How to Maximize Fuel Efficiency in Your Industrial Diesel Power System

With fuel prices constantly fluctuating, it’s more important than ever to maximize generator fuel economy. Your industrial diesel generator is a powerful machine that relies on fuel to power your critical business systems when the main grid fails. However, the more you spend on fuel, the greater the impact on your bottom line. An efficient generator will also be less likely to break down, reducing the need for costly repairs over the years. To reduce your operating expenses, it’s essential to take proactive steps to boost fuel efficiency in your diesel power system.

By following these five tips from Valley Power Systems, you can help keep your industrial generator in prime condition.

1. Keep Air Filters Clean

Dirty air filters are a common culprit behind efficiency loss. Dirt, dust, and debris can build up inside your air filters, restricting airflow. This will make your diesel generator work harder than necessary to perform as expected. The additional stress on the engine can lead to increased wear and tear, additional repairs, and even complete generator failure. It’s a good idea to check your air filters each month to clear away any obvious clogs. However, you may need to inspect them more often if you live in a dusty area or experience a major weather event. Rain, wind, and snow can stir up excess dirt and debris that could clog your filters. If you remove clogs and the filter still appears dirty, it’s best just to replace it altogether to maximize airflow and protect your power system.

At Valley Power Systems, we also recommend inspecting the area around your diesel generator each week. Leaves, trash, and other debris can get caught in the generator filters, so they should be cleared away promptly. Maintaining the generator area will go a long way toward keeping your filters clean.

2. Monitor Coolant Levels

Your diesel generator’s coolant is responsible for regulating the internal engine temperature. When coolant levels run low, it puts your system at risk of overheating. Overheating can lead to a host of problems, including increased wear, reduced efficiency, and warped parts. If the power system becomes severely damaged, you might even find yourself in need of a complete generator replacement. You can protect your investment by regularly monitoring coolant levels and refilling as needed.

You should also keep in mind that the generator coolant can degrade over time and become less effective, similar to oil. While the coolant deteriorates at a slower rate than oil, it still needs to be inspected regularly. At Valley Power Systems, we offer coolant sampling, which will give you more information on your current coolant quality and determine if a coolant flush is necessary to maintain efficacy. If so, you can count on our highly trained and certified technicians for the job.

3. Schedule Regular Oil and Filter Changes

Routine oil and filter changes are key to maximizing generator fuel efficiency and supporting engine longevity. Fresh oil keeps the various parts and components of your diesel engine nicely lubricated, which will reduce friction and overall wear and tear. Clean oil filters help prevent gunk and sludge from building up inside your engine, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently. Your oil filters should be checked at every oil change. The interval of oil changes will depend on the generator model, size, frequency of use, environment, and other factors. For an honest recommendation, reach out to our professionals at Valley Power Systems. We’ll perform a complete assessment of your generator’s condition and recommend maintenance services tailored to the needs of the system.

At Valley Power Systems, we are also proud to offer customized maintenance contracts to ensure you never miss a service. Our friendly technicians will address immediate generator needs, such as oil and filter changes, coolant refills, and battery testing. We will also look for any issues that could cause a potential problem later. By partnering with our team at Valley Power Systems, you can keep your business up and running year-round.

4. Optimize Load Management

It’s also essential to avoid both underloading and overloading your diesel generator. All generators are designed to run within a specific power range. Frequently exceeding the maximum capacity will reduce efficiency and cause excessive wear on the system, resulting in costly repairs and a much shorter lifespan. However, underloading the generator can also cause issues, such as wet stacking. This occurs when unburned fuel, oil, and carbon build up in the exhaust system due to incomplete combustion. Over time, wet stacking can result in reduced efficiency and serious performance issues for your industrial generator.

5. Make Timely Generator Repairs

Having generator repairs handled promptly is key to boosting efficiency and maximizing the lifespan of your diesel system. If you notice any performance issues with your unit, such as rough startups, increased oil or fuel usage, or power fluctuations, it’s crucial to schedule a generator inspection as soon as possible to prevent failures.

At Valley Power Systems, our goal is to minimize any disruption to your business. We’ll arrive at your appointment on time and conduct a complete assessment of your unit. Our team will then provide you with cost-effective options for addressing the repair. Once approved, we will take care of the repair promptly so that you can focus on running your business.

Signs of Efficiency Loss

Typically, a diesel generator will lose efficiency gradually over time, which can make it harder to detect. However, there are some obvious signs that a generator is becoming less efficient. These include:

• Increased fuel consumption
• Frequent system breakdowns
• More repairs than usual
• Overheating
• Reduced engine performance
• Power fluctuations

If you notice any of these issues with your industrial diesel generator, it’s essential to contact a professional from Valley Power Systems before the problem worsens. Addressing repairs promptly can help you avoid more expensive repairs and premature system replacements.

Contact Valley Power Systems

Using your industrial diesel generator properly and keeping up with its maintenance needs will promote better system efficiency and performance. You can count on Valley Power Systems for all your generator-related services, from sales and installations to repairs and maintenance. We’re proud to be your partner in power, serving California since 1949. From oil and filter changes to leak repairs, our certified technicians can handle all the services your system needs to remain efficient, ensuring your business can run without disruption.

Do you want to learn more about improving the efficiency of your industrial diesel generator? Contact Valley Power Systems today to speak with a member of our team!

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