What is a Diesel Engine?
The diesel engine is a type of internal combustion engine; more specifically, it is a compression ignition engine. The fuel in a diesel engine is ignited by suddenly exposing it to the high temperature and pressure of a compressed gas containing oxygen (usually atmospheric air), rather than a separate source of ignition energy (such as a spark plug). This process is known as the diesel cycle after Rudolf Diesel, who invented it in 1892. While traditional diesel engine generators may not fit into our definition of 'alternative energy' sources, they are still a valuable addition to a remote power or grid back-up system.
Types of Diesel Engines
There are two classes of diesel engines: two-stroke and four-stroke. Most diesel engines generally use the four-stroke cycle, with some larger engines operating on the two-stroke cycle. Normally, banks of cylinders are used in multiples of two, though any number of cylinders can be used as long as the load on the c…