Power Rating of Diesel Generator Sets
When people need to purchase generator sets, the first thing to consider is the specific purpose. The purpose determines how much power the generator set needs. However, there are multiple divisions of this "power", and the meaning of each must be understood in order to better guide the selection of applicable generator sets. The general division is as follows:
Standby Power
Standby power generator sets are the most commonly used generator sets. They are mainly used to provide emergency power for a limited time during power outages. When using a standby generator set, the generator set has no built-in overload capability. Therefore, when designing, the overload capacity needs to consider more equipment costs, more operating costs and greater maintenance work. The rated power of the standby engine group should be determined as a maximum 80% average load factor, and the annual operating time is approximately 200 hours.
Prime Power
Generator sets with prime power are mainly used in occasions where there is no mains power supply or where there is a long-term power outage.
This power rating has the following two categories:
1) Indefinite Running Time
The maximum rated power refers to the maximum power that can be accessed for unlimited hours per year under variable load settings. During any 250-hour operating period, the variable load should not exceed 70% of the average rated power. If the engine is running at 100% main power, the number of hours per year should not exceed 500. The overload situation should be avoided, but in a 12-hour operating cycle, a 10% overload capacity can be obtained within 1 hour.
2) Limited running time
Under non-variable load conditions, the main power supply can be used for a limited number of hours. The restricted primary power supply is used in situations where power outages are expected, such as a planned reduction in utility power. The engine in the generator set can run 750 hours per year at a power lower than the maximum main rated power. Under these conditions, never exceed the main rated power. End users should be aware that continuous high-load use will shorten the life of any engine.
Continuous Power
Continuous power is used for applications that supply power at 100% constant load for unlimited hours each year. Continuous power units are most widely used in applications that cannot be connected to the grid. Such applications include mining, agriculture, islands or military operations, etc
