INTRODUCTION
A power generator utilizes a diesel generator engine and electric generator to generate electrical energy. Liquid fuels or natural gas are usually used as the primary fuel of the diesel generator. Totally, silent diesel generators work based on air compression and the fuel.
Diesel Generator set is used to generate electricity for meeting the electricity requirement of small establishments such as commercial buildings, Hotels, Railway Stations, Telephone Exchange, Shops etc. when there is a power supply failure from the State Electricity Board or other power supply undertakings. Since power failure is quite common in India, this equipment has got good demand. Diesel Generator set of 5 kVA rating is having an exceptionally good market as it suits most of the commercial establishments.
INDIA DIESEL GENERATOR MARKET DYNAMICS
In more recent versions of the diesel generator engine, the pre-chamber and the combustion chamber are modified for maximum combustion and acoustical attenuation. The engine is turbocharged for maximum performance and power output.
Digital controls have replaced the traditional analogue types for more precision and controlled fuel injection rates and timings to enhance combustion and reduce exhaust gases.
The noxious nitrous oxide (NOx) fumes are subjected to emission treatments like the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to minimize emissions in various ways.
The efficiency of diesel generator sets is important in aspects of long-term timeframe operations which is expressed as a combined efficiency of these two sub-components.
Typically, the combined efficiency of diesel generator sets varies between 30-55% while stand-alone efficiency of diesel generator engine and alternator ranges between 35-60% and 85-95% respectively.
The diesel generator has the ability to simultaneously inject both active and reactive powers.
INDIA DIESEL GENERATOR MARKET STRUCTURE
There are different sizes of diesel generator sets ranging between 2 kVA to 7,000 kVA being used in the country; 15 kVA to 2,000 kVA being the most commonly used. Usage of diesel generator sets of up to 75 kVA is more widespread (more than 95%).
The diesel generator sets market in India has both organized (large reputed domestic brands and international brands), and unorganized (small local) manufacturers. Discussion with stakeholders suggests that 30-40% of the total market is unorganized. The presence of unorganized small-scale manufacturers is higher in case of diesel generator sets up to 25 kVA apparently due to the use of simple technology which is easier to manufacture.
As per Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India, out of the total diesel consumption, 6-8% was consumed for power generation which includes grid-connected diesel-based power plants of more than 10 MW, captive diesel-based power plants, and diesel generator sets.
INDIA DIESEL GENERATOR MARKET SEGMENTATION
The Market of Diesel Generators can be segmented into following categories for further analysis.
By Mobility Type
Shipboard Diesel Generators
Industrial Diesel Generators
Commercial Diesel Generators
By Operational Power Classification: (kVA – Kilovolt Amperes)
5 kVA – 75 kVA
76 kVA – 375 kVA
376 kVA – 750 kVA
Greater than 750 kVA
By Type of Fixture
Mobile Diesel Generators
Fixed Diesel Generators
By Regional Classification
Western Region – India
Eastern Region – India
Southern Region – India
Northern Region – India
INDIA INDUSTRIAL GENERATOR MARKET SIZE AND FORECAST
India diesel generator market is estimated at $XX Billion in 2020 growing at –% CAGR till 2026.
Silent Diesel generators are widely employed in manufacturing facilities owing to uncertainty, power-intensive production lines, and the need for a reliable backup power source. Thus, growth in the manufacturing industry during the forecast period is expected to drive the demand for power diesel generators in the country.
The wide range of engine efficiency is mainly attributed to design, size or capacity, mechanism for fuel control, operating speed, type of cooling mechanism, and material of construction. However, the efficiency during operation deviates from the design value because of load conditions, ambient conditions, and operation and maintenance (O&M) practices.
The efficiency patterns with respect to size of the diesel engines in the Indian and global markets are similar, i.e., efficiency increases with size.
The global average efficiency levels are comparatively better than that of Indian models, particularly for up to 300 kW (~ 375 kVA) size categories. It is observed that there is a percentage difference of about 7% to 8% in the average design efficiency for up to 300kW size categories between Indian and global diesel generator engines used in generator sets.
Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) expressed in litre/hour or gm/kWh is an indication of the quantity of diesel required to generate one unit of electricity. This parameter is of direct relevance to end users as it relates to the operating costs of generating electricity from diesel generator sets.
CONCLUSION
The Indian diesel generator market is characterized by the presence of several organized and unorganized players. This is self-explanatory with the rising demands that are multiplying the number of companies entering the field of manufacturing industrial Diesel Generator sets.
These players have strong in-house R&D capabilities and offer differentiated portfolios of diesel generator sets. Needless to say, it appears that generators aren’t considered as an alternative to choose from other power generation options, but rather a necessity, based on the market statistics as well as the ongoing manufacturing process that suggests its journey will continue for a long, long time to come.