Electric Generators Running on Kerosene: Feasibility and Applications

Are there electric generators that can utilize kerosene as fuel? This question arises in various industry settings, from power stations to small-scale generators. In this article, we explore the feasibility and applications of kerosene as a fuel for electric generators, particularly focusing on its compatibility with gas turbine generators.

Gas Turbine Generators and Kerosene: A Brief Overview

Gas turbine generators, also known as combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power stations, can indeed run on aviation kerosene. This type of generator consists of a jet engine that drives a power generator, and a steam raising kit that utilizes the waste hot gas from the jet to power a steam turbine. While this setup is highly efficient and suitable for large-scale industrial applications, it may not be practical for household use due to its complex design and high operational costs.

Using Kerosene in Diesel Engines for Generators

Older diesel engines can run on kerosene, albeit with limitations. These engines were often used in WWII and needed to start with gasoline and switch to kerosene if necessary, but their performance was subpar. In more modern settings, attempting to use kerosene in a diesel engine for a generator would likely result in poor performance and potential engine damage. The key reasons for this include:

Octane Rating: Kerosene typically has a lower octane rating compared to diesel fuel, which means it may not ignite properly in a diesel engine's compression-ignition cycle. Vaporization: Kerosene is harder to vaporize without preheating, which can be challenging to achieve in a compact generator setup. Lubricity: Kerosene lacks the necessary lubricating qualities needed for the full service life of diesel engine components, particularly the injector pumps.

Despite these challenges, some specialized generators for emergency power supplies and weapons systems do utilize gas turbine engines that burn kerosene or jet fuel. These generators are designed to produce full power quickly from a cold start, making them suitable for scenarios where rapid power generation is critical.

Modern Reciprocating Spark-Ignition Engines and Kerosene

Modern reciprocating spark-ignition internal combustion (IC) engines are not typically designed to run on kerosene. The reasons are largely related to the fuel's characteristics:

Necessity of Octane Rating: Kerosene's low octane rating makes it unsuitable for the high compression ratios and ignition requirements of spark-ignition engines. Vaporization Issues: Kerosene typically requires preheating to vaporize properly, which complicates the design of fuel injection systems in spark-ignition engines.

However, if you are operating a factory with a high power demand, certain types of reciprocating engines could potentially be adapted to run on kerosene with modifications and adjustments to the fuel delivery and ignition systems.

Summing Up

In conclusion, while electric generators, especially gas turbine generators, can run on kerosene, the practicality for most applications, particularly in household or small-scale settings, is limited. Specialized generators that can start quickly and produce high power from a cold start may utilize kerosene-based fuel systems, but these are typically found in industrial and military applications. For everyday use, diesel or alternative fuels are the more common and practical choices.