lawnmower and can be very annoying not only to the owners but to the neighbors. If you do not know anyone with a generator, consider a generator with a noise level under 70 dB at 7 meters. This is around the average for many central AC units and should meet most municipal noise pollution laws. A good silent generator should have noise levels around this level or lower using sound dampening techniques.
Silent generators are also great for RV and marine vehicles. Because the vehicles are more enclosed and noise is more of a bother to the individuals in them. No one wants a noisy generator while trying to enjoy a boat ride or camping. A silent generator really solves this problem by lowering the noise level enough to talk over. Onan's MicroQuiet series is a good example offering really low noise levels for RV vehicles. There are a lot of other manufacturers as well that offer either quiet models or special sound shields or additions to lower the overall noise levels of their generators.
Many applications of generators also require quiet noise levels. Many municipalities and home owners associations have rules regarding the amount of noise pollution. These include how long lawn mowers and other noisy tools can be run. The same rules apply to generators and having a noise reduced generator that meets these standards is not only an option but a must. Many parks and other recreational areas have similar noise rules as well and quiet RV or marine generators will insure no problems arise from their use.
Build A Wind Generator
When our family decided that our small solar panel array just wasn't big enough to power our off grid home we had to make some choices on what to do. Learning how to build a wind generator was not at the top of the list at first, but it soon developed into the best option.
We could either diversify our Renewable Energy System, a choice between hydro power from our small stream or put up a wind generator. We also had the option to just buy more solar panels. We decided to learn how to build a wind generator and here is why - You may want to build your own wind generator too.
There are times of the year when even a hundred solar panels and 10 times our present battery storage would not run our home. In the fall and winter the sun may not shine for weeks at a time. Thus, no power is produced from the solar panels, no matter how many we would have. We really wanted to smooth out the wrinkles in our charging cycle as well as produce more power for our home, that meant adding more solar panels just wouldn’t work for us.
Hydro power is probably the most cost effective option if you have enough running water with an adequate drop to produce power. Water power will produce 24/7 , but we had a problem with this option. From November until April our stream freezes solid and in order to produce power we need running water. Unless we could figure out a way to run ice through the hydro turbine that is.
That left us with the wind generator option. A quick assessment of our site told us we had wind energy potential. Open space and a site that was free of obstructions for over 300 yards. We would only need a 40 foot tower to get up to the good wind.
So, we started shopping for a wind generator. The wind definitely went out of our sales, so to speak, when we started looking at the price of new and used wind generators.
During our search for a wind generator a friend of ours suggested why not build a wind generator. He had done just that recently with some plans he had downloaded from a website called Off Grid Living. We took a look at the nice job he had done on his wind generator and decided to download our own plans.
They cost us $19.95 , but compared to the price in the thousands for a new or used wind generator to meet our needs it was a real bargain. The plans were simple and easy to follow and provided sources for all of the material we would need.
Once we knew where to look, the DC motor used for a generator was quickly located, as well as the free PVC pipe we used for the blades. Our family is quite happy learning how to build a wind generator. It produces about 600 watts of power at 24 volts.
We could either diversify our Renewable Energy System, a choice between hydro power from our small stream or put up a wind generator. We also had the option to just buy more solar panels. We decided to learn how to build a wind generator and here is why - You may want to build your own wind generator too.
There are times of the year when even a hundred solar panels and 10 times our present battery storage would not run our home. In the fall and winter the sun may not shine for weeks at a time. Thus, no power is produced from the solar panels, no matter how many we would have. We really wanted to smooth out the wrinkles in our charging cycle as well as produce more power for our home, that meant adding more solar panels just wouldn’t work for us.
Hydro power is probably the most cost effective option if you have enough running water with an adequate drop to produce power. Water power will produce 24/7 , but we had a problem with this option. From November until April our stream freezes solid and in order to produce power we need running water. Unless we could figure out a way to run ice through the hydro turbine that is.
That left us with the wind generator option. A quick assessment of our site told us we had wind energy potential. Open space and a site that was free of obstructions for over 300 yards. We would only need a 40 foot tower to get up to the good wind.
So, we started shopping for a wind generator. The wind definitely went out of our sales, so to speak, when we started looking at the price of new and used wind generators.
During our search for a wind generator a friend of ours suggested why not build a wind generator. He had done just that recently with some plans he had downloaded from a website called Off Grid Living. We took a look at the nice job he had done on his wind generator and decided to download our own plans.
They cost us $19.95 , but compared to the price in the thousands for a new or used wind generator to meet our needs it was a real bargain. The plans were simple and easy to follow and provided sources for all of the material we would need.
Once we knew where to look, the DC motor used for a generator was quickly located, as well as the free PVC pipe we used for the blades. Our family is quite happy learning how to build a wind generator. It produces about 600 watts of power at 24 volts.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Lagoon 420 – Diesel Electric Sailing Vacations
Interested in finding out what the future in yachting will be like? The best way to get a close and personal introduction into diesel electric yachting is through chartering one of these “Green” yachts. The Tortola Catamaran Center will be able to give you this opportunity through their acquisition of a Lagoon 420, called “Dignity”. This kind of propulsion system makes minimal noise, and does not create smoke.
The Lagoon 420 is the perfect example of what happens when luxury and technology work together. Space and comfort were not limited in the design of this boat. The large master cabin is in the port hull. The other cabins provide substantial room for crewmembers. This catamaran is not run short of storage area. Privacy can be easily attained since all cabins can be closed off from the salon.
Experience all of Lagoon’s innovations on an environmentally sound vessel. “Dignity’s” electric propulsion system consists of two standard electric motors connected to propellers by straight shaft transmissions, one generator and two set of 6 batteries.
Even while this vessel is running on the electric system crew members can rest assure that they are not creating any pollution? This system is so advanced that the batteries actually charge while the vessel is sailing. Regeneration occurs on the downside of waves. The generator provides electricity for the motors, the batteries and the daily boat needs (air conditioning, power sockets, washing machine, etc.). This arrangement creates energy savings for you. Experience what it’s like to enjoy sailing the ocean in a 21st century electric catamaran. The fact that you are sailing in a non-polluting vessel will mean enjoying Mother Nature without damaging it.
When batteries are 100 % charged, the boat will be able to function with both motors for approximately two hours (depending on speed). When batteries are 80 % charged, the generator will automatically start and charge the batteries in order to provide electricity for the motors.
The Lagoon 420 is the perfect example of what happens when luxury and technology work together. Space and comfort were not limited in the design of this boat. The large master cabin is in the port hull. The other cabins provide substantial room for crewmembers. This catamaran is not run short of storage area. Privacy can be easily attained since all cabins can be closed off from the salon.
Experience all of Lagoon’s innovations on an environmentally sound vessel. “Dignity’s” electric propulsion system consists of two standard electric motors connected to propellers by straight shaft transmissions, one generator and two set of 6 batteries.
Even while this vessel is running on the electric system crew members can rest assure that they are not creating any pollution? This system is so advanced that the batteries actually charge while the vessel is sailing. Regeneration occurs on the downside of waves. The generator provides electricity for the motors, the batteries and the daily boat needs (air conditioning, power sockets, washing machine, etc.). This arrangement creates energy savings for you. Experience what it’s like to enjoy sailing the ocean in a 21st century electric catamaran. The fact that you are sailing in a non-polluting vessel will mean enjoying Mother Nature without damaging it.
When batteries are 100 % charged, the boat will be able to function with both motors for approximately two hours (depending on speed). When batteries are 80 % charged, the generator will automatically start and charge the batteries in order to provide electricity for the motors.
How to Buy a Used Diesel RV... Do your Homework Before Buying
When looking to set out on your RV road trip, you might find yourself at RV dealers staring down prices that you’d rather not be forced to pay. But, if you want a good deal and a decent RV, a used diesel RV might be the way to go instead.
Used diesel RVs are a great decision for those who want to save a few dollars, but the used RV market can be a bit overwhelming. Like any used vehicle, a used RV needs to be thoroughly checked out before purchasing. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before purchasing any used RV:
Age of the Recreational Vehicle
Any vehicle depreciates immediately upon purchase. There’s a fine line though, as to how long to wait when buying that vehicle used, especially with an RV. For a used diesel RV, you’ll want a vehicle at least a year old, probably two. At that point the price depreciates substantially, but you’re still getting a nearly new RV with all the newest features.
If you wait until the RV has been used for more than four or five years, you face a lot of issues, including high mileage, expired warranties, and necessary repairs.
