06/04/2020 Dimensioning the power of a generator – Tecnics Carpi

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Dimensioning the power of a generator

5 June, 2017 News EN TGE News, Tecnics Grupos Electrogenos

DIMENSIONING THE
POWER OF A GENERATOR
SET
One of the most important factors when deciding on a particular generator is
to correctly choose the kVA of the equipment. We must correctly select the
power of the generator set (electrical power) according to the needs of our
installation. Based on the required power we can calculate through a series
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of calculations or tables the power that our generator must have. 
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06/04/2020 Dimensioning the power of a generator – Tecnics Carpi

Would you like to know how to handle these much-needed calculations?

Take note.

HOW TO CALCULATE THE KVA

NECESSARY?
Properly dimensioning the power of the generator set is one of the most
important factors when buying one of these equipment. Taking into account
that a correct choice of generator is important to ensure the life of the
machine and minimize fuel consumption, to avoid unnecessary maintenance
costs.

Incorrect calculation in the dimensioning of the group can cause serious

problems after installation. What are these errors?

If we oversize the power of the generator set, we will be raising the

price of the equipment unnecessarily, in addition we will be wasting
the capacity of use of the equipment and raising in excess the
consumption of fuel with the expense that entails.
On the other hand, if we underestimate the power of the group, we
run the risk of overloading the generator, shortening the service
life of the group, or in the worst case we can cause a fault that will be
very expensive to repair, or even cause all the connected equipment to
stop To operate.

The safest way to measure the power of a generator is to let yourself be

advised by a professional in the industry. Although it will require clear and
precise information on the part of the end user, as for example, activity that
realizes, equipment that uses, place of installation, conditions of use, periods
of activity, etc. All these questions are aimed at selecting the generator that
Estebest
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06/04/2020 Dimensioning the power of a generator – Tecnics Carpi

since they are important factors when choosing a particular model and / or
power.

What data helps us to select the right power for our

generators.

1. The first data to be taken into account when selecting a generator is

with which current type of current work the equipment to be maintained
by the generator, single-phase or three-phase. It is important to choose
a single-phase or three-phase model depending on the operation of your
equipment. It must be taken into account that the three-phase models
share the power load in three shots so that the individual load of one
equipment can not be more than 1/3 of the total power of the generator
set.
2. To make the approximate calculation of the kVA necessary to correctly
dimension the group that we wish to acquire, it is advisable to base it on
another data that is usually known in advance, the motor power of the
object of study, or the sum of powers if the object of the study counts
with more than one, which would normally be expressed in CV or kW.
This information is usually easy to locate since most manufacturers etch
it onto plates or stickers in a visible place on the machine.
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3. Another factor that the motors absorb more kVA during startup
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06/04/2020 Dimensioning the power of a generator – Tecnics Carpi

is reflected in the attached tables. In a first column (Start) we observe

the value necessary for starting and in a second column (Operation) the
value in operation.

With these data in mind it is possible to perform the calculation by following

one of the following methods: By conversion tables or by simple
mathematical calculation. Both the tables and the basic calculations that
we will show below, allow to know in a simple way the power necessary for
each case. Obviously this result is approximate although it offers a more than
sufficient approximation.

Thanks to this system we avoid falling into the error of other calculation
systems that do not take into account something as important as engine
starts. These peaks of power produced during the starting of the motors can
cause great problems if they are not taken into account in advance in the
calculation.

Tables of calculation of the power of a generating set.

This method allows to convert the power, in kW or CV, known of the

machines that we are going to support with the generating set, in a fast and
simple way to kVA. Depending on the type of start of the machine, we will
use one table or another. For this type of calculations it is always necessary
to have as a reference the value kVA needed at start-up time.

DIRECT START

Power Start Start Start

Engine Light Medium Heavy

Start Operation Start Operation Start Operation

kW CV
(kVA)
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(kVA) (kVa)
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0.18 0.25 0.7 0.3 0.9 0.3 1.2 0.3

0.37 0.5 1.4 0.5 1.9 0.5 2.3 0.5

0.55 0.5 2.1 0.7 2.8 0.7 3.5 0.7

0.75 1 2.8 0.9 3.7 0.9 4.6 0.9

1.1 1.5 4.2 1.4 5.6 1.4 6.9 1.4

1.5 2 5.6 1.9 7.4 1.9 9.2 1.9

2.2 3 8.3 2.8 11 2.8 13.8 2.8

3 4 11 3.7 14.7 3.7 18.4 3.7

4 5.5 15.2 5 20.3 5 25.3 5

5.5 7.5 21 7 27.6 7 34.5 7

7.5 10 27.5 9.2 36.8 9.2 46 9.2

11 15 41.5 13.8 55.2 13.8 69 13.8

Single Phase 230/220 50 Hz (Nominal)

Three Phase 400/380 Volts 50 Hz (Nominal). Star alternator connection.
Three Phase 230/220 Volts 50 Hz (Nominal). Alternator connection in
triangle.

