Would you prefer to run your diesel generator on heating oil instead of diesel, either due to a lack of fuel or for personal reasons? But is this even technically possible and legally permitted? And if so, what must be observed when operating a diesel generator with heating oil? We will answer these and other questions for you!
Can a diesel generator be operated with heating oil?
The short answer to this question is: Yes, it is possible.
According to the Energy Act, Chapter 1, Section 3, Paragraph 1, Nos. 1 and 2, diesel generators and Emergency power generators can be operated with heating oil instead of dieselif the generator is stationary. This means that it must not be moved during use. Furthermore, a generator set that is operated with heating oil may not be used to power a vehicle.
What conditions apply to the use of heating oil in a diesel generator?
If you prefer to use heating oil to operate your diesel generator set, there are a few things you should be aware of to ensure safe operation.
- The generator must be stationary and must not be moved during use
- The generator must not be used to power a vehicle .
- The heating oil must be stored in a double-walled tank .
- The heating oil must be stored frost-free (> 3°C), the addition of cold additives can improve the cold stability of the heating oil
- The use of heating oil instead of diesel in a diesel generator will invalidate the manufacturer's warranty on the emergency power generator
- Although heating oil has a higher sulphur content than diesel and is therefore more harmful to the environment
You should also be aware that technical limitations may occur when operating a diesel generator with heating oil This is because heating oil has a lower cetane number than diesel.
The cetane number is a parameter for fuels that describes their ignitability and combustion behavior in compression ignition engines. The higher the number, the more readily they ignite and vice versa.
The cetane number is a parameter for fuels that describes their ignitability and combustion behavior in compression ignition engines. The higher the number, the more readily they ignite and vice versa.
Running diesel generators with heating oil - is it worth it?
You can only decide for yourself, based on your personal preferences and values, whether operating a diesel generator with heating oil is worthwhile for you in particular. Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages, costs and storage options of each fuel.
Although heating oil is cheaper to produce than diesel, it is also more harmful and and less ignitable, which can affect the performance of your generator set.
If you are unsure whether you want to run your diesel generator set on heating oil, you can first seek advice from an expert. For the generators from HO-MA Notstrom our professionals are available for comprehensive advice at any time..
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