What is an Industrial Generator?

An industrial generator is much the same as any other power generator with regards to their purpose and how they work, but with a few notable differences.  When we use the word “industrial” we are usually looking for equipment that is rugged, dependable and designed to withstand the rigors of an industrial setting, such as a chemical plant, oil well site, or pipeline.  Industrial generators are no different.

Generators are available in many different types ranging from 6kW portable gas-powered generators that one person can move with ease, such as the ones you can find at home supply stores, all the way up to generators that are the size of an 18-wheeler container. So what is an industrial generator?

Although there is no definitive rule per se, most people would say that for a generator to be considered “industrial” it should be capable of producing  150kw – 2 megawatts of power. The truth is, that to answer the question “What is an industrial generator?”, the answer is it depends on who you ask.

Selecting the right industrial power generator for your application is important. There are several types of industrial generator to consider, each with its own merits depending on the application.

Diesel Generators

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Diesel generators range from 9 kW – 2 Mega Watts and are a great solution for remote applications where there is no utility power or natural gas connection. One benefit of diesel generators is that diesel fuel is relatively easy to come by in most applications; however, diesel isn’t always the best option. Diesel generators require refueling. Storing fuel on-site can come with its own set of challenges, including diesel becoming stagnant. You can read more about that here. 

 

Natural Gas Industrial Generators

Total Energy Solutions offers a line of prime power natural gas generator sets ranging from 18 kW to 1000 kW that are designed to run off wellhead natural gas. By using the natural gas that is being pumped from the well to power the generator, the need for refueling is eliminated, saving time and money.

For more information about how to choose between diesel and natural gas generators for your application see our article on the subject Choosing Between Diesel and Natural Gas Generators.

Industrial generators are also built to be sturdier than your 20kw residential generator.  Due to their size, the structure of an industrial generator is built to be moved by cranes and/or forklifts. They are also more customizable than residential-type generators and can be custom-ordered based on the needs of the application. For example, they can be built with or without an enclosure.  Enclosures come in different NEMA ratings and can be rated for different sound attenuation levels, depending on whether or not noise is an issue for the application.

Choosing the right industrial generator for your application requires a lot of thought.  Our generator experts can help you choose the generator with the rights specifications for you.