How to Maintain Your Diesel Generator in Hot Summer?

In recent years, with the rapid development of our economy, there is a growing need for the demand of electric power. As a backup power supply, diesel generator sets play an important role in the event of a power outage or in an emergency. However, during a hot summer, the long high ambient temperature adversely effects the chemical structure of the batteries, and may even cause the generator set to fail to start and operate normally. In this article, we’ll share several tips on maintaining the generator batteries in hot summer to prolong the lifespan.

The role of batteries in diesel generators

First of all, you need to understand the basic information of generator batteries. Batteries are an vital part of a diesel generator because they provide a power source for the starter motor to be able to turn the engine over. They can also power any electrical control panel or digital interface the generator may have. In addition, they can keep the voltage and protect the electrical equipment when the generator set is running. Without a battery, your diesel generator will not even turn on and will be unable to provide the electricity you need at critical times. Usually, diesel gensets have more than 1 battery because their engines are very large and heavy, requiring a lot of energy to turn over the engine.

The effects of high temperatures in summer on the diesel generator batteries:

Please note that extreme temperatures, particularly high temperatures can accelerate battery deterioration and shorten its lifespan. Exposure to high temperatures in summer can accelerate the chemical reactions within the battery. Moreover, high temperatures will also accelerate the evaporation of the electrolyte in the battery, leading to an increasing electrolyte concentration. This may affect the performance of the battery. In addition, in a high temperature environment, the internal resistance of the battery will increases and the battery capacity will decrease, resulting in difficulty or inability to start the generator set. 

How to maintain the diesel generator batteries during the hot summer months?

Batteries are essential to generator starting and operation. But high temperatures in summer can accelerate battery deterioration, how to maintain the generator batteries properly? Here are several tips for you:

Perform a visual inspection of the generator batteries regularly

In a hot summer, you need to check the batteries regularly for any damage, deformation or leakage. Terminal connections over time can loosen causing excessive heat. Thus, make sure the battery connections are clean and tight. Never allow chemical build up on the terminals as this cause the battery to short and again reduce the battery life.

Check the battery liquid level and concentration regularly

High temperatures in the summer can accelerate the evaporation of battery electrolyte, so it is necessary to check the electrolyte level periodically. If the battery liquid level is too low, distilled water or special electrolyte should be added in time to keep the liquid level within the normal range. Additionally, check the electrolyte concentration regularly. Add an appropriate amount of distilled water to maintain the stability of the electrolyte concentration when necessary.

Check the battery voltage and internal resistance regularly

High temperatures in the summer can increase the internal resistance of the battery and  degrade its capacity. Therefore, the battery voltage and internal resistance should be checked at regular intervals. If the battery voltage is too low or the internal resistance is too high, replace the battery or charge it in time. Make a test with a professional battery tester to ensure the accuracy of the test results.

Use and charge diesel generator batteries properly

Try to avoid long period of no-load generator operation or frequent generator start-up to reduce the loss of the battery in hot summer. At the same time, after the generator is shut down, the power switch should be turned off in time to avoid a prolonged battery discharge. Generator batteries should be properly charged to avoid overcharging or undercharging.

Create a good working environment for the diesel generator

The diesel generator sets should be placed in a well-ventilated, dry, non-corrosive gas place. Avoid being exposed to direct sunlight and high temperature. When the generator set is running, the temperature in the generator room should be kept appropriate to avoid damage to the battery. When the generator set is shut down, the doors and windows of the generator room should be closed to avoid the outside high temperature air entering the room and affecting the battery performance.

If you need any further information or assistance regarding to diesel generator batteries or you are looking for a new diesel generator, contact us today. Dingbo Power provide most of the major diesel generator brands and can give you right advise regarding generator sets.