Skip navigation.
Our energy working for you.



United States and Canada Region

Power Topics Newsletter

Updates on our latest whitepapers, products and solutions.
Register here.

Liquid Cooled Genset Application Manual - Preliminary Design

Chapter 2: Preliminary Design

Please read the Warranty Statement carefully before proceeding with any design or ordering materials or labor.

These documents are in PDF format. To view them, you will need Adobe Reader® software.

Designing a generator set installation requires consideration of the equipment needed and its installation requirements. These vary according to the type and application of the generator set and its intended use.

The reason for installing the generator may be mandated by code – justified on the basis of protecting life; or may be voluntary – driven by the need to protect from loss of services, data or other valuable assets.

On-site power generation may also be used to take advantage of favorable load curtailment rates offered by the local electrical power utility provider.

Understanding the site power requirements, site conditions and the combined demand that these will make on the generator set are fundamental to a reliable and cost-effective generator set application.

Requirements and Recommendations:

  • The load characteristics must match the duty cycle chosen for the generator.
  • Standby and Prime power rated generator sets are designed for a variable load application.
  • If the load is does not vary – as in the case with some furnace, pumping and ventilation systems; or if the generator is being used in parallel with the public utility, a Continuous power output rated generator will be required.
  • Check the site ambient conditions where the generator is to be installed. If temperature, altitude or humidity is in excess of the generator rating conditions, the output may need to be derated to allow operation.
  • Outdoor locations need to be evaluated for degree of weather protection, security and service access. If a rooftop situation is considered, the mass of the generator, fuel delivery and vibration transmission will be important factors.
  • Indoor locations should be evaluated for ventilation, fire rating and access space for installation, operation and maintenance of the product.
  • The effect of atmospheric pollution, prevailing wind and the possibility of hot air and exhaust recirculation must be considered for all sites and types of generator.
  • Fuel must conform to the engine specification. If there is any doubt, contact your local distributor.
  • Local regulations may restrict the amount of fuel, lubricating oil or coolant stored and the method used for storage on a particular site.
  • Noise control will be important for most installations. The generator data sheet gives details of the noise emission from the generator set. Enclosed generator sets generally afford a stated level of noise emission, while open generators rely on the building design to provide necessary attenuation.

For information regarding your application contact your nearest distributor.

To comment on any of this documentation please use our feedback form.

©2008 Cummins Power Generation Inc. All Rights Reserved.