Diesel engine power plants.

A diesel engine power plant as most of you may know, is used in hilly areas where power requirement is low and where there are no grids. it is also used in cities to supplement peak loads.

here are somethings worth discussing about:

1. what type of prime movers do the machinery in the plant like the coolant pump, fuel pump, air compressor use ? electric motors or I.C engines ?

2. What is the best way of starting the diesel engine ? using a motor or petrol engine ? or using compressed air ? won't the latter method only complicate the engine design ? what do you think ?