Electricity Generation

Introduction

Combustion engines are a well-known technology used in automobiles, trucks, construction equipment, marine propulsion, and backup power applications. Combustion engines employ the expansion of hot gases to push a piston within a cylinder, converting the linear movement of the piston into the rotating movement of a crankshaft to generate power. Reciprocating internal combustion (IC) engines are characterized by the type of combustion: spark-ignited (SI) or compression-ignited (CI), also known as diesel. Through a continuous investment in research and development JINAN gas and diesel engines remain market leaders in the area of power generation. The engines are highly efficient at the conversion of the energy within gas into useful electrical power.

Electricity Generation

The JINAN generator is connected to an electrical generator by a drive coupling to produce electricity, typically as a generator set. The generator is connected to an electrical circuit breaker to connect it to the site electrical system. This circuit breaker is used to synchronise the generator to the mains if it is to operate in parallel to the grid supply. The engine rotates either at 1000 or 1,500 revolutions per minute depending on the generator type and comes out 50Hz or 60Hz to match the frequency of the mains. In a power plant, many SG or diesel ICEs are grouped into blocks called generating sets. For multi-engine power plant, Every JINAN engine is connected to a shaft which is connected to its electric generator. These generating sets provide modular electric generating capacity and come in standardized sizes, ranging from 1 to 20 MW.

Crown Flour Mills

Types of Electrical Generators

Electrical generation plants come in two main forms:

Stable base load

Base-load electricity: Base-load generation is useful where there is a stable source of fuel, such as natural, landfill or coal gas to power the generators. JINAN engines are renowned for their reliability in the field and when challenged with difficult fuels. The generation of electricity alone typically takes place where there is no local need for heating and cooling. The power that is produced can either be exported to the local electricity grid (Grid Sync) or alternatively be used in island mode operation to power local facilities.

Electricity peaking

Electrical peaking stations also called peak-lopping plants, are power plants designed to help balance the fluctuating power requirements of the electricity grid. Peaking stations typically operate in standby mode, then when there is a peak in demand for power from the electricity grid; our JINAN gas and diesel engines receive a signal to commence operation. Due to their flexibility and robustness they are able to provide a rapid response to fluctuating demand. They are then turned off as demand reduces.

Benefits of High Efficiency Electrical Power

High efficiency means:

Reduced levels of fuel consumption
Reduced emissions
Reduced operational costs for each kilowatt hour generated
Extended maintenance cycles

If you would like to find out more about the generation of electricity with gas and diesel engines, please contact your Green Power Office.