Genset

How Do Gensets Work?

A reciprocating engine (also known as a piston engine) is a machine with reciprocating pistons. The generating set converts thermal energy from the combustion of air and fuel into mechanical work, in this case a crankshaft.

Mechanics of the engine is to move a crankshaft connected to a piston cylinder mechanism by creating large pressure inside the engine’s cylinders.

The MWM engine is connected to an electrical generator (alternator) by a drive coupling to produce electricity.

The engine generator is connected to an electrical circuit breaker so the genset can be connected to the site electrical circuit via an electrical cable. The circuit breaker will synchronise the gas engine to the mains so it can operate in parallel to the existing grid supply.

MWM generating sets are spark ignited and operated in a 4-Stroke process:

Stage 1: Intake Stroke

The intake valve is open, and the air-fuel mixture is drawn into the combustion chamber via the downward movement of the piston. The exhaust valve is closed.

Stage 2: Compression Stroke

With both intake and exhaust valves closed, the upward movement of the piston causes the air-fuel mixture to be compressed towards the spark plug. The compression makes the air-fuel combination volatile for easier ignition.

Stage 3: Power Stroke

During the combustion stroke, both intake and exhaust valves remains closed, and the spark plug produces a spark to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture. The combustion produces mechanical energy which drives the piston downwards to turn the crankshaft.

Stage 4: Exhaust Stroke

The final cycle is the exhaust stroke in which the exhaust valves open and the exhaust gases are expelled by the returning piston.