Diesel Generator Cost Equation:
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The Diesel Generator Cost Equation calculates the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated by a diesel generator in Australia. It takes into account fuel costs, generator efficiency, and maintenance costs to provide a comprehensive operating cost estimate.
The calculator uses the following equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation first calculates the fuel cost component by dividing fuel price by efficiency, then adds the maintenance cost to get the total cost per kWh.
Details: Accurate cost calculation is essential for budgeting, comparing generator options, determining operational expenses, and making informed decisions about energy solutions.
Tips: Enter current diesel fuel price in AUD/liter, your generator's efficiency in kWh/liter, and maintenance costs in AUD/kWh. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's a typical efficiency value for diesel generators?
A: Most diesel generators convert between 3-4 kWh per liter of fuel, but this varies by model and load conditions.
Q2: How often should I update the fuel cost value?
A: Fuel prices fluctuate frequently, so update this value regularly for accurate calculations.
Q3: What's included in maintenance costs?
A: This includes oil changes, filter replacements, labor costs, and other regular maintenance expenses amortized per kWh.
Q4: Are there other costs not included in this calculation?
A: This doesn't include capital costs, depreciation, or major repairs. It focuses on operational costs only.
Q5: How does this compare to grid electricity costs?
A: In Australia, diesel generation is typically more expensive than grid power but provides reliability in remote areas or during outages.