RV Maintenance
Which brings up the next point. If you’re looking to buy a used diesel RV, you’ll want to make absolutely sure that it’s as cleanly maintained as possible. It’s likely that you might buy from a private seller. If so, make sure to have a certified diesel RV mechanic look at it before you cut that check.
And while it may be cheaper to buy a used RV from a private seller, keep in mind that getting a warranty is impossible unless they still carry one from their original purchase. Dealer’s used diesel RVs might cost a bit more, but they’re often better maintained and carry certain guarantees of quality.
Why Diesel?
A diesel RV is going to be a top of the line RV. Not only are you looking at some of the highest quality, feature packed RVs on the road, but it’s going to save you money on fuel as well, with the higher mileage rate of most diesel engines. A used diesel RV as opposed to a gas RV is generally the best choice.
Regardless of the features or mileage options you’re seeking, a used diesel RV is the best choice for any road warrior looking to set out on a cross country trek. And most important, you save a decent bundle of money by buying one used.
RVs are an American tradition that can become quite pricey if one doesn’t do the right research before making a purchase. Reading as much as you can on the available RVs in your area and establishing just which features you want is a great first step in any major purchase. If you know exactly what you want in a used diesel RV, you won’t spend as much time looking at a vehicle that doesn’t fit your needs.
Used diesel RVs are a great decision for those who want to save a few dollars, but the used RV market can be a bit overwhelming. Like any used vehicle, a used RV needs to be thoroughly checked out before purchasing. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before purchasing any used RV:
Age of the Recreational Vehicle
Any vehicle depreciates immediately upon purchase. There’s a fine line though, as to how long to wait when buying that vehicle used, especially with an RV. For a used diesel RV, you’ll want a vehicle at least a year old, probably two. At that point the price depreciates substantially, but you’re still getting a nearly new RV with all the newest features.
If you wait until the RV has been used for more than four or five years, you face a lot of issues, including high mileage, expired warranties, and necessary repairs.
RV Maintenance
Which brings up the next point. If you’re looking to buy a used diesel RV, you’ll want to make absolutely sure that it’s as cleanly maintained as possible. It’s likely that you might buy from a private seller. If so, make sure to have a certified diesel RV mechanic look at it before you cut that check.
And while it may be cheaper to buy a used RV from a private seller, keep in mind that getting a warranty is impossible unless they still carry one from their original purchase. Dealer’s used diesel RVs might cost a bit more, but they’re often better maintained and carry certain guarantees of quality.
Why Diesel?
A diesel RV is going to be a top of the line RV. Not only are you looking at some of the highest quality, feature packed RVs on the road, but it’s going to save you money on fuel as well, with the higher mileage rate of most diesel engines. A used diesel RV as opposed to a gas RV is generally the best choice.
Regardless of the features or mileage options you’re seeking, a used diesel RV is the best choice for any road warrior looking to set out on a cross country trek. And most important, you save a decent bundle of money by buying one used.
RVs are an American tradition that can become quite pricey if one doesn’t do the right research before making a purchase. Reading as much as you can on the available RVs in your area and establishing just which features you want is a great first step in any major purchase. If you know exactly what you want in a used diesel RV, you won’t spend as much time looking at a vehicle that doesn’t fit your needs.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Diesel Cars for United States Auto Market
We are just into the fifth month of the year and car manufacturers are already promoting their 2008 model year vehicles. The 2008 Ford Escape and its hybrid version have already been released and so are other auto models from different car manufacturers.
In the United States, as prices of gasoline increases, hybrid cars have been gaining popularity. For the 2008 model year, it is expected that car manufacturers will be introducing more hybrid vehicles as the demand for this type of automobiles increases. Another technology though is set to be unleashed into the United States and Canadian auto markets in the form of clean diesel engines. Next year, it is expected that European and Japanese car manufacturers will be introducing diesel cars in the said auto markets. In Europe, the use of diesel engines is already popular, thanks to companies like Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz. The success of diesel engines in the region is expected to give diesel engines a better reputation in the United States.
For years after the 1970s and 80s decades, Americans have been staying away from diesel engines. It can be remembered that this engine technology was introduced in the 1970s in the United States. Unfortunately, the diesel engines of old are known for their black soot emissions and in some cases poor reliability. Newer diesel engines though have overcome this problem with the use of better emission filter technology.
The Ford Super Duty already available in the market boasts of having a powerful diesel engine with emission similar to that of a gasoline engine. The Super Duty is one of the vehicles that can promote the use of cleaner diesel engines. The problems encountered in the use of bio-ethanol is also another reason seen that will help popularize the use of diesel cars.
Flex-fuel vehicles in the United States which are designed to run on a combination of gasoline and bio-ethanol is recently being criticized due to the lack of fuel refilling stations offering E85 - the alternative fuel composed of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent bio-ethanol. In a recent study, it was found out that 99 percent of flex-fuel vehicles in the United States are actually using conventional gasoline thereby beating the purpose of these supposed to be environment friendly vehicles.
Already, European car manufacturers have expressed their intentions to release diesel vehicles in the United States next year. The German Volkswagen has been selling diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. for decades and at present, they will upgrade their engines by using a cleaner technology dubbed as the Blue Motion. The first Volkswagen auto model which will use the clean diesel technology is the Jetta.
Another German car manufacturer which will introduce diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. next year is Mercedes Benz. Sport utility vehicles or SUVs, known as the favorite of American car buyers, will be what Mercedes Benz will be equipping with their clean diesel engines. Already announced to be released in the United States auto market are diesel versions of the M-Class, R-Class, and the GL-Class. These vehicles will be equipped with clean diesel engines and other soot cleaning technologies from the engine to their Mercedes Benz mufflers and out the exhaust pipe. Aside from these European carmakers a Japanese company has expressed their intention to introduce a diesel car in the U.S.
Nissan, the third largest Japanese car manufacturer announced that they will be producing a diesel-powered Maxima sedan in the near future.
One problem in the way of the promotion of use of diesel engines in the United States is the availability of diesel fuel. Not more than 50 percent of all refueling stations in the country are offering diesel engines. Fortunately though, the oil industry is clearly supporting the use of diesel-powered vehicles. The Marathon Petroleum Company recently earmarked $3.2 billion for the expansion of their refineries that is expected to increase the availability of diesel fuel in refilling stations across the United States.
Another problem faced by diesel powered-vehicles in the country is consumer acceptance. Although new technologies have made diesel engines cleaner than their ancestors, its reputation has been tarnished heavily. Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles are also popular among car buyers and it would be something that diesel cars must contend with. Furthermore, the use of advanced emission cleaning technology gives these diesel engines a price almost equal to that of hybrid vehicles. In the end, it would be a matter of preference that will spell the success or lack of it for diesel-powered vehicles.
In the United States, as prices of gasoline increases, hybrid cars have been gaining popularity. For the 2008 model year, it is expected that car manufacturers will be introducing more hybrid vehicles as the demand for this type of automobiles increases. Another technology though is set to be unleashed into the United States and Canadian auto markets in the form of clean diesel engines. Next year, it is expected that European and Japanese car manufacturers will be introducing diesel cars in the said auto markets. In Europe, the use of diesel engines is already popular, thanks to companies like Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz. The success of diesel engines in the region is expected to give diesel engines a better reputation in the United States.
For years after the 1970s and 80s decades, Americans have been staying away from diesel engines. It can be remembered that this engine technology was introduced in the 1970s in the United States. Unfortunately, the diesel engines of old are known for their black soot emissions and in some cases poor reliability. Newer diesel engines though have overcome this problem with the use of better emission filter technology.
The Ford Super Duty already available in the market boasts of having a powerful diesel engine with emission similar to that of a gasoline engine. The Super Duty is one of the vehicles that can promote the use of cleaner diesel engines. The problems encountered in the use of bio-ethanol is also another reason seen that will help popularize the use of diesel cars.
Flex-fuel vehicles in the United States which are designed to run on a combination of gasoline and bio-ethanol is recently being criticized due to the lack of fuel refilling stations offering E85 - the alternative fuel composed of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent bio-ethanol. In a recent study, it was found out that 99 percent of flex-fuel vehicles in the United States are actually using conventional gasoline thereby beating the purpose of these supposed to be environment friendly vehicles.
Already, European car manufacturers have expressed their intentions to release diesel vehicles in the United States next year. The German Volkswagen has been selling diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. for decades and at present, they will upgrade their engines by using a cleaner technology dubbed as the Blue Motion. The first Volkswagen auto model which will use the clean diesel technology is the Jetta.
Another German car manufacturer which will introduce diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. next year is Mercedes Benz. Sport utility vehicles or SUVs, known as the favorite of American car buyers, will be what Mercedes Benz will be equipping with their clean diesel engines. Already announced to be released in the United States auto market are diesel versions of the M-Class, R-Class, and the GL-Class. These vehicles will be equipped with clean diesel engines and other soot cleaning technologies from the engine to their Mercedes Benz mufflers and out the exhaust pipe. Aside from these European carmakers a Japanese company has expressed their intention to introduce a diesel car in the U.S.
Nissan, the third largest Japanese car manufacturer announced that they will be producing a diesel-powered Maxima sedan in the near future.
One problem in the way of the promotion of use of diesel engines in the United States is the availability of diesel fuel. Not more than 50 percent of all refueling stations in the country are offering diesel engines. Fortunately though, the oil industry is clearly supporting the use of diesel-powered vehicles. The Marathon Petroleum Company recently earmarked $3.2 billion for the expansion of their refineries that is expected to increase the availability of diesel fuel in refilling stations across the United States.
Another problem faced by diesel powered-vehicles in the country is consumer acceptance. Although new technologies have made diesel engines cleaner than their ancestors, its reputation has been tarnished heavily. Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles are also popular among car buyers and it would be something that diesel cars must contend with. Furthermore, the use of advanced emission cleaning technology gives these diesel engines a price almost equal to that of hybrid vehicles. In the end, it would be a matter of preference that will spell the success or lack of it for diesel-powered vehicles.
How to Buy a Used Diesel RV... Do your Homework Before Buying
When looking to set out on your RV road trip, you might find yourself at RV dealers staring down prices that you’d rather not be forced to pay. But, if you want a good deal and a decent RV, a used diesel RV might be the way to go instead.
Used diesel RVs are a great decision for those who want to save a few dollars, but the used RV market can be a bit overwhelming. Like any used vehicle, a used RV needs to be thoroughly checked out before purchasing. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before purchasing any used RV:
Age of the Recreational Vehicle
Any vehicle depreciates immediately upon purchase. There’s a fine line though, as to how long to wait when buying that vehicle used, especially with an RV. For a used diesel RV, you’ll want a vehicle at least a year old, probably two. At that point the price depreciates substantially, but you’re still getting a nearly new RV with all the newest features.
If you wait until the RV has been used for more than four or five years, you face a lot of issues, including high mileage, expired warranties, and necessary repairs.
RV Maintenance
Which brings up the next point. If you’re looking to buy a used diesel RV, you’ll want to make absolutely sure that it’s as cleanly maintained as possible. It’s likely that you might buy from a private seller. If so, make sure to have a certified diesel RV mechanic look at it before you cut that check.
And while it may be cheaper to buy a used RV from a private seller, keep in mind that getting a warranty is impossible unless they still carry one from their original purchase. Dealer’s used diesel RVs might cost a bit more, but they’re often better maintained and carry certain guarantees of quality.
Why Diesel?
A diesel RV is going to be a top of the line RV. Not only are you looking at some of the highest quality, feature packed RVs on the road, but it’s going to save you money on fuel as well, with the higher mileage rate of most diesel engines. A used diesel RV as opposed to a gas RV is generally the best choice.
Regardless of the features or mileage options you’re seeking, a used diesel RV is the best choice for any road warrior looking to set out on a cross country trek. And most important, you save a decent bundle of money by buying one used.
RVs are an American tradition that can become quite pricey if one doesn’t do the right research before making a purchase. Reading as much as you can on the available RVs in your area and establishing just which features you want is a great first step in any major purchase. If you know exactly what you want in a used diesel RV, you won’t spend as much time looking at a vehicle that doesn’t fit your needs.
Used diesel RVs are a great decision for those who want to save a few dollars, but the used RV market can be a bit overwhelming. Like any used vehicle, a used RV needs to be thoroughly checked out before purchasing. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before purchasing any used RV:
Age of the Recreational Vehicle
Any vehicle depreciates immediately upon purchase. There’s a fine line though, as to how long to wait when buying that vehicle used, especially with an RV. For a used diesel RV, you’ll want a vehicle at least a year old, probably two. At that point the price depreciates substantially, but you’re still getting a nearly new RV with all the newest features.
If you wait until the RV has been used for more than four or five years, you face a lot of issues, including high mileage, expired warranties, and necessary repairs.
RV Maintenance
Which brings up the next point. If you’re looking to buy a used diesel RV, you’ll want to make absolutely sure that it’s as cleanly maintained as possible. It’s likely that you might buy from a private seller. If so, make sure to have a certified diesel RV mechanic look at it before you cut that check.
And while it may be cheaper to buy a used RV from a private seller, keep in mind that getting a warranty is impossible unless they still carry one from their original purchase. Dealer’s used diesel RVs might cost a bit more, but they’re often better maintained and carry certain guarantees of quality.
Why Diesel?
A diesel RV is going to be a top of the line RV. Not only are you looking at some of the highest quality, feature packed RVs on the road, but it’s going to save you money on fuel as well, with the higher mileage rate of most diesel engines. A used diesel RV as opposed to a gas RV is generally the best choice.
Regardless of the features or mileage options you’re seeking, a used diesel RV is the best choice for any road warrior looking to set out on a cross country trek. And most important, you save a decent bundle of money by buying one used.
RVs are an American tradition that can become quite pricey if one doesn’t do the right research before making a purchase. Reading as much as you can on the available RVs in your area and establishing just which features you want is a great first step in any major purchase. If you know exactly what you want in a used diesel RV, you won’t spend as much time looking at a vehicle that doesn’t fit your needs.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
The Clean Diesel Technology Tour to Come to Sacramento
The recent increase in gasoline prices have forced car buyers and the automotive industry to look for more fuel efficient alternatives. One alternative fuel which has captured the attention of the auto industry is diesel.
Diesel, as a fuel, costs less than gasoline and can prove to be one temporary solution for the United States to become energy independent. For years, diesel engines have suffered from a bad reputation due to the huge amount of soot that a diesel engine gives off. But continued development in the auto industry led to cleaner diesel engines which provide even more power than the previous generations of diesel engines while producing lesser pollutants. In fact, some diesel engines have been proven to produce relatively lower greenhouse gas than some gasoline engines.
The continued popularity of diesel engines has led the Diesel Technology Forum to organize the Clean Diesel Technology Tour. The Diesel Technology Forum is an association of different companies which manufactures diesel engines, engine components, fuel, and emissions control systems. The organization is working to promoter the use of diesel engines in the hope that they will be making a difference for the environment.
In their effort to encourage consumers to use diesel engined vehicles, The Clean Diesel Technology Tour was organized and it will be the biggest event of its kind as it will host a huge number of attendees. Different personalities in the development of clean diesel technologies will be present along with vehicles equipped with clean diesel engines. The event will also be attended by environmentalists, manufacturers and legislators. The tour will take place at the Sacramento Convention Center on the 19th of April this year.
The event will open with a press conference which would be graced by the presence of Allan Schaeffer who is the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. Aside from Schaeffer, other executives from ember companies will also be present at the press conference which will start at 9:00 in the morning. After the press conference, exhibitors will then present their developed vehicles, engines, or technologies.
After the presentation and luncheon, attendees will be given the chance to get to take that spot behind the wheel of some of the vehicles displayed at the event. The event will features keynote speakers from the government. Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) is one of the keynote speakers during the event. The legislator is one of the leading advocates of port emission reductions.
Dan Skopec, the undersecretary of the California Environment Protection Agency, will also be speaking at the event. Skopec is also Governor Schwarzenegger’s point person on California’s effort to promote the use of low-carbon fuel. The undersecretary will be speaking about the Governor’s take on global warming and what he thinks the problems that needs to be addressed by the auto industry.
The event of course will host the showcase of different technologies developed by different companies. Banks Power, a producer of aftermarket engine-power systems for large vehicles equipped with diesel engines, will be present at the event. Gale Banks, the founder and the president of the company will present their developed technologies which are concerned about the amount of air that enters the combustion chamber of the engines.
Caterpillar, “the world's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines” will also be presenting their developments at the event. Douglas Oberhelman, the Group President of Caterpillar, will be the company’s presenter at the event.
For Cummins, a leading manufacturer of diesel engines, Edward Pence will present their developments in the clean diesel engine technology. Pence is the Vice President for Engine Business of the company.
Aside from these companies, the event will also be attended by other companies specializing on diesel engines.
