Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
(OP)
I'm working on a project that contains an indoor diesel generator installation whose space constraints are less than ideal, to put it lightly. Upon comparing generators from two different manufacturers with seemingly identical ratings and performance characteristics (Same kW/kVA ratings, same silencer type, same accessories, etc.), I was surprised to discover that one manufacturer's genset was drastically (4 feet shorter in length) smaller than the other. I have several questions:
1. What could account for such a difference in footprint?
2. Could the genset with the smaller foorprint imply that it's of an inferior design? (Maybe the components are "sandwiched" together, making it more difficult to service.)
3. Alternately, could the genset with the larger footprint necessarily imply that it's of an inferior design?
4. Would such a vast difference in footprints suggest that I made an error when retrieving the specification sheets? Maybe I'm looking at two entirely different gensets, each intended for a different application?
Any input is greatly appreciated.
1. What could account for such a difference in footprint?
2. Could the genset with the smaller foorprint imply that it's of an inferior design? (Maybe the components are "sandwiched" together, making it more difficult to service.)
3. Alternately, could the genset with the larger footprint necessarily imply that it's of an inferior design?
4. Would such a vast difference in footprints suggest that I made an error when retrieving the specification sheets? Maybe I'm looking at two entirely different gensets, each intended for a different application?
Any input is greatly appreciated.





RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
For sets of that size the difference in length is not unreasonable.
Both Cat and Kohler have been building gen-sets for a long, long time and are quite good at it.
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
For standby applications there's probably not a lot of benefit in terms of attempting to remote mount radiators and play with pipework compared to what the manufacturer has worked out. For prime sets, this can make a difference (VSD driven electric fans for radiators as an example), although it can also make a detrimental difference to performance (good step load performance required but enormous air/air intercooler pipework due to remote radiator mounting).
If its a standby application, its probably just as easy to negotiate with a preferred supplier, although maintenance and support costs may come into it, depending on vendor. I've got no experience with Kohler, but I'd expect that either manufacturer is quite capable of changing some of the arrangement around to suit the location, CAT has been able to support previously for my applications (admittedly 50Hz though).
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
Length of rum times? Drains for fluids? Changing fluids, and access to change them!
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
Do not do this while spec'ing.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator
Standby sets normally don't accumulate that many hours in their lifetime. By the time a typical standby set has accumulated enough hours to warrant an overhaul, so many years have gone by that it will probably be replaced with a new set.
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Physical Dimensions of a Diesel Generator