Altitude de-rating of Turbocharged standby generator

[CuriousElectron]

Greetings, all
I had a question - does a turbocharged propane engine driven generator needs to be derated for high altitude? I understand the need for derating for high altitude, since the air is less dense at higher elevations and it loses its effectiveness to cool down the engine. But for turbocharged, aftercooled engine, does the same derating requirements apply as for a regular engine? Does anyone know?
Thanks,
EE

 

[waross]

Consult the manufacturer for specific engines. De-rating info may be given in the spec sheet.

 

[dpc]

If the generator is air-cooled, there could be some de-rating of the generator required as well. As Bill said, altitude de-rating is specific to the equipment.

 

[waross]

If the generator is air-cooled,

And most generators driven by a turbo-charged Prime Mover are air cooled.

 

[JohnMcNutt]

Greetings, all
I had a question - does a turbocharged propane engine driven generator needs to be derated for high altitude? I understand the need for derating for high altitude, since the air is less dense at higher elevations and it loses its effectiveness to cool down the engine. But for turbocharged, aftercooled engine, does the same derating requirements apply as for a regular engine? Does anyone know?
Thanks,
EE

It depends mostly on the particular engine. Every proposed genset will have a spec sheet with numbers to calculate with elevation and temperature. The manufacturers tend to use the same prime mover across several kW steps. So if you happen to land on the model/step with the smaller generator end and bigger engine, there may be no derating. Or there may be a lot if your particular model is asking a lot from the engine at sea level.

 

[waross]

So if you happen to land on the model/step with the smaller generator end and bigger engine, there may be no derating.

However the engine output may be dialed down and should be adjusted for higher altitudes.
Again,consult the manufacturer.
Good to know; If your set is Prime Power rated, it will already have a 10% capacity buffer.

 

[edison123]

The air cooled generator will be derated for higher altitudes above 1000 M. Doesn't that mean the diesel will be derated automatically?

 

[georgeverghese]

From the chapter on prime movers, subsection on gas engines in Perry Chem Engg Handbook:

"Intermittent and continuous ratings are at standard conditions of 746 mm (29.38 in) Hg and 30° C (86° F); turbocharged engine ratings are applicable to at least 760 m (2500 ft) elevation above sea level without derating."