Black smoke reduction on standby diesel gensets

How is black smoke caused?

Standard electronic governors fitted to gensets will often over-fuel the engine to guarantee starting. The process of over-fuelling will commonly cause a large plume of black smoke. This black smoke is partially burnt fuel.

 

Why is over-fueling and black smoke a problem?

The bigger the engine, the larger the volume of black smoke that is expelled. If you have multiple sets on site that all start-up at the same time (i.e. in the case of a mains failure), the level of black smoke will be very severe. This is not only detrimental to engine health but also to workers nearby who are exposed to the smoke.

As engines are now kept in a warm condition for emergency start requirements, the need to over-fuel such engines is no longer required.

Not only that, but legislation on emissions on existing gensets is constantly changing, and gensets will need to be cleaner.

Many measures are being implemented within the City of London to reduce the amount of NOx and PM10 (particulate matter of diameter less than or equal to 10 microns) emitted in the City from standby generators.

Dramatically reducing the black smoke on start-up will help with compliance.

 

What’s the solution for black smoke reduction?

The GAC ESD5500 and EEG6500 speed controllers, with Engine Starting Fuel and Speed Ramping Adjustment features offer a reliable and proven solution for virtually eliminating black smoke from standby gensets.

During the engine cranking cycle, the starting fuel can be adjusted from an almost closed to a nearly full fuel position. Once the engine has started, the speed control point is determined by the speed ramping circuit. After engine speed ramping has been completed, the engine will be at its governed operating speed.

 

Electronic speed controllers from GAC with black smoke reduction will help to ensure your compliance with strict legislation and extend the life of your engine.