PRIME RATED GENERATORS

[buddy91082]

We are designing a temporary generator power plant for a small facility. The temporary generator plant will provide power to the facility until the local utility upgrades their infrastructure. Generators will be rated for prime rating.


Is there any guidelines or recommended practices available for sizing a power plant?

Thanks.
b

 

[MikeHalloran]

Uh, tell the rental company how many kW you need, and ask them how many trailers you need to find space for?



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[waross]

If you have one large motor to start when all other loads are online, figure the motor at 300%. A lot of small motors with staggered starting and a large base load, you can figure at 100% or less.
Between those extremes, use judgment and experience.
Or, surf the manufacturers sites for generator sizing software. (Caterpiller> Olympian, Marathon, F.G. Wilson. Cummins> Onan.)

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[rbulsara]

what is a small facility? how much load? what type?

Other issues:
Check if any permits are needed. You sure do if in the USA.
How would you manage fuel supply/storage?

 

[MotorVib]

As a side note plan on having more then one Gen Set. If there are problems with one you will still have some power in the plant. Also you will need to set up a plan when gen set is down.

Chris

"In this house, we obey the laws of thermodynamics." Homer Simpson

 

[waross]

It saves a lot of bother if you get the right voltage set. Sounds silly, but I have seen a 480 Volt set supplied to supply a 600 Volt system while waiting for the utility lines to arrive. We configured some lighting transformers as auto transformers to make the adjstment.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[alehman]

Also consider providing security so your temporary cables don't grow legs. Keep the generator(s) downwind of the facility if possible (but not upwind of your neighbors either) to avoid exhaust infiltration. Noise may be a concern too.