Advantages and Applications of Air-Cooled Diesel Engines: A Comprehensive Guide

An air-cooled diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that runs on diesel oil. It transforms the heat energy created during fuel burning into electrical or mechanical energy. Most horsepower engines are employed in geological research, oil extraction, the military, and other niche industries. These diesel engines are commonly found in agricultural machinery, construction machinery, the automobile industry, naval machinery, oil extraction, and other applications.

The manufacturing technology of an air-cooled diesel engine is more advanced than that of a water-cooled diesel engine. And the material requirements for heat resistance, wear resistance, and expansion coefficient are likewise more stringent. The air-cooled engine is easy to start, affordable to run, environmentally friendly, and well-liked by most customers.

Users should remember: After starting, the air-cooled diesel engine should be idle at low speed for a while, the standby temperature should rise, and the oil pressure should be regularly put into operation later. So as not to increase the temperature too quickly and damage the machine parts. After stopping the process, the diesel engine should be idle at low speed for a while. You should note that the engine temperature cannot be too high. The air-cooled engine relies entirely on it. 

Table of Content

• Application of an Air-Cooled Diesel Engine
• What Are the Main Advantages of Air-Cooled Diesel Engines?
• Factors Affecting the Price of the Right Air-Cooled Diesel Engine
• Why Is an Air-Cooled Diesel Engine Overheated?
• Conclusion

Application of an Air-Cooled Diesel Engine

Diesel air-cooled generators have been in use for many years and have a proven track record of being dependable, versatile, and reasonably priced. Used diesel generators are one of the most popular solutions for power generation worldwide due to the output these workhorses produce compared to maintenance and expenditures.

In addition to minimal prices, the basic design assures that the used generators can run in various climatic conditions. They may be extreme heat, cold, or dust, all while using an always-available cooling method.

Diesel-powered second-hand generators can be customized for practically any use. The following industries are the most likely to use an air-cooled diesel engine:

1. Agriculture
2. Defense 
3. Construction
4. Primary Power Source
5. Secondary Power Source
6. Petroleum Production
7. Forestry and mining
8. Medical or Pharma Sector
9. Rental Real Estate Properties
10. Self-Contained Prefabricated Structures 
11. Ships and Maritime Operations
12. Telecommunications
13. Cold Rooms and Storage
14. Irrigation Operations and Pumping Stations 

What Are the Main Advantages of Air-Cooled Diesel Engines?

There are numerous advantages to employing an air-cooled diesel engine rather than a standard water-cooled engine. Many owners prefer air-cooling systems to coolant systems for the reasons listed below. Water- or air-cooling diesel engines provide the following advantages:

1. Efficient Design: A cooling component is required for all used generators. A water pump, radiator, temperature gauge, or hoses are not required for an air-cooled diesel engine or generator. There is no coolant in the cooling system to freeze, leak, evaporate, boil, become polluted, or create corrosion.
2. Simple Cooling Mechanism: Because the cooling system is simple, it requires less short-term maintenance, is less likely to cause system-wide failure, and requires less downtime overall. Because an air-cooling diesel generator lacks a radiator system, packaging and shipping costs are decreased, and less room is needed to house the unit.
3. Use of Diesel Fuel: Generators using diesel as their fuel source use less fuel than natural gas machines. Used diesel generator fuel is less hazardous to handle than other fuel sources and is usually more readily available on-site. (Building, military, agriculture, and so on.)
4. Flexible Design: Air-cooling diesel generators can be used for many applications due to their dependability and simple design. A 20-HP air-cooled diesel engine or generator is commonly used in long-term operations such as marine and nautical buoys, lighthouses, and telecommunications equipment. In disaster zones, response teams generally employ lightweight portable air-cooling diesel generators. Areas affected by a fire, flood, avalanche, or earthquake are frequently littered with debris and dirt, choking other generators much more quickly than the generators.
5. Operational Efficiency: The primary advantage of old diesel generators over other engines is that they operate at greater working temperatures and warm up quickly. This reduces cylinder bore and piston/ring wear dramatically. Lubricating oil sludging is decreased using diesel generators at high temperatures, especially in short-term scenarios. The short warm-up time also allows the air-cooled diesel engine to accept maximum load capacity considerably faster than liquid-cooled engines.
6. Ease of Installation: Like liquid-cooled engines, air-cooling diesel generators are pretty simple to install. On the other hand, diesel generators are less prone to vibration breakdowns. Cool, clean air is required by both liquid-cooled and air-cooled diesel engine systems. They are for combustion and secondary cooling, ventilation, exhaust piping, mounting racks, and guards used over hot and spinning parts.

