Generators Info

Hello,
I'm in market to buy generator power 800 KW (1,100 KVA), and I want to get info about CAT models which produces this power which they are 3508, 3512 and C32. I wonder what's difference between them?
and what's the fuel consumption for each of them? are they have difference in fuel consumption?
Thanks.

Manufactures spec sheets sometimes list the BSFC or Brake Specific Fuel Consumption. This is a number that corresponds to the amount of fuel it takes to make one(1) horse power. Often BSFC is used to compare engine efficiency or calculate the HP of a running engine with the known amount of fuel used. If not on the spec sheet call the manufacture and ask. BSFC can vary from manufacture specs with application, type of fuel and fuel quality. Basically, BSFC is like the MPG on the window sticker of a new car. It's a reference, but your results may vary.

A few questions: -

1. Are you looking at new or used generators.?
2. Does your operating locations have any emission restrictions..? (this will affect what engine options might be appropriate)
3. 1,100KvA capacity. How is that rated..? You have four options.......... see the attached document and decide which type of operation is most applicable to your intended usage.

A) - Emergency Standby Power
B) - Standby Power
C) - Prime Power
D) - Continuous Power

The same generator set can have four ratings, one for each of the four categories above. As an example on one site recently we had some Cat 3516 generator sets. They were rated 2.5MW Emergency, 2.25MW Standby, 2.0MW Prime, and 1.75MW Continuous. Same set, different usage options, different ratings.