Prime generator and Continuous Power generator

[engrkira]

Hi,

I need some help. Can someone differentiate the two in a much clearer way? My understanding is that the prime power runs at a certain percentage of load while continuous runs at 100% load.

For example I need a 40 kVA continuous rating generator set. What will be its equivalent for the prime power generator. If possible, can you show some computations.

Thank you very much.

 

[ron]

Usually a prime rated generator will be ~10-15% less kW rating than standby and then additional 10% reduction for a continuous rating. For example, if the generator is rated 100kW standby, it will likely be 85% prime and 75% continuous. Or something close to that.
http://www.mtuonsiteenergy.com/file...6391_OE_TechnicalArticle_Reliability_2010.pdf

If it will run in a continuous mode (all the time), then you may need to consider emissions and reduction of such to a Tier 4 (particulate trap, urea tank, etc). see the chart on page 3 of http://www.mtu-online.com/uploads/tx_templavoila/WhitePaper_Tier4i_and_Tier4_02.pdf

 

[shortcircuit1]

These links might help

http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/Standby_vs-_Prime_vs-_Continuous_Generator_Power.aspx
http://www.albancat.com/power-systems/consultant-corner/standby-vs-prime-generators/

To add to these links
1.Continuous generators are used where there is a constant 100% load for a unlimited number of hours in a year.
2.Prime rated generators can also provide continuous ongoing power even in a situation with limited variable load fluctuations.But unlike continuous generators which run at 100% load prime generators average load factor can not exceed more than 70%.

 

[engrkira]

Is there any computation to determine the capacity that we should use for continuous rating?

Usually a prime rated generator will be ~10-15% less kW rating than standby and then additional 10% reduction for a continuous rating. For example, if the generator is rated 100kW standby, it will likely be 85% prime and 75% continuous. Or something close to that.
http://www.mtuonsiteenergy.com/file...6391_OE_TechnicalArticle_Reliability_2010.pdf

If it will run in a continuous mode (all the time), then you may need to consider emissions and reduction of such to a Tier 4 (particulate trap, urea tank, etc). see the chart on page 3 of http://www.mtu-online.com/uploads/tx_templavoila/WhitePaper_Tier4i_and_Tier4_02.pdf

 

[ron]

Is there any computation to determine the capacity that we should use for continuous rating?

Continuous is the rating the manufacturer will put on the nameplate. The load is the
load.
Determine the load, and if it will be run on generator for long periods of time, then specify that kW rating (you can add some more for growth) for a continuously rated generator.

Keep in mind that generators that run for more than just outages, will need specific emissions controls.

 

[dieselgenerator]

Accoring to my understanding, the prime power is the load that usually use. The continuous power is the power load that a generator can run for 12 hours.

Usually, the prime power equils to 0.8 continous power. I do not know whether it is right, I will go to ask a friend who deal with generator first.


:happyyes:I have a 6k propane generator, lasts about 4 hours on a 20lb tank, but since propane is for ever I plan on getting a large tank installed and feeding my dryer, generator and stove from the one tank.

I'm happy with mine. how ever it's important to remember that power from propane will cost you double the cost of power from diesel fuel as propane has a lot less "energy" when compared to diesel.:weeping::weeping:

 

[Sahib]

Remember the same generator may be used for standy, prime or continuous duty but at different load levels. Consult the manufacture for your spefic use of the generator.

 

[publicgood]

These have to do with manufacturer load factor for warranty and Tier ratings for EPA. I believe prime is typically associated with Tier 4 and continuous, such as MTU’s data center rated marketing ploy, is the warranty being rated for 100% loading rather than standard 85%.

In both cases, there is not a calculation to be done, but a manufacturer differentiating the nameplate for the application.