Sizing Generator- Florida Nursery

[theplantman]

We have recently installed a new 20hp well that runs some critical watering areas on our farm. We want to have a standby generator installed, and in reaching out to generator/electrical companies, we are getting many different opinions on what we need. As a result, I have landed here to ask for advice. Here is what we have that we want to run, and the equipment that has been installed thus far:

Duke Energy 230 3-phrase power (I am told this is the highest we have available)
Pump Motor: Franklin 20hp pump model #236604 Franklin Motor Link (see three attaches pages on this motor)
Danfoss VLT AQUA Drive FC-202P18KT2ERH (see photo)
(18) Greenhouse Fans. They draw 1amp each, wired 110v.
(6) Very small irrigation timers.

The most complete quote, was a custom Diesel Generator made for this application. See attached quote.

We have gotten proposals from companies for 30kw, 40kw, 65kw with either Propane or Diesel. The issue is no consistency or agreement between electricians we have reached out to, so makes us worry about selecting a company/generator and it be to small and not work, or way overkill and burn up unneeded fuel. If there are any questions or further information I need to gather, let me know!

Thanks!

Alex the farmer

 

[TugboatEng]

Permanent magnet excitation eliminates a lot of the issues with regards to harmonics.

 

[LittleInch]

Use Clarification: This is a standby Generator. It will only run when the power is out. In years past, your talking 30-120 hours a year. The location allows fuel to get to it rather easy. Fuel might not be as readily available, in the aftermath of a hurricane. Remember we are located in Florida. Last year our area went without power for a week after the hurricane. We farm and plants need water to survive. No water = Dead plants.

Proper disconnects from power grid are a must. Although we are in Rural Florida, its not the wild wild west, lol. It will be inspected.

Going to build a 100gallon tank, that sits under the generator.

Any issues with Perkins Engines for this build?

I don't think so. For your short term once in a season use it looks good. I would try amd make sure you start it and run it for an hour or two once a month to charge the batteries, make sure the diesel hasn't gone off and you remember how to disconnect the supply.

 

[theplantman]

Ok So we have:

Lionel- 30KVA
Waross- 40 KVA

Attached is the VFD SN# we have installed if that means anything to anyone. The 18A are fans (that run continuous throughout the daylight hours) and are on two breakers, from the panel box. One breaker runs 6 fans, one runs 3 fans.