START STAR-TRIANGLE

Power Start Start Start

Engine Light Medium Heavy

Start Operation Start Operation Start Operation

kW CV
(kVA)
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3 4 3.7 3.7 4.9 3.7 6.1 3.7
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06/04/2020 Dimensioning the power of a generator – Tecnics Carpi

4 5.5 5 5 7 5 8.4 5

5.5 7.5 7 7 9.2 7 11.5 7

7.5 10 9.2 9.2 12.2 9.2 15.3 9.2

11 15 13.8 13.8 18.4 13.8 23 13.8

15 20 18.4 18.4 24.5 18.4 38.3 23

18.5 25 23 23 30.6 23 38.3 23

22 30 27.6 27.6 36.8 27.6 46 27.6

25 34 31.3 31.3 41.7 31.3 52.1 31.3

30 40 36.8 36.8 49 36.8 61.3 36.8

37 50 46 46 61.3 46 76.7 46

45 60 55.2 55.2 73.6 55.2 92 55.2

55 75 69 69 82 69 115 69

75 100 92 92 122.7 92 153.3 92

90 125 115 115 153.4 115 191.6 115

110 150 138 138 184 138 230 138

Starting at 4 kW, the starter is usually star-triangle.

Principles of calculation for the power of a generating

set.

The above data is based on the following calculations. So we can get any
other value that is not reflected in the previous conversion tables. To
Estecalculate,
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kW / cos PHI = kVA

If we only have the CV of the engine we can carry out the conversion easily
with the following formula.

kW= CV * 0.736

The cos PHi is a constant fact that we know in advance.

cos PHI = 0.81

As indicated above, it is necessary to take into account the peak power at the
time of starting the engine, so we add the correction factor (X) according to
the requirement of starting each machine.

According to your requirement at start-up the correction factor is as follows:

Light start : (X) = 3

(Turbines, Fans, Surface pumps, Machine tools, Vacuum starters,

etc.)

Medium start : (X) = 4

(Reducers, Conveyor belts, Submersible pumps, Compressors,

Starter machines under load, etc.)

Heavy start : (X) = 5

(Cranes, Lifting equipment, Cutting discs, Floor polishers, Loaders

with large loads, etc.)

In operation : (X) = 1

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(kW * (X)) / 0.81 = kVA

O well,

(CV Nominales * 0.736 * (X) ) / 0.81 = kVA

Taking into account that the requested energy point is 1/3 at star-triangle
start, the formula will be expressed as follows.

(1/3) * (kW * (X)) / 0.81 = kVA

O well,

(1/3) * (CV nominales * (X) * 0.736 / 0.81) = kVA

Taking into account that in operation the correction factor is 1 and the same
formula is used as the direct start, the formula will be expressed as follows:

kW / 0.81 = kVA

O well,

(CV Nominales * 0.736) / 0.81 = kVA

In the same way as in the conversion tables it is always advisable to take the
start value as a reference.

Considerations to take into account

It is recommended to use any of the above methods that if we are not

sure of the type of boot of the machine we use the most unfavorable
values of heavy starting, to avoid being short in the calculations.

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06/04/2020 Dimensioning the power of a generator – Tecnics Carpi

which extends the useful life of the generator set and avoid potential
problems.

Because a generator power with the star-triangle starter system is much

smaller, in some cases it is convenient to convert single-starter to star-
triangle to save power. It is advisable to consult the manufacturer if the
engine of the group allows it and the installer if this change is possible.

Keep in mind that a change of this type can increase the cost of
installation. Although obviously acquiring a lower power group can lead to
a large reduction in the cost of acquiring the group, so that the increase in
the installation can be easily assumed.

As a last remark, it is advisable to program the startup of the motors so

that the startup occurs in a staggered way, thus avoiding excessive power
peaks when starting all unison.

Are you looking for an experienced generator supplier?

In Tecnics Grupos Electrógenos, S.L. We have more than 50 years of

experience in the sector, designing, manufacturing and selling generators.

Ask us!

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