Everyone knows what solar and wind energy is. But ask, 'What is a reciprocating engine generator?' and most people are stumped. Yet this mainstay technology plays a crucial role in keeping on the lights. We define 'reciprocating engine generator' in this excerpt from the new Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and … [Read more...]
Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: Unsung Heroes of the Electric Grid
August 11, 2016 By
The new Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: The Last Defense Against a Power Outage, looks at a technology that gets little attention but serves a crucial role on the electric grid. Reciprocating engine generators are often the last line of defense when all other resources fail in a power outage. That's just … [Read more...]
Dual Fuel Diesel Engines Help Keep the Lights On
July 16, 2015 By
When high winds knock out wind turbines supplying power to the grid, dual fuel diesel engines serve as an important line of defense against blackouts. “Diesel generators can be structured to pick up in small areas, replacing wind energy,” said Jeff Powell, product manager for Fairbanks Morse Engine in this podcast. “For example, they can back up … [Read more...]
Diesel Microgrids, Low Oil Prices, and Averting Catastrophe
April 2, 2015 By
Are low oil prices influencing decisions to include diesel generators in microgrids? It’s a fair question to ask with fuel accounting for about 95 percent of the total cost of ownership of a diesel generator, and the gensets found in nearly 40 percent of new microgrids. But fuel price doesn’t appear to play a big role in the decision to … [Read more...]