The event will also allow attendees to ride and drive several vehicles equipped with clean diesel engines. Some of the vehicles which will be showcased at the event are the Audi A6, the BMW 535d, and a Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI with Bluetec. These vehicles are not only known for the stylish looks of their fenders and other exterior styling concepts but are also proven to be environmentally friendly.
Diesel, as a fuel, costs less than gasoline and can prove to be one temporary solution for the United States to become energy independent. For years, diesel engines have suffered from a bad reputation due to the huge amount of soot that a diesel engine gives off. But continued development in the auto industry led to cleaner diesel engines which provide even more power than the previous generations of diesel engines while producing lesser pollutants. In fact, some diesel engines have been proven to produce relatively lower greenhouse gas than some gasoline engines.
The continued popularity of diesel engines has led the Diesel Technology Forum to organize the Clean Diesel Technology Tour. The Diesel Technology Forum is an association of different companies which manufactures diesel engines, engine components, fuel, and emissions control systems. The organization is working to promoter the use of diesel engines in the hope that they will be making a difference for the environment.
In their effort to encourage consumers to use diesel engined vehicles, The Clean Diesel Technology Tour was organized and it will be the biggest event of its kind as it will host a huge number of attendees. Different personalities in the development of clean diesel technologies will be present along with vehicles equipped with clean diesel engines. The event will also be attended by environmentalists, manufacturers and legislators. The tour will take place at the Sacramento Convention Center on the 19th of April this year.
The event will open with a press conference which would be graced by the presence of Allan Schaeffer who is the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. Aside from Schaeffer, other executives from ember companies will also be present at the press conference which will start at 9:00 in the morning. After the press conference, exhibitors will then present their developed vehicles, engines, or technologies.
After the presentation and luncheon, attendees will be given the chance to get to take that spot behind the wheel of some of the vehicles displayed at the event. The event will features keynote speakers from the government. Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) is one of the keynote speakers during the event. The legislator is one of the leading advocates of port emission reductions.
Dan Skopec, the undersecretary of the California Environment Protection Agency, will also be speaking at the event. Skopec is also Governor Schwarzenegger’s point person on California’s effort to promote the use of low-carbon fuel. The undersecretary will be speaking about the Governor’s take on global warming and what he thinks the problems that needs to be addressed by the auto industry.
The event of course will host the showcase of different technologies developed by different companies. Banks Power, a producer of aftermarket engine-power systems for large vehicles equipped with diesel engines, will be present at the event. Gale Banks, the founder and the president of the company will present their developed technologies which are concerned about the amount of air that enters the combustion chamber of the engines.
Caterpillar, “the world's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines” will also be presenting their developments at the event. Douglas Oberhelman, the Group President of Caterpillar, will be the company’s presenter at the event.
For Cummins, a leading manufacturer of diesel engines, Edward Pence will present their developments in the clean diesel engine technology. Pence is the Vice President for Engine Business of the company.
Aside from these companies, the event will also be attended by other companies specializing on diesel engines.
The event will also allow attendees to ride and drive several vehicles equipped with clean diesel engines. Some of the vehicles which will be showcased at the event are the Audi A6, the BMW 535d, and a Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI with Bluetec. These vehicles are not only known for the stylish looks of their fenders and other exterior styling concepts but are also proven to be environmentally friendly.
Diesel Vehicle Offerings Poised To Expand
Diesel powered vehicles have never been popular in the US, despite previous attempts to promote this technology by leading manufacturers. Indeed, many motorists recall GM’s failed bid to market diesel engines during the late 1970s to mid 1980s as a big reason to stay away from diesels. As you may recall, GM had to recall and replace the engines as they were plagued with crankshaft bearing problems. Many motorists cited other problems too including, blown head gaskets, warped heads, and bad fuel injectors. A well publicized class action suit against GM shut down the company’s diesel program and resulted in GM replacing thousands of diesel engines with gasoline engines. Despite the earlier problems, many automakers are now poised to offer diesel engines as engineering changes have made diesels much more reliable and environmentally friendly. Let’s take a look at the diesel engines powering current and future vehicles traversing America’s highways.
Mercedes Diesels – With five diesel models offered, Mercedes is leading the way. Its 3.2L 24-valve inline-6 diesel engine powers the E320, resulting in fuel savings of up to 30% and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Dodge Trucks – Cummins has been producing turbo diesels for Dodge Ram trucks for years. The current 610 model offers best in class horsepower, excellent torque, and terrific towing capacity.
Jeep Liberty – Using Mercedes technology, the Jeep Liberty common-rail diesel powering some models helps to boost torque by 45% and bump up fuel mileage by about one third. The Liberty diesel has been a strong seller for the Jeep brand.
Volkswagen – Mentioning “diesel” and omitting “Volkswagen” would be a travesty. Indeed, the German automaker is one of the largest producers of diesel engines in the world. For the U.S. market, a 1.9L four cylinder powers the cars while a humongous ten cylinder diesel can be found in the Touareg, the automaker’s luxury SUV.
Honda – New to the game, Honda is promising that diesel versions of several of its cars will be made available by 2009. Along with its hybrid emphasis, Honda is pushing diesels to bolster its already well earned “green” image.
BMW, Range Rover, Ford, GM, and Chrysler all offer diesels although with the first two they are only sold in Europe. Ford taps Navistar for its big diesels while GM uses Duramax, a joint venture between it and Isuzu.
Smaller diesels have yet to grab hold, but that may all change. Talk of smaller, lighter diesels built for American cars have been circulating for years with joint ventures involving Isuzu, Honda, VW, and Mercedes mentioned as possibilities.
Demand for diesels is increasing as fuel prices continue to surge. Auto registration records are indicating that diesel purchases have doubled in the past five years alone. With cleaner technology in place and all of the kinks worked out, consumers can be expected to demand diesels in greater numbers. This is good news for those who are concerned about America’s over dependence on foreign oil.
Mercedes Diesels – With five diesel models offered, Mercedes is leading the way. Its 3.2L 24-valve inline-6 diesel engine powers the E320, resulting in fuel savings of up to 30% and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Dodge Trucks – Cummins has been producing turbo diesels for Dodge Ram trucks for years. The current 610 model offers best in class horsepower, excellent torque, and terrific towing capacity.
Jeep Liberty – Using Mercedes technology, the Jeep Liberty common-rail diesel powering some models helps to boost torque by 45% and bump up fuel mileage by about one third. The Liberty diesel has been a strong seller for the Jeep brand.
Volkswagen – Mentioning “diesel” and omitting “Volkswagen” would be a travesty. Indeed, the German automaker is one of the largest producers of diesel engines in the world. For the U.S. market, a 1.9L four cylinder powers the cars while a humongous ten cylinder diesel can be found in the Touareg, the automaker’s luxury SUV.
Honda – New to the game, Honda is promising that diesel versions of several of its cars will be made available by 2009. Along with its hybrid emphasis, Honda is pushing diesels to bolster its already well earned “green” image.
BMW, Range Rover, Ford, GM, and Chrysler all offer diesels although with the first two they are only sold in Europe. Ford taps Navistar for its big diesels while GM uses Duramax, a joint venture between it and Isuzu.
Smaller diesels have yet to grab hold, but that may all change. Talk of smaller, lighter diesels built for American cars have been circulating for years with joint ventures involving Isuzu, Honda, VW, and Mercedes mentioned as possibilities.
Demand for diesels is increasing as fuel prices continue to surge. Auto registration records are indicating that diesel purchases have doubled in the past five years alone. With cleaner technology in place and all of the kinks worked out, consumers can be expected to demand diesels in greater numbers. This is good news for those who are concerned about America’s over dependence on foreign oil.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Hybrid vs Diesel
In these days of soaring gas prices, it seems that everyone is looking to increase their gas mileage. In the past, those looking to drive the most fuel-efficient vehicle had just one option: diesel trucks and cars. Diesel vehicles use significantly less fuel than cars that run on regular gas.
There is an option to diesel vehicles. Recently, hybrid vehicles have been appearing everywhere. No longer are they just slightly odd-looking compact cars. Hybrid technology can be found in everything from compact cars to SUVs. Are you better off with the old, diesel standby or do hybrid cars really offer more?
Diesel vehicles
For years, the gas-conscious consumer chose the diesel vehicle. These earlier diesels were generally noisier, dirtier and handled the road more poorly than their gas counterparts did. In fact, five states currently do not allow the sale of diesel vehicles due to strict emissions standards.
