no or low load with gensets

[electrics]

hi, i want to ask you of the reason why gensets are not allowed to run with no pr low load long time? in a site it is said that there will appears mechanical problems like oil leakage, overwearing of mechanics etc.. so why is it so ?

 

[iwire]

hi, i want to ask you of the reason why gensets are not allowed to run with no pr low load long time? in a site it is said that there will appears mechanical problems like oil leakage, overwearing of mechanics etc.. so why is it so ?

The only issues I am aware of concern diesel powered generators, not gas or propane powered ones.

The diesel units when run with low or no load will not get the exhaust hot enough to prevent 'wet stacking' which just means raw unburnt diesel fuel ends up passing through the engine and puddles up in the muffler or low spots of the exhaust stack. Often load banks are used to load the generator for it's exercise cycle to prevent this.

 

[mivey]

Also, why have it running if you are not using it? It is a waste.

There are load bank tests, oil heating units, and other methods to rotate the equipment, etc. to keep it healthy without necessarily having to keep it running.

It there an application concern where you need faster pickup of critical loads?

 

[techntrek]

You can also get glazing on the cylinder walls, and then oil issues due to blowby of the piston rings.