In the realm of power creation, whether to opt for a diesel engine for power generation or a natural gas-driven engine depends on several factors. Both come with their respective pros and cons, making it difficult for end users to choose between the two. While both offer reliable power during outages, they have some distinct differences in terms of fuel type, efficiency, cost, and environmental impact. Before we dig deep into understanding the nitty-gritty of them, let us first see what is the core difference between gas gensets and diesel gensets

Understanding Natural Gas Gensets

These types of gensets generally use natural gas or methane to power themselves. They have a clean combustion process which makes them sustainable. These gensets have an engine that converts the chemical energy of the gas into mechanical energy. They are extremely efficient and are tuned to achieve an efficiency level of up to 45-50%. 

Understanding Diesel Gensets

As the name indicates, a diesel genset uses diesel for power generation. They are known for their efficiency, durability, and ability to provide reliable power. They have high energy density resulting in increased efficiency during power generation. Several commercial diesel engines are paired with gensets and utilized for industrial power generation purposes.  A typical diesel genset can achieve an efficiency of around 40%. 

Let us now understand the differences between both types of gensets through several parameters.

Advantages of Gas Gensets

• Lower Emissions: The combustion of natural gas produces significantly less particulate matter, sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), compared to diesel fuel. This makes gas gensets a more eco-friendly option, especially in areas with stringent emission regulations.
• Quieter Operation: Gas gensets generally operate at lower decibel levels compared to their counterparts. This is due to the inherent design and combustion characteristics of gas engines, resulting in less vibration and noise. Due to this advantage, gas gensets find usage in residential or noise-sensitive areas.
• Fuel Accessibility: Since natural gas is widely available and easily accessible, it has become a convenient fuel source for gas gensets. In regions with developed natural gas infrastructure, gas gensets can be directly connected to the gas utility line.
• Lower Maintenance: Compared to diesel gensets, natural gas gensets require less maintenance. Since they have fewer moving parts, and don’t require frequent oil changes, their maintenance costs are low. Along with this, they have lesser downtime compared to diesel gensets.  

Disadvantages of Gas Gensets

• Lower Power Output: Compared to diesel gensets of similar size, gas gensets have lower power output. This can be a hindrance in applications that require high power demands or have heavy electrical loads. It is for this reason that industrial diesel generators are widely seen in critical infrastructure. In contrast to this, gas gensets find usage in residential areas and small businesses. 
• Fuel Storage Challenges: Although natural gas is readily available, its storage on-site can be a heavy challenge. Their storage requires a dedicated pipelined system or robust storage tanks, which can be costly and space-consuming.
• Higher Initial Cost: Gas Gensets are much more expensive compared to diesel gensets of similar capacity. This higher cost can be a major factor, particularly for smaller businesses or residential users with limited budgets. 
• Limited Portability: Due to their design, gas gensets are employed with stationary installations and thus aren’t as portable as diesel gensets. This can be a limitation in applications where mobility is required. 

Advantages of Diesel Gensets

• High Power Output: Diesel gensets can generate more power compared to gas gensets of similar size. This feature makes them suitable for applications with high power demands. They are hence paired with industrial diesel generators, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. 
• Superior Fuel Efficiency: Diesel gensets are more frugal and provide better fuel efficiency compared to gas gensets. This ensures that their operating costs are relatively lower. Also, the high energy density of diesel fuel contributes to better fuel efficiency and longer runtime capabilities. 
• Flexible Fuel Storage: Diesel can be easily stored on-site in tanks, providing greater flexibility in comparison with natural gas. This comes in handy particularly in remote areas or during emergencies. 
• Low Initial Cost: Diesel Gensets have a lower purchase cost compared to gas gensets of similar capacity. This makes them a favourable option for businesses or individuals with limited budgets. 
• Portability: Diesel gensets are highly portable compared to gas gensets. This makes them suitable for temporary or mobile applications where power is needed on-site or in remote locations. Several diesel generator engine manufacturers hence design their products with lightweight materials, facilitating easy transportation. 

Disadvantages of Diesel Gensets

• Higher Emission Levels: Compared to gas gensets, the emission levels of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides are higher in diesel gensets. However, with time technological advancements have been made to make them more eco-friendly. 
• Higher Noise Levels: Due to the combustion pressures and vibrations, diesel engines tend to be more noisier. This can be a major cause of issues in residential areas. The application of diesel gensets in such areas might require additional sound-proofing measures. 
• Maintenance Requirements: Compared to their counterparts, diesel gensets require more frequent maintenance. This includes regular oil changes, timely filter replacements, and several other routine checks. This can lead to a slight increase in operating costs. 
• Risk-prone storage: While the on-site fuel storage provides flexibility, there is a downside too. Storage of diesel fuel comes with environmental risks. Adequate storage facilities, leakage containment measures, and adherence to regulations are essential to mitigate these risks. 

Final thoughts

Both gas gensets and diesel gensets come with their unique advantages and disadvantages. The decision to choose between them depends on several factors such as fuel availability, emission requirements, cost considerations, and more importantly application. By a thorough evaluation of these factors, you can make an informed decision. 

 When it comes to diesel engines for power generation, MVDE’s extensive range of engines can help you with several applications. These engines have been manufactured with cutting-edge technology ensuring they last long and deliver superior performance.