However, this image of the diesel vehicle is very outdated. Modern diesel vehicles are much cleaner than their earlier counterparts are. Low-sulphur diesel fuel and new technology that helps trap emissions particles are making diesel engines cleaner than ever before. In addition, modern diesel vehicles handle nearly as well as their gas-powered cousins and are less noisy as well.
Fuel efficiency is still paramount when it comes to driving a diesel vehicle. With their average nine miles per gallon increase over gas-powered vehicles, diesels are a viable option for the fuel-conscious consumer.
Hybrid vehicles
Hybrid vehicles are the newcomer to the mileage game. These vehicles run on a combination of gas and electric power, and they promise vastly increased gas mileage and lower emissions.
While these vehicles deliver on the promise, there are a few shortcomings as well. The first and most glaring disappointment is that many drivers find that the advertised mileage and the actual mileage the car achieves are vastly different.
For instance, the Toyota Prius advertises gas mileage of 55 miles per gallon, according to U.S. government reports. However, when Consumer Reports magazine tested the car under actual driving conditions, the mileage achieved was only 44 miles per gallon. While this is still excellent gas mileage, it is far less than advertised.
In addition, the sheer price of hybrid vehicles can be daunting. While a diesel vehicle generally costs an average of $1000 more than its gas-powered version, a hybrid vehicle costs several thousand dollars more than a gas-powered car. The Honda Civic Hybrid base price is $4800 more than the standard Civic with the same options and amenities.
Given that the gas mileage on the hybrid is about 30% greater than on the standard vehicle, it would take an average driver at today's gas costs more than twelve years to recoup the cost difference. However, one must consider that some of this additional cost can also be recouped with the one-time federal tax credit. In addition, some states and even employers offer rebates to those who drive hybrid vehicles.
There is an option to diesel vehicles. Recently, hybrid vehicles have been appearing everywhere. No longer are they just slightly odd-looking compact cars. Hybrid technology can be found in everything from compact cars to SUVs. Are you better off with the old, diesel standby or do hybrid cars really offer more?
Diesel vehicles
For years, the gas-conscious consumer chose the diesel vehicle. These earlier diesels were generally noisier, dirtier and handled the road more poorly than their gas counterparts did. In fact, five states currently do not allow the sale of diesel vehicles due to strict emissions standards.
However, this image of the diesel vehicle is very outdated. Modern diesel vehicles are much cleaner than their earlier counterparts are. Low-sulphur diesel fuel and new technology that helps trap emissions particles are making diesel engines cleaner than ever before. In addition, modern diesel vehicles handle nearly as well as their gas-powered cousins and are less noisy as well.
Fuel efficiency is still paramount when it comes to driving a diesel vehicle. With their average nine miles per gallon increase over gas-powered vehicles, diesels are a viable option for the fuel-conscious consumer.
Hybrid vehicles
Hybrid vehicles are the newcomer to the mileage game. These vehicles run on a combination of gas and electric power, and they promise vastly increased gas mileage and lower emissions.
While these vehicles deliver on the promise, there are a few shortcomings as well. The first and most glaring disappointment is that many drivers find that the advertised mileage and the actual mileage the car achieves are vastly different.
For instance, the Toyota Prius advertises gas mileage of 55 miles per gallon, according to U.S. government reports. However, when Consumer Reports magazine tested the car under actual driving conditions, the mileage achieved was only 44 miles per gallon. While this is still excellent gas mileage, it is far less than advertised.
In addition, the sheer price of hybrid vehicles can be daunting. While a diesel vehicle generally costs an average of $1000 more than its gas-powered version, a hybrid vehicle costs several thousand dollars more than a gas-powered car. The Honda Civic Hybrid base price is $4800 more than the standard Civic with the same options and amenities.
Given that the gas mileage on the hybrid is about 30% greater than on the standard vehicle, it would take an average driver at today's gas costs more than twelve years to recoup the cost difference. However, one must consider that some of this additional cost can also be recouped with the one-time federal tax credit. In addition, some states and even employers offer rebates to those who drive hybrid vehicles.
Ford's Power Stroke Diesel Technology
Diesel engines have received a bad reputation in the United States due to the amount of emissions they give off. However, it seems like the wheel is indeed turning and diesel engines’ reputation is slowly changing as car manufacturers continually develop ways to equip their vehicles with a clean diesel engine.
One such company is the Ford Motor Company which has introduced their new Power Stroke diesel technology. This new one promises a good performance from the engine while keeping the emission level equal to that of a gasoline engine. The engine will be the workhorse of the new 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty lineup and it already has received much praise for its fuel efficiency.
The massive 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel engine has an improved performance over the previous diesel engines employed by Ford. The technology also reduces emissions and NVH or noise, vibration, and harshness. The high performance of the engine and its low emission are two things to like about it. But it is also important to keep in mind that this engine also has 25 to 30 percent better fuel economy rating than gasoline engines. In fact, the newer generation of clean diesel engines is taking over the European market and Ford hopes to do the same in North America. Ford hopes to launch the technology successfully since a large number of Super Duty buyers opt for a diesel engine under its hood.
One great thing about the engine is that it exhibits no turbo lag and according to Richard Truett, engineering reporter for Automotive News, “I have never felt that performance out of a diesel before.” This he stated after going 60 to 65 miles per hour while towing. He further said that he “can’t find anything to dislike about it (the engine)”. His rave review of the technology is shared by John Stewart, editorial director of Diesel World Magazine: “It’s a tremendously quiet engine. It has torque everywhere you look. The technology that they have brought to bear is the latest in the field. When you drive it you think, this thing is a great cruiser. We need to go on a trip with this.”
The people at Ford said that the Power Stroke diesel is the company’s cleanest and quietest pickup diesel ever. Its particulate emission, which in the past has given it a bad reputation, is reduced to almost the equivalent of gasoline engine emissions. It gives that clean emission while giving out 350 horsepower that would take a high performance disc brake and an EBC brake rotor to efficiently stop the vehicle. The engine also provides 650 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 revs per minute with the help of its two-stage turbocharger. The Power Stroke engine is the first pickup engine in the US to feature the common rail fuel injection system with piezo-electric injectors.
The development of the diesel engine was made possible with the help of Ford’s European connection. Power Stroke diesel Manager Enio Gomes stated that they have tapped the knowledge of the company’s European diesel experts in order to integrate the cutting edge technologies in the new engine especially the fuel injection system stated earlier. Another part that the European diesel engines experts help integrate in the new diesel engine is the particulate filter that significantly reduces the amount of emissions being released by the engine.
Ford is counting on their new diesel technology to propel the company to the top of the diesel engine equipped vehicle market which is expected to increase significantly in the next couple of decades. In fact, they have already revealed their plan of offering a Ford F-150 equipped with a diesel engine which will be another first for the company’s light-duty pickup series.
One such company is the Ford Motor Company which has introduced their new Power Stroke diesel technology. This new one promises a good performance from the engine while keeping the emission level equal to that of a gasoline engine. The engine will be the workhorse of the new 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty lineup and it already has received much praise for its fuel efficiency.
The massive 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel engine has an improved performance over the previous diesel engines employed by Ford. The technology also reduces emissions and NVH or noise, vibration, and harshness. The high performance of the engine and its low emission are two things to like about it. But it is also important to keep in mind that this engine also has 25 to 30 percent better fuel economy rating than gasoline engines. In fact, the newer generation of clean diesel engines is taking over the European market and Ford hopes to do the same in North America. Ford hopes to launch the technology successfully since a large number of Super Duty buyers opt for a diesel engine under its hood.
One great thing about the engine is that it exhibits no turbo lag and according to Richard Truett, engineering reporter for Automotive News, “I have never felt that performance out of a diesel before.” This he stated after going 60 to 65 miles per hour while towing. He further said that he “can’t find anything to dislike about it (the engine)”. His rave review of the technology is shared by John Stewart, editorial director of Diesel World Magazine: “It’s a tremendously quiet engine. It has torque everywhere you look. The technology that they have brought to bear is the latest in the field. When you drive it you think, this thing is a great cruiser. We need to go on a trip with this.”
The people at Ford said that the Power Stroke diesel is the company’s cleanest and quietest pickup diesel ever. Its particulate emission, which in the past has given it a bad reputation, is reduced to almost the equivalent of gasoline engine emissions. It gives that clean emission while giving out 350 horsepower that would take a high performance disc brake and an EBC brake rotor to efficiently stop the vehicle. The engine also provides 650 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 revs per minute with the help of its two-stage turbocharger. The Power Stroke engine is the first pickup engine in the US to feature the common rail fuel injection system with piezo-electric injectors.
