Generator Basics
New, Used Diesel Generators and Surplus Natural Gas Generators
From Vital Power And Equipment LLC: A diesel generator, whether it is a new surplus or a used diesel generator, the terminologies apply to both. A complete diesel generator is the combination of a diesel engine with an alternator (often called an electrical generator end) to generate electric power.
Used and new surplus diesel generators are commonly are used in places not directly tied to the power grid and/or are tied into the power grid to supply emergency backup power if the power grid fails. Applications when diesel generators are not tied into the power grid, for example, would be construction zones. The construction industry will most often use a portable diesel generator, ranging anywhere from 50 kw up to 500 kw and, at times, larger, that they can take from one location to the next.
Applications where industrial diesel and natural gas generators are tied into the power grid, for example, hospitals, office complexes, data centers and factories, would use their backup or standby diesel generators to supply power if the power grid were to fail. The larger commercial or industrial diesel generators can range from 500 kw up to 2000 kw and larger.
What Do the Terms Standby Power, Prime Power and Continuous Power Ratings Mean?
Standby Power
This rating is applicable when there has been an interruption of normal power and the backup diesel generator is used for emergency power for the duration of the interruption. The Standby rating is warranted when the operation or installation is served by a reliable utility source. Typically, the standby generator should not operate more than 200 hours per year.
Prime Power
The Prime Power rating is applied when the power being generated is from the generator itself and not the utility source. Prime Power is available at variable loads for an unlimited number of hours.
Continuous Power
Output available without varying the load for an unlimited time. The typical power output ranges from 70% to 100% of the continuous power rating.
The Kw Rating Changes for Each Power Rating
For Example: If the standby rating were 1000 kW, then a Prime Power rating might be 850 kW and the continuous rating 800kW.
If you need a high-quality used diesel generator or used natural gas generator, give us a call TODAY!!!!. (208) 651-3584
