Definitions
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Intermittent Power | The highest output obtainable at SAE standard ambient conditions. These levels may be only maintained for operating periods of short duration |
Standby Power | The electrical output of a generator set used for emergency or backup power, for use when normal powerline utilities fail. Usually runs less than 60 hours per year. |
Continuous Power | The output which can be obtained at SAE standard ambient conditions, operating in a continuous duty mode. The electrical load on the generator set will usually be steady. |
Prime Power | The electrical output of a generator set used as the primary source of power, often running 24 hours a day. The electrical load usually varies. |
pf – Power Factor |
|
kW – kilowatts |
kW, kilowatts, or sometimes kWm, kilowatts mechanical, refers to the power output from an engine driving a generator set or, in other words, the mechanical power driving the generator. To avoid confusion, the electrical output from the generator is often referred to as kWe (or ekW) which is the actual generator output after efficiency losses within the generator. Electrical power is usually measured in Watts (W) or thousands of Watts (kilowatts, kWe). kWe is sometimes referred to as “real power” while kVA (kilovolt-amperes) is apparent power. For single phase circuits the relationship is: Amperes x Volts ÷ 1,000 = kW. For three phase circuits: Volts x 1.73 x Amperes ÷ 1,000 = kVA |
If you know the electrical load in Amps and you know the system voltage, you can find the required kilowatts or kVA from the chart. Similarly, the system’s current can easily be found if you know the kWe and voltage.
Sizing a Generator Set
Before attempting to size a generator set, gather as much detail about the actual operating conditions and loads as possible. Sometimes a custom-built generator set—sized for the specific requirements—can easily pay for its cost in fuel savings, especially where motor starting is a primary consideration.
The following charts are handy guides to find the current (amperes) or kilowatts in an electrical system.
Generator Ratings in Amperes for 3 Phase Outputs at 0.8 Power Factor
KVA | KWe | 208V | 220V | 240V | 380V | 416V | 440V | 480V | 600V |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6.3 | 5 | 17.5 | 16.5 | 15.2 | 9.6 | 8.6 | 8.3 | 7.6 | 6.1 |
9.4 | 7.5 | 26.1 | 24.7 | 22.6 | 14.3 | 13 | 12.3 | 11.3 | 9.1 |
12.5 | 10 | 34.7 | 33 | 30.1 | 19.2 | 17.3 | 16.6 | 15.1 | 12 |
18.7 | 15 | 52 | 49.5 | 45 | 28.8 | 26 | 24.9 | 22.5 | 18 |
25 | 20 | 69.5 | 66 | 60.2 | 38.4 | 43.7 | 33.2 | 30.1 | 24.1 |
31.3 | 25 | 87 | 82.5 | 75.5 | 48 | 52 | 41.5 | 37.8 | 30.2 |
37.5 | 30 | 104 | 99 | 90.3 | 57.6 | 62.5 | 49.8 | 45.2 | 36.1 |
43.8 | 35 | 125 | 118 | 108 | 68 | 70 | 59 | 54 | 42.2 |
50 | 40 | 139 | 131 | 120 | 76 | 78 | 66 | 60 | 48 |
56.3 | 45 | 156 | 147 | 135 | 86 | 86 | 74 | 68 | 54 |
62.5 | 50 | 173 | 165 | 152 | 96 | 104 | 83 | 76 | 60 |
75 | 60 | 208 | 198 | 181 | 115 | 130 | 99.6 | 91 | 72 |
93.8 | 75 | 261 | 247 | 226 | 143 | 139 | 123 | 113 | 90 |
100 | 80 | 278 | 264 | 240 | 154 | 173 | 133 | 120 | 96 |
125 | 100 | 347 | 330 | 301 | 192 | 217 | 166 | 150 | 120 |
156 | 125 | 433 | 413 | 375 | 240 | 260 | 208 | 188 | 150 |
187 | 150 | 520 | 495 | 450 | 288 | 304 | 249 | 225 | 180 |
219 | 175 | 608 | 577 | 527 | 335 | 347 | 289 | 264 | 211 |
250 | 200 | 694 | 660 | 601 | 384 | 434 | 332 | 301 | 241 |
312 | 250 | 866 | 825 | 751 | 480 | 521 | 415 | 376 | 301 |
375 | 300 | 1040 | 990 | 903 | 576 | 607 | 498 | 451 | 361 |
438 | 350 | 1220 | 1155 | 1053 | 672 | 694 | 581 | 527 | 422 |
500 | 400 | 1390 | 1320 | 1203 | 770 | 868 | 665 | 602 | 482 |
625 | 500 | 1735 | 1650 | 1504 | 960 | 868 | 830 | 752 | 602 |
1) Formula used is A = (KVA x 1000) / (1.73 x Volts)
2) Current ratings are “linear”. For example, a 750 KVa (600 kWe at 0.8 Power Factor) at 480V produces 902 amps, or double the what is shown in the table for 375 kVa
*NEMA Starting Codes for Three Phase Motors KVA / HP Required for Locked Rotor Starting
Code | Starting KVA /HP § | Typical Motor Size |
---|---|---|
A | 0 – 3.15 | (Special) |
B | 3.15 – 3.55 | (Special) |
C | 3.55 – 4.0 | (Special) |
D | 4.0 – 4.5 | (Special) |
E | 4.5 – 5.0 | (Special) |
F | 5.0 – 5.6 | 15 H.P. + |
G | 5.6 – 6.3 | 10 H.P. |
H | 6.3 – 7.1 | 5 & 7.5 H.P. |
J | 7.1 – 8.0 | 3 H.P. |
K | 8.0 – 9.0 | 1.5 & 2 H.P. |
L | 9.0 – 10.0 | 1 H.P. |
M | 10.0 – 11.2 | < 1 H.P. |
* Starting code letter can be found on Motor Name Plate Data. DO NOT confuse “design code” with “starting code”.
§ For generator sizing use the higher inrush value. Consult the generator set manufacturer for voltage dip information and for generator current output capability.