What Factors Determine How Long the Diesel Generator Can Run

Faced with power failure，What factors determine how long the diesel generator can run continuously?

1. Tank size

The size of fuel tank is one of the most important characteristics to be considered when purchasing diesel generator. The size will determine how long it can be used before refueling. Generally speaking, it is better to choose the one with large oil tank capacity. This allows the use of diesel generators for a longer time, especially during emergencies or power outages, but storage space and weight may be limiting factors.

2. Generator load

To determine the generator required, you should know the power consumption of all electrical appliances per hour. The size of diesel generator varies from 8KW to 3000KW. If you need to supply power for refrigerators, several lights and a computer, a 1000-watt generator is appropriate, but if you need to supply power for industrial equipment or large equipment, you can use a 30KW to 3000KW diesel generator.

Required more wattage , the larger the fuel tank required, because it will accelerate the combustion of fuel.

3. Fuel consumption rate

The fuel consumption rate is the most important factor that determines how long the diesel generator set can run continuously. It depends on the size of the fuel tank, power output and load.

The larger the fuel tank, the longer the operation time of the diesel generator. However, if you want a larger device, the fuel tank needs to be larger. If you need to use a larger fuel tank to extend the operation time, please find a generator with economic settings to make it use less fuel during operation.

You also need to consider how much power you will draw from the generator and how much power it can generate. The power of the generator needs to be suitable for the applied load.

4. Maintenance and service schedule

The diesel generator needs routine maintenance to maintain its efficient operation. The parts of diesel generator are easy to wear, so it is very important to check regularly and replace them if necessary. The generator with good maintenance will operate stably and reliably for many years.

5. Quality of fuel used

The quality of the fuel used is another factor that determines how long the diesel generator can run. The quality of diesel fuel varies with the place of purchase. Poor quality diesel fuel may not burn effectively and cause generator shutdown or other problems.

The fuel used to operate the diesel generator must meet strict quality standards. The physical, chemical and performance requirements of diesel fuel meet these standards, and the shelf life of fuel meeting these standards can reach 18 months or more.

6. Generator installation environment and ambient temperature.

There is a diesel engine behind each diesel generator. Although diesel engines can operate in a wide temperature range, they are generally not suitable for operation in extreme environments.

For example, many diesel engines can only operate within the specified temperature range. If you try to use the generator outside its ideal temperature range, you may encounter the problem that the generator cannot start or operate normally.

If you need to operate your generator in an environment with extreme temperature (higher or lower than its ideal operating range), you will need to purchase an industrial generator designed to withstand harsh environments.

7. The type of generator

There are two main types of diesel generators: standby generators and emergency generators. The standby generator is designed for a maximum of 500 hours per year, while the emergency generator can operate according to your needs, even 24/7 if necessary.

For example, if operating at 80% load, an 8kW small generator will burn 6 liters of diesel oil per hour. If the generator is to run for 24 hours, it will consume 144 litres of fuel. The larger 100kW diesel generator consumes 47 litres of fuel per hour under 80% load and consumes 1128 litres of fuel within 24 hours.

In contrast, the 10kW standby diesel generator burns about 3.7 litres per hour under 50% load and 7.6 litres per hour under 100% load. The same 10kW standby diesel generator needs to replenish fuel every 20 hours in high-load applications, such as supplying power for building lights and heating equipment, although this is still much longer than the 3-4 hours it may take to use gasoline generator.

The purpose of this article is to provide readers with information about various factors affecting the operation time of diesel generators. By clearly understanding these factors, users will be able to assess their current situation and prioritize accordingly. Then, they can decide for themselves what steps they will take as enterprises to achieve feasible solutions. At the same time, selecting the right standby diesel generator is crucial to your business process. If you want to know more, please contact us via email: dingbo@dieselgeneratortech.com.