"WET-STACKING"
Wet-stacking in electric generators with an engine powered by diesel
Wet-stacking occurs when an diesel powered engine operates on a lower nominal output power level, then the engine regenerates fuel or wet-stack. Diesel powered engines are designed to operate on a load and more efficiently within the range of 70 - 80 % of the nominal power. When a diesel powered engine works during a large period of time below 40 %, it starts to generate more fuel. That is because injection tips start to carbonize and alter the spray pattern of fuel.
How can I prevent wet-stacking in electric generators?
- Automathic load is used in systems in which changing loads is possible and conditions are cheap, in such systems wet-stacking is more frequent, because of the change of loads. A way to prevent wet-stacking could be to add a fake load in the system.
- Another way to prevent wet-stacking in electric generatorsor other devides of high load is to make sure that the genset set is not working during a long period of time.
How can I rectify wet-stacking in electric generators?
- The only way to rectify wet-stacking of a diesel powered engine once it has started is to charge the engine during a couple of hours in order to burn surplus fuel and clean the engine.
- In electric generators with electrical engines or with driving systems of emissions are less likely to suffer wet-stacking. Unfortunately, all diesel powered engines tend to humidify, specially when they are used during long periods of time below standard levels. This is the reason why it is important to choose the right size and design.
