Configuring your Generator Set and Datasheet
Polar provides generator and power systems that are configured to meet our customers’ needs by matching our various sub systems / components against specific site requirements. This is the reason we avoid creating data sheets on complete generators, we are not limited in our options. To create a complete and detailed “data sheet” most of our customer review each of our options and then will assemble the individual component / sub assembly data sheets into a binder. Here is a guide
1. Selection of the alternator type, either 8000 or 6200. Our 8000 series is the most popular for telecommunications and battery charging applications. The 6200 is most popular for specialized military applications requiring ultra fast voltage regulation and fixed engine speed operations. Details are listed in the individual brochures.
2. Selection of the generators power range (kW or Amps) based on meeting either the daily or weekly energy demand of the load (kWh or Ah) factored against the generator run time.
3. Selection of the alternator model and engine size are based on optimizing the generator run time in powering the load and recharging the battery and this is factored against the engine maintenance. The faster the generator speed the greater the power obtained from either the engine or the alternator; and the greater the power the shorter the run time (but this requires a larger battery bank). Shorter the generator run time the lower the engine maintenance, but larger battery banks will increase the operating costs and battery maintenance. Slower engine speeds (1400 to 2000 RPM) reduce engine maintenance and generator noise, but higher speeds (2200 to 3000 RPM) reduce generator size and cost. Best fuel efficiencies at around 2200 – 2400 RPM for small load variations, and around 1600 – 1800 for larger load variations.
4. Additional factors in selection of the fuel: The Toyota LPG/Propane and natural gas engines that Polar assembles will provide between 60,000 to 90,000 hours of service. Our heavy duty diesel engines that we configure will provide 10,000 to 30,000 hours of service. Diesel poses fewer problems when operating at temperatures lower than -40 C than propane. Diesel is more easily transported but more prone to theft. For backup generators diesel can spoil during storage whereas as LPG/propane or natural gas can be stored for hundreds of years (container allowing). For a given volume of fuel (gallons of liters) diesel can store more energy. A Toyota LPG/Propane/natural gas engine will last 3 times longer than is diesel fuel model. Diesel smells more than the other fuels and permitting can be more difficult in certain areas.
5. Indoor or outdoor installation. This will determine enclosure type.
6. Accessories for communications, engine oil maintenance intervals, noise abatement, electrical ripple, fuel packaging.
By visiting our various pages under Products you can download detail on the subassemblies and components. For assistance on Applications you can visit pages under this section. For Polar assistance in selecting configurations and costing please fill out an application form.
If you would like help selecting a suitable package for your application please fill out our online “Generator Worksheet” and we will review your requirements and suggest a suitable Genset package.
For further support:
Technical Support Toll Free number:
+1 (310) 830-9153
| Comparison | Diesel | LPG / Propane / Natural Gas |
| ENVIRONMENTAL | • Rapidly changing emission standards reduce engine availability and increases engine cost. • Strict emission controls are increasing Diesel engine complexity thereby reducing reliability and making maintenance more difficult. • Diesel emits 161 lbs of CO2 per MMBtu. • Diesel emits more soot and obnoxious odors. • Very expensive cleanup cost on fuel spills | ü Environmentally clean fuel, engines are rarely affected by change in environmental regulations. ü Clean exhaust ideal for use near population centers. ü Propane emits 139 and NG 117 emits lbs. of CO2 per MMBtu ü No spills requiring cleanup costs |
| STORAGE, SHELF LIFE TRANSPORTATON | • Diesel fuel has limited storage life and sometimes requires additives. Transportation of Diesel to the site exposes the fuel to water contamination which can damage the engine. • Diesel engines require clean and moisture free fuel to operate reliably. | ü LPG and NG have an unlimited shelf life which leads to greater generator reliability. ü During emergencies LPG may be more readily available. ü Using vapor feed contaminants remain in the tank. |
| ENGINE NOISE | • Due to compression ignition, Diesel engines produce higher noise (knock) thereby requiring greater noise attenuation. Noise is a concern when systems are installed close to population centers. | ü Low operating noise of LPG engine allows for deployment of engines in close proximity to population centers and indoor facilities. |
| FUEL THEFT | • Diesel theft is a key factor increasing operating costs by 10% to 25%. In addition, the practice of diluting diesel fuel as a means of pilferage leads to premature engine failure. | ü LPG and NG are more difficult to steal, making these fuels ideal for all applications. |
| LIFE CYCLE COSTING | • Diesel engines are subject to damage (wet stacking) if run with light loads. • Quality Diesel engines will have a service life of 14,000 to 35,000 hours. | ü The service life of a Toyota LPG / NG engines is 60,000 to 90,000 hours. ü NG is lower in cost than diesel. ü At many locations LPG is lower in cost than diesel |
MMBtu = million Btu , LPG = liquid petroleum Gas , LPG can consist of all butane or a combination of propane and butane.
Natural gas can be supplied as CNG (compressed natural gas) or as low-pressure gas from the utility.