The development of the diesel engine was made possible with the help of Ford’s European connection. Power Stroke diesel Manager Enio Gomes stated that they have tapped the knowledge of the company’s European diesel experts in order to integrate the cutting edge technologies in the new engine especially the fuel injection system stated earlier. Another part that the European diesel engines experts help integrate in the new diesel engine is the particulate filter that significantly reduces the amount of emissions being released by the engine.
Ford is counting on their new diesel technology to propel the company to the top of the diesel engine equipped vehicle market which is expected to increase significantly in the next couple of decades. In fact, they have already revealed their plan of offering a Ford F-150 equipped with a diesel engine which will be another first for the company’s light-duty pickup series.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Automotive and Diesel Schools
For those who love to repair engines, there are many automotive and diesel schools ready to qualify you for a career in large and small diesel engine maintenance, repair, and service.
Automotive training schools will cover subjects of engine types, functions, and operations; types of electrical, braking, cooling, drive train, and vehicle suspension systems; advances in technology that will include ignition systems, development and characteristics of new fuels; and emission control regulations. Changes in the automotive and diesel engine industry are being introduced daily, and schools are being pressed to update automotive and diesel courses on a regular basis.
Students will learn to repair, and sometimes rebuild, mechanical systems, such as air and water pumps, fuel injectors, generators, power units, and transmissions. Depending on the school, automotive and diesel courses may include working on cars, trucks, buses, train units, construction equipment, stationary diesel engines, and even ships.
Automotive training and diesel mechanic training may also include mathematics, welding, and safety, reading detailed blueprints, and the importance of good business practices in relation to customer service and satisfaction.
Automotive and Diesel schools prepare students for broad careers in auto and diesel repair. Graduates can choose from many occupations in automobile repair, trucking, farming, construction, or service stations as their area of practice. Some may choose small diesel engine repair and others may decide to look into the field of auto body repair.
Automotive training schools will cover subjects of engine types, functions, and operations; types of electrical, braking, cooling, drive train, and vehicle suspension systems; advances in technology that will include ignition systems, development and characteristics of new fuels; and emission control regulations. Changes in the automotive and diesel engine industry are being introduced daily, and schools are being pressed to update automotive and diesel courses on a regular basis.
Students will learn to repair, and sometimes rebuild, mechanical systems, such as air and water pumps, fuel injectors, generators, power units, and transmissions. Depending on the school, automotive and diesel courses may include working on cars, trucks, buses, train units, construction equipment, stationary diesel engines, and even ships.
Automotive training and diesel mechanic training may also include mathematics, welding, and safety, reading detailed blueprints, and the importance of good business practices in relation to customer service and satisfaction.
Automotive and Diesel schools prepare students for broad careers in auto and diesel repair. Graduates can choose from many occupations in automobile repair, trucking, farming, construction, or service stations as their area of practice. Some may choose small diesel engine repair and others may decide to look into the field of auto body repair.
Portable Generator Safety
The external surfaces of the generator may become quite hot, so you need to keep your children away from the unit when it is running. Additionally, generators pose three common hazards:
-Carbon monoxide fumes
-Electrical shock
-Fire
Internal combustion engines give off carbon dioxide as a byproduct of fuel consumption. This gas is both odorless and colorless, so you cannot know that you are breathing the fumes. For this reason, generators should never be run indoors, or in confined spaces. If you should begin to feel light-headed, dizzy or nauseous while your generator is running, get to fresh air immediately. Install a CO alarm to check for deadly carbon monoxide levels, and change the battery frequently, whenever you adjust your clocks for daylight savings time.
To prevent shock, make sure your generator stays dry. Do not touch it with wet hands or when you are standing in a puddle. Make sure your unit is properly grounded. Don't overload the generator and make sure that if you are using extension cords, they are rated for the load they will be supporting. NEVER plug your generator into your house's wall outlets. Doing so will create backfeed in the electric lines, possibly causing electrocution of unsuspecting utility workers who are trying to place your home back in service.
Finally, because you are running a motor fueled by a flammable substance, you must take care to avoid fires. Store the gasoline away from the generator in properly labeled non-glass containers. Gas vapors can run along the floor and ignite from the heat of the generator. Always turn off the generator and allow it to cool prior to refilling the gas tank to protect against spilled gas ignition. Do not smoke or allow open flames near your generator.
-Carbon monoxide fumes
-Electrical shock
-Fire
Internal combustion engines give off carbon dioxide as a byproduct of fuel consumption. This gas is both odorless and colorless, so you cannot know that you are breathing the fumes. For this reason, generators should never be run indoors, or in confined spaces. If you should begin to feel light-headed, dizzy or nauseous while your generator is running, get to fresh air immediately. Install a CO alarm to check for deadly carbon monoxide levels, and change the battery frequently, whenever you adjust your clocks for daylight savings time.
To prevent shock, make sure your generator stays dry. Do not touch it with wet hands or when you are standing in a puddle. Make sure your unit is properly grounded. Don't overload the generator and make sure that if you are using extension cords, they are rated for the load they will be supporting. NEVER plug your generator into your house's wall outlets. Doing so will create backfeed in the electric lines, possibly causing electrocution of unsuspecting utility workers who are trying to place your home back in service.
Finally, because you are running a motor fueled by a flammable substance, you must take care to avoid fires. Store the gasoline away from the generator in properly labeled non-glass containers. Gas vapors can run along the floor and ignite from the heat of the generator. Always turn off the generator and allow it to cool prior to refilling the gas tank to protect against spilled gas ignition. Do not smoke or allow open flames near your generator.
Free Traffic Generator information
Increasing the website traffic to your website helps you to make more money through ads. And this is reason why webmasters are searching for the best tips and trick which help them to build the traffic to their websites.
Is there any such web traffic generator program which helps to increase the web traffic and that too available for free? In the following paragraphs, we will see about free traffic generator programs and how they work.
Traffic generators are software programs which are designed to increase the traffic of the website. There are several companies which offer such traffic generator programs which bring about guaranteed targeted website traffic. Most companies who offer traffic generator programs charge some amount of money for their program. But there are several companies which offer free traffic generator programs.
One of the most popular free traffic generator software programs is the "Traffic Swarm". Till now, the software has been generating lots of positive feedback from its users.
Free Traffic generator programs come in various types. Of the most popular type is a HTTP traffic generator for testing web based applications. These types of applications allow its users to request count and interval between two requests. The generated requests are transferred to the specified website URL. One of the major advantages of these types of applications is that they are simple and fast programs which can simulate client activity.
Another popular type of traffic generator available in the market is a packet Traffic Generator program which can be used to distinguish the performance of packet switched network communication protocols. The packet traffic generator program is designed so as to generate and receive one way packet traffic streams transmitted from the user level process between traffic source and traffic sink nodes in a network. The program allows the user to test various versions, or versions of the similar protocol, and determine the differences in performance.
Whichever type of free traffic generator program you are using to increase the traffic to your website, the main point one need to know is that the traffic a website generates is a cumulative effect of various crucial factors such as keyword optimization, S.E.O techniques, and link exchange. So together with free traffic generator software make sure that your web pages have enough contents optimized with the targeted keywords.
Is there any such web traffic generator program which helps to increase the web traffic and that too available for free? In the following paragraphs, we will see about free traffic generator programs and how they work.
Traffic generators are software programs which are designed to increase the traffic of the website. There are several companies which offer such traffic generator programs which bring about guaranteed targeted website traffic. Most companies who offer traffic generator programs charge some amount of money for their program. But there are several companies which offer free traffic generator programs.
One of the most popular free traffic generator software programs is the "Traffic Swarm". Till now, the software has been generating lots of positive feedback from its users.
Free Traffic generator programs come in various types. Of the most popular type is a HTTP traffic generator for testing web based applications. These types of applications allow its users to request count and interval between two requests. The generated requests are transferred to the specified website URL. One of the major advantages of these types of applications is that they are simple and fast programs which can simulate client activity.
Another popular type of traffic generator available in the market is a packet Traffic Generator program which can be used to distinguish the performance of packet switched network communication protocols. The packet traffic generator program is designed so as to generate and receive one way packet traffic streams transmitted from the user level process between traffic source and traffic sink nodes in a network. The program allows the user to test various versions, or versions of the similar protocol, and determine the differences in performance.
