Off-grid system operators are increasingly turning to wind and solar generation to lower their diesel fuel consumption. Unfortunately, they quickly hit a technical barrier, with the operability of conventional diesel generation constraining the possible renewable energy penetration.
In response, system owners and operators have driven renewed interest in the operation of diesel generators below operational load limits, a practice known as low load diesel. Low load application has historically been ill advised, with fixed speed engines poorly configured to meet any sustained load variability. One solution has been developed in variable speed diesel technology. Variable speed diesel application allows a diesel engine to operate at its most efficient speed reference, providing for improved engine flexibility and response.