The demand for diesel generator sets is expected to surpass USD 3.3 billion revenue by the end of 2018. This has led to the rise in the demand of technology-ready engineers and technicians in the genset industry, says Sunil Narang
The diesel generator set market in India is growing rapidly with every passing year. In recent times we have witnessed a huge demand for (Diesel Generator) DG sets. This can be attributed to the improvements in sectors like real estate, infrastructure, hospitality, IT/ITes and telecom. In turn, this has contributed towards making the DG set industry well-organised like never before.
Second generation CPCB II compliant engines
If the recent market reports are to be believed, the demand for diesel generator sets is expected to surpass USD 3.3 billion revenues by the end of 2018. The chronic power shortages that still plague India can be counted as the major reason for this growing demand. While India still suffers from chronic power shortage making a direct impact on the industries like telecom, hospitality and manufacturing units, the DG genset manufacturers are competently capitalising upon this valley between power deficiency and simultaneous growth of economy. The growth of diesel gensets co-relate to other allied industries that require uninterrupted power supply for smooth operations.
The diesel engines are the prime movers for various power generation applications, even suppliers are regularly upgrading and improving engine manufacturing facilities to ensure the requisite quality at competitive cost. However, owing to the increasing levels of pollution, focus is now more on manufacturing engines that are environment-friendly.
With evolving times and advancement in technology, the industry has welcomed the introduction of second generation emission compliant diesel genset engines. So, generator users can now expect noise-free power from their DG gensets. However, the revised set of Central Pollution and Control Board (CPCB) norms is a welcoming step that will strengthen the productivity of the product. The implementation of CPCB II norms in India signals the emergence of cleaner technology and efficient generators benefiting the end users and of course, the environment.
Given that the training sessions in genset industry is still in a nascent stage, other than creating newer training modules, a re-orientation training programme has to be introduced in the existing curriculum. This is likely to bring the existing workforce in tune with the newer working standard of full authority electronic control engines and make them understand its working dynamics.
Industry demand vs supply
With the upgraded version of engines that fall under the new CPCB II norms and it’s rising demand in the market has increased the demand of technology-ready engineers and technicians in the genset industry. But the genset industry is yet to come to terms with the demand for trained manpower that understands the working dynamics of emission compliant second generation diesel and gas engines.
Although training is an important component related to any work activity, the need is to ensure that the training material lays sound foundation for the trainee. This is so because it will be what he/she will learn in the duration of training that they will put to practice on the job. Coincidentally, the training and development concepts in genset industry are so nascent that the onus fell on those who develop the content of training.
Creating training modules to comply with CPCB norms
While the subject of pollution control may attract an inter-disciplinary approach, it’s a known fact that engineering courses/degrees don’t offer students any kind of formal training in the field of prevention, abatement and control of pollution.
This is the primary reason why when the students take up jobs in engineering companies, they often have before them a gigantic task of understanding the ever-evolving environment policies.
Thus, the need of the hour is to give them necessary training on the upgraded version of the engines and make them oriented with the working knowledge of the electronically controlled engines to sustain the growing needs of industry. In turn, this also allows the trainees to discharge their work responsibilities efficiently once they get employment.
Such training programmes also improve the capabilities of persons already working in industries that has to keep up with the emission norms.
In order to fulfill this need for the trained engineers and industry technicians, many engineering institutions and training centers are making the much needed changes and working on creating a fool-proof training material to readily fulfill this demand. A well-structured training and development programme ensures that graduating engineers not only gain consistent experience but also background knowledge based on hands-on training.
Incidentally, the consistency is particularly understood in the relevance of the training modules in the context of the present emission norms. At the same time, this exposure to the information also gives the trainee an edge over their counterparts who are unaware of the technical know-how of the upgraded version of the generator sets and engines.
Bringing latest practices into training
One of the major challenges faced by almost every engine manufacturer in the world is to fabricate engines that need least modification in its design element. Although the simplicity of design allows to meet the stringent emission norms, it becomes vital to optimise the emission control techniques available in the world.
Now when it comes to making the trainees acquainted with the work techniques, trainers should understand that inculcating latest practices is the most important concept that needs to be adhered at all the cost.
A few points that can be considered before imparting training sessions can be—
An ideal training module should achieve balance between ‘classroom’ and ‘hands-on’ training
Should encourage development of expertise and allow exchange of ideas
latest training aids and hardware should be used
live training models like engines and generators should be used to impart training and give the user enhanced learning experience
To summarise, it should be understood that there always exist a scope for improvement where technology is concerned in order to make genset engines more environment friendly.
Thus, it becomes important that the methods of training remain flexible so that it retains its effectiveness with ever-evolving environmental strategies and policies. Because the genset industry is brimming with opportunities, one needs to be industry ready.
The writer is senior director of Jakson Group.