Diesel vs Natural Gas Genset Size

[Mbrooke]

How much larger (size and weight) is a natural gas generator compared to an equivalent kw output diesel generator? I looked at 500kw gas units and they appeared to be as big or bigger than a 1250kw diesel unit. Or did I just see it that way?

 

[cranky108]

If you look at the energy content of the fuel, that would help with the size.
Gas engines would likely burn cleaner than diesel, and may need less after combustion equipment.
The use of a turbocharger would make any engine look bigger.

 

[Mbrooke]

Not just the turbo chargers, but the entire engine block looks about twice the size.

 

[cranky108]

I'm just saying, the physical size might be a good indicator. It is also possible that one can be a short term unit, vs a base load unit.

 

[davidbeach]

Natural gas burns hotter than diesel for a given power output. So a bigger block to deal with more heat. From back in the day I'd have said about 150% the size, but that's been many years now.

I’ll see your silver lining and raise you two black clouds. - Protection Operations

 

[Mbrooke]

150% does sound about right.

 

[Mbrooke]

Does anyone know around what size (kw) natural gas generators give the most watts per dollar?

I know that diesel units have a "bath tub" curve where 750-1000kw is the most kilowatt output per dollar.