What are the elements of a diesel power plant?
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF DIESEL POWER PLANT
Fuel Supply System
It consists of storage tank, strainers, fuel transfer pump and
all day fuel tank. The fuel oil is supplied at the plant site by
rail or road. The oil is stored in the storage tank. From the
storage tank, oil is pumped to smaller all day tank at daily or
short intervals. From this tank, fuel oil is passed through
strainers to remove suspended impurities. The clean oil is injected
into the engine by fuel injection pump.
Air Intake System
This system supplies necessary air to the engine for fuel
combustion. It consists of pipes for the supply of fresh air to the
engine manifold. Filters are provided to remove dust particles from
air which may act as abrasive in the engine cylinder.
Exhaust System
This system leads the engine exhaust gas outside the building
and discharges it into atmosphere. A silencer is usually
incorporated in the system to reduce the noise level.
The exhaust system of a diesel engine performs three functions.
First, the exhaust system routes the spent combustion gasses away
from the engine, where they are diluted by the atmosphere. This
keeps the area around the engine habitable. Second, the exhaust
system confines and routes the gases to the turbocharger, if used.
Third, the exhaust system allows mufflers to be used to reduce the
engine noise.
Cooling System
The heat released by the burning of fuel in the engine cylinder
is partially converted into work. The remainder part of the heat
passes through the cylinder wall, piston, rings etc. and may cause
damage to system. In order to keep the temperature of the engine
parts within the safe operating limits, cooling is provided. The
cooling system consists of a water source, pump and cooling towers.
The pump circulates water through cylinder and head jacket. The
water takes away heat form the engine and it becomes hot. The hot
water is cooled by cooling towers and re circulated for
cooling.
Lubricating System
The system minimises the wear of rubbing surfaces of the engine.
It comprises of lubricating oil tank, pump, filter and oil cooler.
The lubrication oil is drawn from the lubricating oil tank by the
pump and is passed through filter to remove impurities .The clean
lubrication oil is delivered to the points which require
lubrication. The oil coolers incorporated in the system keep the
temperature of the oil low.
Engine Starting System
This is an arrangement to rotate the engine initially, while
starting, until firing starts and the unit runs with its own power.
Small sets are started manually by handles but for larger units,
compressed air is used for starting. In the latter case, air at
high pressure is admitted to a few of the cylinders, making them to
act as reciprocating air motors to turn over the engine shaft. The
fuel is admitted to the remaining cylinders which makes the engine
to start under its own power.