Generator Load

Unless specifically stated in the equipment documents, I see no risks or disadvantages to running below 20% FLC.

Your fuel demand/use will be lower in terms of if your were running 80% - 100% FLC instead.

Prolonged operation of this engine at only 20% of its design capacity will expose it to an all most certain case of "Wet Stacking".

Wet stacking is what happens when an underloaded diesel (or gas engine - though much more of an issue with diesels) is ran for extended periods of time at the reduced power levels. Basically... diesel fuel will not be "burned" or consumed properly and ends up accumulating in the exhaust train and will, over time, concentrate in the engine's lubrication system.

Many a diesel has been taken out by journal failure because of poor lubrication due to wet stacking.

Here is a link for more reading...

http://www.logcom.usmc.mil/smc/secrepmaint/files/maintenance%20trends/April%202007%20Wet%20Stacking.doc

You might want to think about adding a load bank to keep the engine power up over at least 60% of design.

Well, GA from a non generator expert. Who says old dogs can't learn.

I would have agreed with KJK/USA. Shows what I know.

And, KJK/USA I like your new avatar.

Excellent and concise link.

In addition, if the exhaust temperature falls below the exhaust gas dewpoint, sulfuric acid in the gas can condense and cause corrosion in the exhaust system. That would be less of a problem with low-sulfur fuels.

When you have an generator running for longer periods on a very low load

the valves of the diesel will carbonise as well as the exhaust manifold

Then when you need the generator then at full capacity she will not bring no more

then those 20 - 40 % and you have to decarbonise it for hours first.

We call this reglowing the exhaust

This happens unfortunately a lot even for units in the army and hospitals !!

they 'think' let the e-sets running for a few hours and then everything is ok.

Nothing is further from the truth

L8rz.. T L.