Not all generators in use are created equal. Before purchasing an air-cooling diesel engine, it is critical to conduct research and establish the scale of the project, pricing, and long-term usage. To ensure that operational standards are met, all used generators should be thoroughly tested and maintained by a licensed air-cooling diesel engine specialist.

Factors Affecting the Price of the Right Air-Cooled Diesel Engine 

The air-cooled diesel engine price is determined by engine capacity, the power required, and structural design.

• Diesel Engine Capacity: The engine's capacity is the amount of power it can generate. For example, if you have a 100-HP air-cooled diesel engine and want to use it on a site with a power requirement of 50 HP, your solution will not work because its capacity will be much lower than required. The capacity determines how much energy is needed for each stage to produce work, including mechanical work (such as turning rotors) and heat dissipation through expansion. The higher your plant's output requirement is relative to its available resources, the more efficient your operation will be.
• Power Requirement at Site: The power requirement of a diesel engine is determined by the site where it will be installed. The amount of power required will differ from one place to another, depending on factors such as ambient temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.

The power requirement at the site depends on many factors, including:

1. How much heat is produced by an air-cooling diesel engine (the amount of heat generated)?
2. How much cooling capacity is needed during operation (the amount of cooling required)?

• Design of the Engine: The design of the engine affects its price. The more expensive a machine, the better it will be in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. The more expensive an engine is, the less likely it is to have problems with reliability or durability. An 8-HP diesel engine price in India will be around 50K. 

Why Is an Air-Cooled Diesel Engine Overheated?

There are several reasons why your air-cooled diesel engine is overheating. Here are the reasons below: 

1. Engine Coolant Issues: The most apparent reason for engine overheating is if there is a problem with the engine coolant. Because coolant is an essential component of your diesel's cooling system, you should complete the following tests.
2. Faulty Diesel Fuel Injectors: If the engine's injection system isn't effectively releasing fuel, it may have to work harder to compensate, leading it to overheat. For example, a buildup of deposits on the injector nozzle can cause fuel injectors to fail to function correctly. Inspecting the diesel injectors is a quick and straightforward way to determine if any injector faults are causing the engine to overheat.
3. A Faulty Cooling Fan: If the radiator fan or fan clutch fails, the engine may overheat. You can ensure that the fan is not broken or loose and is appropriately positioned. A faulty coolant sensor, engine thermostat, or fan motor is also a possible cause of the cooling fan not working correctly. Replacing a defective cooling fan is a simple way to prevent your engine from overheating.
4. A Defective Water Pump: The water pump circulates coolant throughout the engine components. If the pulley connecting the water pump to the fan clutch assembly spins quickly with little effort, the water pump seals are worn. Any faults can be identified by inspecting the water pump and pump housing. The water pump may need to be removed to see if the hoses are clogged, limiting proper water flow.

Precautions to Avoid Your Air-Cooled Engine Being Overheated

Examine the consistency and quality of the coolant. The recommended coolant mixture for your diesel engine is 50% water, 44% antifreeze, and 6% coolant conditioner. The coolant's color, flavor, and acidity should be consistent with the proper fluid mixture, and this mixture should be free of dirt or debris. A coolant test kit can be used to properly evaluate a coolant sample to identify whether or not a radiator flush is required.

Check to determine if the reservoir has enough coolant. A low coolant level could indicate a leak caused by the engine or head gasket cracks. Add more coolant, and keep an eye on the fluid level and the ground beneath your engine for signs of leaks. Another reason your diesel's coolant level is low is that air pockets or bubbles have gotten into the radiator or reservoir, causing the fluid flow to be restricted. Coolant is designed to flow easily through all cooling system components with no air blockages. Air pockets are typically caused by an incorrect cleansing process, a loose hose clamp, or cylinder liner deterioration.

Conclusion

The air-cooled diesel engine is a form of internal combustion engine that does not require liquid cooling. It cools the engine by using the air inside. The air that goes through the intake and escapes through a hole is called a "charge-air cooler." Because they do not require a liquid cooling system and are relatively compact, diesel engines are employed in many outdoor applications. It's also found in generators, pumps, and other minor devices.