Operating Generator near Full Load

[EngAriz]

Hello,
Why it is better to operate Diesel Generators near full load than operating it at low loads.

Thanks

 

[arunmrao]

Take a look at your fuel consumption under both service conditions and decide.

Learn the rules,so you know how to break them properly.
Dalai Lama

_____________________________________

 

[MikeHalloran]

The engine manufacturers, at least the ones I deal with, basically say, not in so many words, that their engines will self- destruct sooner at low load than at high load.

I'm guessing that it has to do with keeping the hot bits hot enough to not coke up.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[NomLaser]

This is from a google search and confirms Mike's post

Q: Can I Leave the engine idling for long periods?

From the Cummins Webpage:

A. Do not idle the engine for excessively long periods. Long periods of idling (more than 10 minutes) can damage an engine because combustion chamber temperatures drop so low the fuel will not burn completely. This will cause carbon to clog the injector spray holes and piston rings, and can cause the valves to stick. If the engine coolant temperature becomes too low (60 degrees C [140 degrees F]), raw fuel will wash the lubricating oil off the cylinder walls and dilute the crankcase oil; therefore, all moving parts of the engine will not receive the correct amount of lubrication. (For more information, refer to Cummins Operation and Maintenance Manual section 1-5, Bulletin 3810205-12.)

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/FAQ/engine_op.htm

 

[Artisi]

Running part loaded is completely different than idling for long periods. One of the main problems of running at part load is the glazing of the cylinder bores.

 

[21121956]

Hello everybody:

As a matter of fact, it is accepted as a general rule: do not load a gen set more than 85% of its capacity and, in order to avoid over running, do not run the generator with less load than 60% of its capacity.