Diesel generators use internal combustion engines in which air is compressed at a very high temperature. This ignites diesel fuel in the cylinder to actuate a piston. The technology is named for Rudolf Diesel, who first patented the technology in 1892. The earliest engines actually burned coal dust before they switched to using the eponymous fuel oil.
Strange Happenings with Diesel Generators
Rudolf Diesel boarded the SS Dresden in Antwerp on September 29, 1913. He was on his way to meet with members of the Consolidated Diesel Manufacturing organization in London. He disappeared later that night. The Dutch crew of the Coertsen found his corpse ten days later. While many historians believe Diesel’s death to be suicide, there are those who believe that industrial or defense related intrigue caused his death.
Diesel Generators in Railroading
Diesel generators made a huge impact in the railroad industry. The first American diesel-electric locomotives were introduced around 1924. These box cab designs were based around diesel power plants that generated electricity to power traction motors. Electric locomotives that operate via a third rail or overhead power lines have to draw their electrical current from a remote power station. While this power station could use diesel generators, that arrangement isn’t common.
Other types of diesel locomotives didn’t use diesel generators, but instead relied on mechanical or hydraulic transmissions. Modern American locomotives get a great deal of use out of their diesel generators, but hydraulic drives are used relatively widely in Germany. Germans have had a great deal of influence in this field, but the contributions of German scientists were once downplayed. Some of the earliest diesel locomotives were called oil-electrics to eliminate the need for a German name. The German language and culture had become unpopular after the First World War.
Interestingly enough, German scientists built what might be considered the world’s first high speed train on the backs of diesel generators. Flying Hamburger service operated between Berlin and Hamburg with a top speed close to 100 mph in the 1930s. This train was streamlined, and it was designed to minimize wind resistance.
The Future of Diesel Generators
Allight Sykes provides diesel generators that perform their jobs without getting in the way. FG Wilson generators can handle any problem, and they’re distributed throughout Australia and the South Pacific. Many generator sets sold by the company are complaint with the EU Stage II Emission Legislation, and the organization has taken many steps to reduce its impact on the environment.
Allight Sykes supply FG Wilson generators which are compact and reliable. Anyone who still has an old gas-guzzler attacked to their construction unit can benefit from one of these new units. Some of the units that the company markets are even able to handle harsh remote conditions. This is vital for anyone who works outside. Diesel generators may no longer be confined to railroads or ships. Nevertheless, they’re still every bit as reliable as the behemoths that came before them.