Previous in Forum: Circuit Breaker Wear Monitoring   Next in Forum: Motor Starting Time.
Close
Close
Close
6 comments
Rate Comments: Nested
Active Contributor

Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 11

Genset Rating Calculation and Feasibility

05/31/2013 12:25 AM

We have the diesel genset of 82.5 KVA (0.8 pf) at height of 4000m with ambient temp. of surrounding to be around 18°C. On interpolation,I found the derating factor at that altitude and temp. to be about 0.85. Using derating factor,the actual genset required for the same output is found to be 97.06 KVA (82.5/0.85).Is the calculation correct? The nearest genset available is 100 KVA.Should we go for 100 KVA rating? Can the genset be started where air density and pressure at such altitude is very low?Even if the genset is started,can it be problem free from overheating? Since use of derating factor shows the loss of power.Does it means the decrease in efficiency? Does the efficiency of any machine vary with altitude or is constant during design?

Register to Reply
Interested in this topic? By joining CR4 you can "subscribe" to
this discussion and receive notification when new comments are added.
Guru
Technical Fields - Technical Writing - New Member Engineering Fields - Piping Design Engineering - New Member

Join Date: May 2009
Location: Richland, WA, USA
Posts: 21017
Good Answers: 795
#1

Re: Genset rating calculation and Feasibility

05/31/2013 12:56 AM

Derating factors and efficiency are different concepts, as recently explained on another thread. In your example, the engine's efficiency (as well as capacity) will be reduced, but probably not by so low as the 85% factor. If you specify the altitude to the vendor, they may adjust the engine tuning and can also provide an oversize radiator. The 100 KVA selection sounds right.

__________________
In vino veritas; in cervisia carmen; in aqua E. coli.
Register to Reply
Guru

Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2061
Good Answers: 169
#2

Re: Genset Rating Calculation and Feasibility

05/31/2013 11:20 AM

Yes! Your calculation is theoretically correct. We are at an altitude of 2000m. Our DG set requirement is 75kVA; we have gone for a 125kVA DG set. You should go for a 100kVA DG set. The de-rated genset would not cause any overheating as long as the load is within the limits. And, yes, partially loaded DG sets have lesser efficiency. This has nothing to do with altitude. Even at a lesser altitude, partially loaded DG Sets would have lesser UPL (Units per litre).

Register to Reply
Anonymous Poster #1
#3

Re: Genset Rating Calculation and Feasibility

11/03/2023 7:29 AM
Register to Reply
Guru
United Kingdom - Member - Indeterminate Engineering Fields - Control Engineering - New Member

Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: In the bothy, 7 chains down the line from Dodman's Lane level crossing, in the nation formerly known as Great Britain. Kettle's on.
Posts: 32175
Good Answers: 839
#4

Re: Genset Rating Calculation and Feasibility

11/03/2023 7:31 AM

The manufacturer of the <...diesel genset...> is not on CR4 right now. Please pick up the telephone and ask these questions directly.

__________________
"Did you get my e-mail?" - "The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place" - George Bernard Shaw, 1856
Register to Reply
Guru

Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: by the beach in Florida
Posts: 33392
Good Answers: 1817
#5

Re: Genset Rating Calculation and Feasibility

11/05/2023 12:20 AM

Your genset should be operating in a range of temperatures, and that will also effect what might be needed for smooth reliable operation....first you didn't say if this a turbo-charged diesel or not...I would assume it is, this will increase the air supply compensating for the altitude somewhat....in any case the engine must be tuned properly as far as timing and fuel mixture, and special consideration for starting might be necessary to preheat the glow plugs and intake...the duty cycle is also important...Each brand and model is different and requires experienced personnel to properly setup...

https://www.dieselgeneratortech.com/generator-sets/Guides-to-Use-Diesel-Generator-Set-In-Plateau-Areas-and-High-Altitude.html

__________________
All living things seek to control their own destiny....this is the purpose of life
Register to Reply
Guru

Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 729
Good Answers: 2
#6

Re: Genset Rating Calculation and Feasibility

12/21/2023 9:41 AM

Ambient temp is low so rise can be higher as most alternators have 40 Deg ambient .Deration is mainly for altitude as standard machines are rated for 1000 m and below.I would suggest you to go in for 110 kva which is a standard rating than 100 which is non standard rating or as we call it non preferred rating .You should take the lowest temp possible from the point of bearing lubrication and also from engine side factors.Is 18Deg C throughout the year?

__________________
To avoid crticism do nothing,say nothing,be nothing
Register to Reply
Register to Reply 6 comments
Copy to Clipboard

Users who posted comments:

Anonymous Poster (1); electricalexpert65 (1); nesubra (1); PWSlack (1); SolarEagle (1); Tornado (1)

Previous in Forum: Circuit Breaker Wear Monitoring   Next in Forum: Motor Starting Time.

Advertisement