Any reports/issues re Bio-D/SVO/WVO running diesel generators???? - Diesel Forum

Alaska Ranger · 06-27-2004, 03:35 PM

I haven't found anything in this forum or on Greasel's site concerning the use of bio-diesel, or SVO/WVO to run gensets. Has anyone come across anyone who does this, or any literature giving such advice? Just like everything else, diesel is super-expensive here, and if I could save a few thousand a year on generator fuel costs, that would bring my cost of electricity down merely into the stratosphere....

Ford_Forgotton · 06-27-2004, 05:46 PM

A diesel is a diesel, anything that can run on Number 2 diesel is capable of running on SVO/WVO.

Same problems as vehicle engines tho, gotta heat it up or it will gel in cold weather. Possibly keep the genset in a "doghouse" that is kept heated to 100 degrees. This way, the engine and fuel is INSTANTLY up to operating temperature when you fire it off. (we do this with our emergency backup gensets. The engine oil is constantly pumped thru the block and heated to 120 degrees so that when it fires, its ready to take on the load).

I would just use the same precautions as with those running it in their vehicles.

Parrothead · 06-27-2004, 11:00 PM

I've run B-100 in a late 1940s Cat 50 KW diesel generator. Worked just fine. Couldn't tell any difference.
I was using it in an environmentally-sensitive area where a leak of regular diesel would have been very costly to mitigate.

Alaska Ranger · 06-27-2004, 11:58 PM

That's great to hear, PH. Even given the environmental issue, did you have a dual-fuel setup so you could start it up and shut it down with standard diesel?

Parrothead · 06-28-2004, 04:00 AM

Nope. Didn't switch fuels. Standby generators almost always have block heaters for quick starting, regardless of the fuel. Diesels always have block heaters and sit toasty warm. There's even fuel circulation setups for diesel gen sets that have a small pump that's constantly warming, circulating the fuel through the tank and through a filter. Keeps it from getting cruddy and absorbing moisture after sitting for a long time. Got one on a generator up in Wyoming where it gets pretty nippy.

A perfect setup for running biodiesel or veggie oil.

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