The Role of Vibration-Damping Pads in Diesel Generator Sets

Every diesel generator set is equipped with vibration-damping pads. Though these are small components—often overshadowed by customer focus on diesel engines and generators—they significantly impact the overall quality and performance of the unit. Below, Dingbo Power Manufacturer explains key knowledge about the role of vibration-damping pads in diesel generators:

During the operation of a diesel generator set, vibrations generated by the diesel engine itself can shorten the service life of components, especially electrical parts. Therefore, minimizing vibration levels is critical to ensuring stable unit operation. Vibration-damping pads exhibit varying degrees of wear and service life across different locations: generally, the generator end experiences less damage and longer life compared to the diesel engine end.

Vibration-damping pads are installed between the diesel engine, generator, and base during assembly, with additional pads placed on the unit base for the diesel engine, water tank, and generator.

The primary materials of vibration-damping pads include natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, and upper/lower casings. Generator sets typically require pads with a frequency range of approximately 25Hz. Since diesel generators output electricity at 50Hz or 60Hz, pads with a frequency roughly half of these values are considered qualified. Inferior pads, however, are mainly made of raw rubber, lacking elasticity, exhibiting nonlinear load compression ratios, having rough surfaces, and being prone to aging.

Vibration-damping pads are configured based on the generator set model. Smaller units (e.g., below 100kW) use pads with slightly lower elasticity than large units but prioritize longer service life and stricter durability requirements. For large units, performance is paramount: pads are installed at the upper and lower connections between the base, diesel engine, and generator. Due to their higher vibration weight and impact compared to small units, inadequate pads could cause the generator and engine to tilt or collapse, potentially leading to severe consequences such as cylinder explosion or personal injury. Additionally, during the installation of large units, a layer of vibration-damping rubber is laid between the base and concrete floor to enhance shock absorption, improve stability, and reduce ground impact.

To maintain stable unit operation, vibration-damping pads must be regularly inspected and replaced, as they may undergo aging and deformation over time. By providing a buffer, these pads enable flexible connection between the diesel generator set and the base platform, necessitating flexible connections for the unit’s fuel, oil, water, and cable systems with external components as well.

Dingbo Power has advanced testing equipment, modern production technology, professional manufacturing technology, perfect quality management system, and strong technical research and development capabilities. It can provide 3KW～2500KW various specifications of ordinary, automatic, four protection, automatic switching, low noise and mobile generator sets, high quality and low energy consumption to meet the diverse power needs of customers, and can also meet users with different voltages and different frequencies. It is required to create a parallel power supply system for multiple units. If you are interested in our product or any question on generator, welcome to send email to [email protected].