Whichever type of free traffic generator program you are using to increase the traffic to your website, the main point one need to know is that the traffic a website generates is a cumulative effect of various crucial factors such as keyword optimization, S.E.O techniques, and link exchange. So together with free traffic generator software make sure that your web pages have enough contents optimized with the targeted keywords.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Electric Generators
Electric generators are used to supply power to homes, commercial and industrial establishments when there is a disruption of power. It is also used in places where there is no supply of electricity. Electric generators come in a wide variety of models, size, and prices. Choosing the right electric generator depends upon an individual’s need. A homeowner first has to identify the appliances to be powered by the generator. The total wattage required to run these appliances has to be added up, including the starting wattage requirement of some of the appliances such as refrigerators. This makes up the total wattage power required from the generator. Lights and other smaller appliances require 120 volts of power, whereas appliances like electric stoves and driers require 240 volts. It should be checked whether the generators have the necessary voltage ratings.
There are few features that have to be considered before buying an electric generator. First, make sure to check to see if the engine has an overhead valve. An engine that comes with an overhead valve start easily, last longer and is less noisy. Second, check whether the engine has a cast iron sleeve in the cylinder to protect the engine from early wear and tear. In addition to this, electric generators come loaded with many convenient features such as electric start, power switch to alternate between 120 and 240 volts, low oil shut down that shuts the engines when the fuel in the tank reaches a certain level and an hour meter to show the duration of time the engine has been running. Electric generators are generally powered by gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. There are inexpensive but have a short life. Diesel generators are fuel-efficient, have a longer life but are relatively expensive. Propane and natural gas generators are best suited where fuel is ready available.
Certain precautions have to be taken while using generators. They should always be located outside the house to prevent exposure to harmful carbon monoxide. They should always be kept dry and should not be touched with wet hands to avoid getting electrocuted. Generators should not be refueled when in operation -- spilling of fuel on hot components may cause fire. It is always wise to invest in a good quality generator. Electric generators can be purchased at any appliances or hardware store. Industrial and commercial electric generators are available with their respective dealers. All brands and models of generators are listed on the web sites.
There are few features that have to be considered before buying an electric generator. First, make sure to check to see if the engine has an overhead valve. An engine that comes with an overhead valve start easily, last longer and is less noisy. Second, check whether the engine has a cast iron sleeve in the cylinder to protect the engine from early wear and tear. In addition to this, electric generators come loaded with many convenient features such as electric start, power switch to alternate between 120 and 240 volts, low oil shut down that shuts the engines when the fuel in the tank reaches a certain level and an hour meter to show the duration of time the engine has been running. Electric generators are generally powered by gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. There are inexpensive but have a short life. Diesel generators are fuel-efficient, have a longer life but are relatively expensive. Propane and natural gas generators are best suited where fuel is ready available.
Certain precautions have to be taken while using generators. They should always be located outside the house to prevent exposure to harmful carbon monoxide. They should always be kept dry and should not be touched with wet hands to avoid getting electrocuted. Generators should not be refueled when in operation -- spilling of fuel on hot components may cause fire. It is always wise to invest in a good quality generator. Electric generators can be purchased at any appliances or hardware store. Industrial and commercial electric generators are available with their respective dealers. All brands and models of generators are listed on the web sites.
RV Generators
RV generators are what truly make your RV fully self-contained. What a feature, instant electricity at the push of a button. We take electricity for granted in our homes because we don't have to do anything to get it, with the exception of paying our monthly electric bill. This is part of the problem with RV generators, we expect the electricity to be there when we need or want it just like in our house. The problem is this magical source of electricity requires a certain amount of care and maintenance from the owner.
Safety first! Always keep in mind when you use a generator there is carbon monoxide. You should always inspect the exhaust system on the generator set before using it. Do not operate a generator with a damaged exhaust system. If you're using a portable generator set make sure the exhaust is directed away from the camping area. Test your carbon monoxide detector for proper operation prior to using the generator. Never run a generator when you or anyone else is sleeping. Observe campground etiquette. Do not run your generator after quiet hours.
A generator that comes equipped on an RV gets its fuel supply from the same fuel tank the engine uses. When the fuel tank reaches a 1/4 tank of fuel the generator will shut down to prevent you from possibly using all of the fuel without realizing it. The generator will either have an automatic transfer switch to sense whether you are using shore power or the generator, or you will need to plug the RV power cord into a generator receptacle to use the generator. It is perfectly okay to use the generator while you are traveling.
This is one of the reasons you have a generator in the first place. It is actually more fuel efficient to run the generator with the roof mounted air conditioner on, than to use the dash air.
Safety first! Always keep in mind when you use a generator there is carbon monoxide. You should always inspect the exhaust system on the generator set before using it. Do not operate a generator with a damaged exhaust system. If you're using a portable generator set make sure the exhaust is directed away from the camping area. Test your carbon monoxide detector for proper operation prior to using the generator. Never run a generator when you or anyone else is sleeping. Observe campground etiquette. Do not run your generator after quiet hours.
A generator that comes equipped on an RV gets its fuel supply from the same fuel tank the engine uses. When the fuel tank reaches a 1/4 tank of fuel the generator will shut down to prevent you from possibly using all of the fuel without realizing it. The generator will either have an automatic transfer switch to sense whether you are using shore power or the generator, or you will need to plug the RV power cord into a generator receptacle to use the generator. It is perfectly okay to use the generator while you are traveling.
This is one of the reasons you have a generator in the first place. It is actually more fuel efficient to run the generator with the roof mounted air conditioner on, than to use the dash air.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Add Performance To Any Diesel
The diesel aftermarket just keeps on evolving. Now you can add a chip to almost any diesel and I’m not talking about the pickup trucks. There are companies out there with diesel performance chips for big diesel pusher RV’s, Semi’s, and yes, even farm equipment. We’re going to talk about some of the main companies developing these products.
The first one is a company called Edge Products. Edge is one of the biggest names in the diesel performance arena for the diesel pickup trucks. Edge makes performance products for all the main diesel pickup trucks, several of the gas trucks, jeep vehicles that are diesel and gas powered as well as the 3126 B & E Caterpillar engines that are in RV’s and heavier duty diesel trucks.
Dr. Performance is also a top company in the diesel aftermarket and offers performance chips for all of the same engines as edge and has chips for some of the other larger engines that one would find in Diesel RV’s and some semi’s and medium duty trucks such as the 8.3L and 8.9L Cummins ISC & ISL engines as well as the DT466 Engine.
TS Performance Carries chips for all the same engines, the place where TS Performance is truly unique is in the fact that they have performance chips for most of the agricultural diesels that you would find on a farm. These agricultural chips give up to a thirty percent power increase and a good increase in fuel economy which is important especially to the farmers that are running their diesel’s most of the day. In short the diesel performance aftermarket continues to evolve and more and more people are reaping the benefits of added fuel economy and power.
More and more manufacturers are coming out with diesel including the upcoming Honda Accord diesel, and Nissan Maxima diesel as well as many others. Diesels within a few years will be running cleaner and get better fuel economy than any of their gas powered counterparts.
The first one is a company called Edge Products. Edge is one of the biggest names in the diesel performance arena for the diesel pickup trucks. Edge makes performance products for all the main diesel pickup trucks, several of the gas trucks, jeep vehicles that are diesel and gas powered as well as the 3126 B & E Caterpillar engines that are in RV’s and heavier duty diesel trucks.
Dr. Performance is also a top company in the diesel aftermarket and offers performance chips for all of the same engines as edge and has chips for some of the other larger engines that one would find in Diesel RV’s and some semi’s and medium duty trucks such as the 8.3L and 8.9L Cummins ISC & ISL engines as well as the DT466 Engine.
TS Performance Carries chips for all the same engines, the place where TS Performance is truly unique is in the fact that they have performance chips for most of the agricultural diesels that you would find on a farm. These agricultural chips give up to a thirty percent power increase and a good increase in fuel economy which is important especially to the farmers that are running their diesel’s most of the day. In short the diesel performance aftermarket continues to evolve and more and more people are reaping the benefits of added fuel economy and power.
More and more manufacturers are coming out with diesel including the upcoming Honda Accord diesel, and Nissan Maxima diesel as well as many others. Diesels within a few years will be running cleaner and get better fuel economy than any of their gas powered counterparts.
Home Generator Must Answer Your Power Demand Safely!
Home generator comes back on mind of the American homeowners. After experiencing power outages in previous years, it becomes a priority to secure a reliable and affordable source of electricity when the local utility turns the power switch off. And if you think that perhaps this year, the hurricane season will be less damaging, and you’ll be able to get by without a home generator, think twice…
Power interruptions are caused not only by the Mother Nature, but by the electricity authority’s distribution system’s breakdowns. That’s really what makes a home generator an irreplaceable part of your home’s services system.
Choosing a home generator is however, not such an easy task, as the frequent ads would like you to believe. Although you’re presented with a seemingly limitless number of options, the truth is, there is only one “ideal” electricity generator that fits your household needs, in 100%. That’s why; it pays to do some initial research about home generators, before deciding what to buy.
The best place to start is on the Internet, using many review and manufacturers’ sites. Find out what range of home generators Yamaha, Honda, Coleman and others have on offer. What selection criteria do they list; read technical specifications and the list of features, and match them to your needs. Using different search engines will deliver you a huge number of informative pages, filled with reliable information and advice.
At the same time, try contacting your local electrician, and ask him to calculate the power demand, peak and regular, that your household creates. Your home generator will have to cope with this load, often for extended periods. Professional advice about the power consumption, be it 3 kW or 5 kW, will help you select a home generator that can supply enough power, to allow you to keep your essential appliances running.
The same electrician can also advise you about very important safety considerations and regulations. Briefly, before connecting your home generator to the electrical installation, you must isolate it from the communal power grid, using so called isolation switch. This will prevent linesmen working on power lines from being electrocuted by the voltage produced by your home generator. This is absolutely important, and should never be left to the inexperienced handymen!
Lastly, consider the operational costs of your home generator. As they come in two major categories: petrol (gas) engines and diesel ones, you need to decide whether the initial cost or the running costs are more important to you.
My preference is for the diesel engine-driven home generator. Although it can be 20-30% dearer that the petrol one, it’s far more reliable and about 20% cheaper to run. Here you have the critical factors you mustn’t ignore, when introducing a power generator to your home. Knowing them, your shopping trip to Costco, Home Depot or other retailers will be so much less stress free. After all, you’re very well versed in the emergency electricity generation issues, and know exactly what tasks your home generator has to execute. One final word of warning: don’t try to save money on something that provides for your basic living needs!
Power interruptions are caused not only by the Mother Nature, but by the electricity authority’s distribution system’s breakdowns. That’s really what makes a home generator an irreplaceable part of your home’s services system.
Choosing a home generator is however, not such an easy task, as the frequent ads would like you to believe. Although you’re presented with a seemingly limitless number of options, the truth is, there is only one “ideal” electricity generator that fits your household needs, in 100%. That’s why; it pays to do some initial research about home generators, before deciding what to buy.
The best place to start is on the Internet, using many review and manufacturers’ sites. Find out what range of home generators Yamaha, Honda, Coleman and others have on offer. What selection criteria do they list; read technical specifications and the list of features, and match them to your needs. Using different search engines will deliver you a huge number of informative pages, filled with reliable information and advice.
At the same time, try contacting your local electrician, and ask him to calculate the power demand, peak and regular, that your household creates. Your home generator will have to cope with this load, often for extended periods. Professional advice about the power consumption, be it 3 kW or 5 kW, will help you select a home generator that can supply enough power, to allow you to keep your essential appliances running.
The same electrician can also advise you about very important safety considerations and regulations. Briefly, before connecting your home generator to the electrical installation, you must isolate it from the communal power grid, using so called isolation switch. This will prevent linesmen working on power lines from being electrocuted by the voltage produced by your home generator. This is absolutely important, and should never be left to the inexperienced handymen!
Lastly, consider the operational costs of your home generator. As they come in two major categories: petrol (gas) engines and diesel ones, you need to decide whether the initial cost or the running costs are more important to you.
My preference is for the diesel engine-driven home generator. Although it can be 20-30% dearer that the petrol one, it’s far more reliable and about 20% cheaper to run. Here you have the critical factors you mustn’t ignore, when introducing a power generator to your home. Knowing them, your shopping trip to Costco, Home Depot or other retailers will be so much less stress free. After all, you’re very well versed in the emergency electricity generation issues, and know exactly what tasks your home generator has to execute. One final word of warning: don’t try to save money on something that provides for your basic living needs!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Diesel Generators Explained
A diesel generator is composed of a diesel engine and an alternator or an electrical generator, which converts the power created by the engine (expressed in RPM, revolutions per minute) into the required voltage for homes, industry and remote work sites. The need for power for homes and sites, which are not connected, to a power grid is a growing need throughout the world. Remote areas of Central and South America are no longer too poor to afford electrical power but not at the stage to built vast hydroelectric projects or large power grids.
They can afford to build local village electrical power plants, which can meet the modern needs of the people until the modern power grid can reach out to them. There are places in the United States that are developing ahead of the ability of the local power company to expand; other places throughout the world are at the edge of civilization. All of these require power for business, commerce, medical treatment facilities and communication. The price of the modern diesel generator, the new technology incorporated into these units and their availability throughout the world make them an immediate solution.
Homes and ranches, villages and towns and remote sites should create a power needs list that includes every appliance in the home, business, school and public facility in order to determine the wattage needed. After this the home or ranch owner, city engineer or site foreman can select the proper sized diesel generator. Every diesel generator is rated at how many kilowatts of power it produces. If the home or ranch requires 22 kW to 25 kW then the sized generator should be at least a 30kW. A brigade sized army unit twenty years ago used a diesel generator(s) rated at 90 kW but its’ needs were lighting and mess hall refrigeration. Today it could be quite a bit more considering the new technology.
When you decide to provide power through diesel generators then you should consider whether you need a backup. The power of the generator is rated at 50% engine speed. The 30 kW diesel generator actually operates safely at 25 kW at 1800 rpm for prolonged periods of time. It would be safer if the home or ranch had two generators scheduled to operate in an alternating schedule of 12 hours each. This would ensure that the proper maintenance and care could be given the generators while providing continuous power. Other considerations in selecting a power generator involve selecting one that is a four-cycle, water-cooled industrial diesel generator.
A water-cooled generator operates more quietly than an air-cooled and it lasts longer. There are two electrical systems involved with a diesel generator, the DC (direct current) and the AC (alternating current) systems. The recommended DC system should have a starter motor with a battery-charging alternator with a solid-state voltage regulator. It should have an engine pre-heat electric switch and start/stop switch.
It should have an emergency engine shutdown system to protect the engine in case of oil pressure loss, excessive generator speed, over cranking and engine high water temperature. Finally, it should have DC electric system breakers. Make sure that the AC system is a four-pole revolving field and is has an AVR (automatic voltage regulator). These generators will provide power that is within -+2% as compared to utility company variation, which is -+5%.
They can afford to build local village electrical power plants, which can meet the modern needs of the people until the modern power grid can reach out to them. There are places in the United States that are developing ahead of the ability of the local power company to expand; other places throughout the world are at the edge of civilization. All of these require power for business, commerce, medical treatment facilities and communication. The price of the modern diesel generator, the new technology incorporated into these units and their availability throughout the world make them an immediate solution.
Homes and ranches, villages and towns and remote sites should create a power needs list that includes every appliance in the home, business, school and public facility in order to determine the wattage needed. After this the home or ranch owner, city engineer or site foreman can select the proper sized diesel generator. Every diesel generator is rated at how many kilowatts of power it produces. If the home or ranch requires 22 kW to 25 kW then the sized generator should be at least a 30kW. A brigade sized army unit twenty years ago used a diesel generator(s) rated at 90 kW but its’ needs were lighting and mess hall refrigeration. Today it could be quite a bit more considering the new technology.
When you decide to provide power through diesel generators then you should consider whether you need a backup. The power of the generator is rated at 50% engine speed. The 30 kW diesel generator actually operates safely at 25 kW at 1800 rpm for prolonged periods of time. It would be safer if the home or ranch had two generators scheduled to operate in an alternating schedule of 12 hours each. This would ensure that the proper maintenance and care could be given the generators while providing continuous power. Other considerations in selecting a power generator involve selecting one that is a four-cycle, water-cooled industrial diesel generator.
A water-cooled generator operates more quietly than an air-cooled and it lasts longer. There are two electrical systems involved with a diesel generator, the DC (direct current) and the AC (alternating current) systems. The recommended DC system should have a starter motor with a battery-charging alternator with a solid-state voltage regulator. It should have an engine pre-heat electric switch and start/stop switch.
It should have an emergency engine shutdown system to protect the engine in case of oil pressure loss, excessive generator speed, over cranking and engine high water temperature. Finally, it should have DC electric system breakers. Make sure that the AC system is a four-pole revolving field and is has an AVR (automatic voltage regulator). These generators will provide power that is within -+2% as compared to utility company variation, which is -+5%.
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