Whether they’re in a heavy-duty truck or a backup generator, diesel motors are incredibly durable, reliable machines. But like any engine, diesel motors produce a great deal of heat that can cause problems if not handled correctly. That’s where a reliable diesel generator cooling system comes into play.

In marine settings, diesel-powered generators rely on multiple different types of cooling systems. Each has its proper applications in the field for different circumstances. Before you choose a particular cooling system for your backup generator, make sure it’s powerful enough to handle the amount of heat the engine will produce. Let’s take a closer look at a few different kinds of marine generator cooling systems.

Radiator Cooling

One very common type of cooling system is radiator cooling. A water jacket built around the generator allows coolant liquid to flow close to the machine, picking up heat. The coolant then flows to the radiator, where the heat is removed, and returned to the engine to repeat the cycle. This very common setup is likely what your new marine generator will use.

Pro Tip: Coolant liquid in generators is usually water-based. Talk to an expert to see if your particular generator needs a different type of coolant.

Keel Cooling

Designed for fully submerged generators, the keel cooling system operates on a similar principle to radiator cooling with an interesting twist. Coolant flows through a water jacket to absorb heat from the generator. However, instead of entering a radiator to get rid of the heat, the coolant is directed through pipes exposed to cooler underwater temperatures. This system depends on the surrounding water to keep heat levels down.

Heat Exchange

Both major cooling systems rely on the principle of heat exchange. Heat naturally flows to cooler areas whenever it can, and coolant systems take advantage of this fact to deflect heat elsewhere. The engine passes its heat to the lower-temperature coolant liquid, and the liquid then passes that heat to the even cooler air or water outside the generator. Either way, your generator’s temperature stays at a manageable level.

Managing Your Generator’s Temperature

Unchecked heat in a diesel generator can slow down functionality and cause long-term damage if ignored for long enough. Thankfully, the proper coolant system can prevent either from happening.

Talk to our expert team to find the right coolant system for your generator.