The discussion centers on the pricing of diesel engines, specifically those used for irrigation pumps, with a focus on engines in the 1/2 MW to 1 MW range. A 730 hp diesel engine from Scania costs approximately $65,000, while simpler engines for stationary applications may cost around one-third of that price. Comparatively, the installation costs for wind turbines range from $1.3 million to $2.2 million per installed MW, highlighting the significant price difference between diesel generators and wind turbine installations. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for diesel reciprocating engines is estimated between $212 and $281 per MWh.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for energy analysts, agricultural engineers, and anyone involved in the procurement of power generation equipment, particularly those comparing diesel engines and renewable energy sources.
In that power range, there are few "cheap" diesel engines. You might find some bargains on the second-hand market, but you'll have to do research with vendors who handle used engines.Sven Andersson said:
The cost of a diesel engine as a prime mover is only a fraction of the cost of a diesel-generator set. The generator part takes some significant coin to purchase, even if second hand.Sven Andersson said:
