Uprating Existing Standby Generators?

[CuriousElectron]

Hello,

Is it a standard practice to uprate existing diesel/LP vapor generator units? I'm looking to upsize the units to more capacity- can I work with the vendor to upsize the alternator/engine/fuel tank and other accessories to bring the unit to a higher rating, or do I need to replace the unit?

The carcass is already there, and the generator has the proper NFPA listings, I just need a higher output..Would it be a cheaper alternative to rebuild versus replacing it..

Thanks,
EE

 

[catserveng]

Depends a lot on age of the engine and if it is an emissions rated unit. Most, but not all, standby ratings are at or near the top of a particular engines power output capability.

You really need to contact the manufacturer or their local dealer to see if your particular engines can be uprated. Also need to make sure of what regulatory impacts there may be doing a rerate.

Some more detail on your specific engines and where you are located may get you a better answer.

Hope that helps, MikeL.

 

[Parchie]

Ask a local shop dealing with rebuilds. Ask for quotes on rebuild/uprating of your unit and then call a genset dealer to compared prices.

 

[waross]

Do you need kW or KVA?
You can get often a quick upgrade by boosting the voltage of a 120/208 volt set and then bringing it back down with a set of auto-transformers.
A 120-208-277-480 set will have 140 Volt windings to get the 277 voltage (140 x 2 = 280, close enough to 277)
A 100 KVA set at 277-480 will be an 87 KVA set at 120-208 Volts.
Set up your ACR to 140 Volts and use a set of 120-24 Volt transformers in a three phase autotransformer configuration to drop back down to 120-208 Volts.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[CuriousElectron]

I need more kva and kw output on the unit.

Regards,
EE

 

[waross]

Size? ratings? standby or prime? How much do you have now? How much do you need?

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[CuriousElectron]

Hi Waross,

I'd be looking to go from 150kW to 220kW or so. This would be for a standby application. The fuel is LPV.
Will be calling the vendor, since I see on the nameplate that the "upsize alt. is 200kW".

Regards,
EE