Technology

Generic diesel-engine based power plant.

Such a plant primarily uses diesel fuel or HFO in large reciprocating engines. Large four-stroke diesel engines (5-20MW) typically run on HFO with 40-45% efficiency. Small diesel generators (<1MW) typically use diesel fuel due to simpler handling requirements.

The main advantage of diesel engine plants is their high efficiency in smaller sizes and operational flexibility, though they typically have higher fuel costs compared to other types of power plants.

The schematic arrangement of a diesel engine power plant is shown in the illustration.