Appendix I: Considerations to Improve Diesel Generator Reliability

DOE-STD-3003-2000

APPENDIX I

Considerations to Improve Diesel Generator Reliability

NRC publication NUREG/CR 0660, Enhancement of On-Site Emergency Diesel Generator

Reliability, was developed from a comprehensive study of diesel generator problems and

installations. The document made a number of recommendations to improve diesel generator

reliability. The following were selected for consideration by DOE facilities:

1. Provide refrigerated air dryers between the air compressor and air storage tank to

reduce detrimental effects of entrained moisture causing rust and pipe scale that result in

damage to air start motors.

2. Diesel generator room air quality is often poor; this can be overcome by providing

dust-tight covers for relays and contactors or by providing filters for static inverters to protect

field flashing contacts. Room ventilation should be taken from about 6 m above the ground to

reduce intake of local dust.

3. Provide training for those personnel operating and maintaining specific diesel

generators.

4. Provide prelubrication for all engine starts (except true auto-start) for 3 - 5 minutes

(longer per manufacturer's recommendation) to reduce potential for engine bearing wear.

5. Provide an electric fuel pump that starts upon engine auto-start signal and shuts off

when engine is up to speed.

6. Mount instruments and controls in a separate floor-mounted panel independent of

the EG (minimizes vibration effects on instruments and controls).