When operating a natural gas generator, the first thing that comes to most of the individuals’ minds is how much gas it will actually consume. Using more fuel not only increases costs but also affects how well the generator operates. That is where the fuel consumption chart for natural gas generator come in handy. With this, you can avoid guessing the thoughts as well as the estimations of the natural gas usage of the generators.
Whether you are planning to buy a new generator, manage your operating expenses, or want to compare the generator size and its gas consumption levels, this chart will help you make the right decision. Through this article, we will help you understand the fuel consumption chart in detail.
What a Fuel Consumption Chart Shows
A fuel consumption chart helps you understand the amount of natural gas a generator uses when different loads are applied and run at different conditions. Greater output levels cause the generator to burn more fuel. Simultaneously, using a low load level uses less fuel. Here is what the fuel consumption chart actually includes:
- Generator Capacity (kW or kVA): This tells you the maximum power the generator can produce. Compared to smaller-sized models, bigger ones require more gas but provide better efficiency.
- Load Levels: There are multiple load levels at which the generator works. At different load levels, the fuel consumption will be different.
- Natural Gas Consumption Rate (in m³/hour or ft³/hour): This shows the amount of gas consumed by the generator every hour. For different load levels, this will show different results.
- Effect of Power Load on Fuel Usage: As power demand increases, the generator uses a greater amount of gas. You can analyze this using a consumption chart to efficiently utilize your generator without any waste of fuel.
Fuel Consumption Chart for Natural Gas Generator
The table will show you the amount of natural gas that is consumed by the generator when different level of load is applied. This will also enable you to understand the effects of the fuel usage as different amounts of loads are applied, coupled with the different capacities of the generators.
| Generator Size (kW) | 25% Load (ft³/hr) | 50% Load (ft³/hr)
| 75% Load (ft³/hr) | 100% Load (ft³/hr) | Estimated Cost per Hour* |
| 20 | 157 | 188 | 247 | 289 | Low |
| 30 | 202 | 260 | 348 | 416 | Low-Moderate |
| 40 | 246 | 333 | 449 | 543 | Moderate |
| 60 | 334 | 479 | 652 | 798 | Moderate |
| 75 | 400 | 588 | 803 | 990 | Moderate |
| 100 | 510 | 771 | 1,056 | 1,308 | Moderate-High |
| 125 | 621 | 953 | 1,308 | 1,627 | High |
| 135 | 665 | 1026 | 1409 | 1,754 | High |
| 150 | 731 | 1,135 | 1,561 | 1,946 | High |
| 175 | 841 | 1,317 | 1,813 | 2,264 | High |
| 200 | 952 | 1,500 | 2,066 | 2,583 | High |
| 230 | 1084 | 1718 | 2,369 | 2,965 | High |
| 250 | 1,172 | 1,864 | 2,571 | 3,220 | Very High |
| 300 | 1,393 | 2,229 | 3,076 | 3,857 | Very High |
| 350 | 1,614 | 2,593 | 3,581 | 4,495 | Very High |
| 400 | 1,834 | 2,958 | 4,086 | 5,132 | Very High |
| 500 | 2,276 | 3,687 | 5,096 | 6107 | Very High |
| 600 | 2,717 | 4,416 | 6,107 | 7,622 | Very High |
| 750 | 3,379 | 5,506 | 7,622 | 10,147 | Very High |
| 1000 | 4,482 | 7,332 | 10,147 | 12,780 | Very High |
Note: The values given in the chart are provided as a reference only. Generators usually run near these load levels, but actual usage may differ based on the manufacturer’s engine design and other conditions.
Key Takeaways:
- Fuel usage is calculated based on standard natural gas values.
- They deliver the best results when run at a 70 to 80% load level.
- Running the generator at low load uses more fuel while producing less power.
Units Used in Natural Gas Fuel Consumption Charts
Different units can be used to show natural gas fuel consumption in charts. Commonly used units are:
Cubic meters per hour (m³/h): This unit is used to show the amount of cubic meters of natural gas that are used in one hour. Most countries using the metric system use this unit of measure.
Cubic feet per hour (ft³/h): This unit is used to represent the amount of natural gas consumed in terms of cubic feet per hour. Mostly used in countries that follow the imperial or U.S. customary system.
How to Read a Fuel Consumption Chart Correctly
Match Generator Load with Fuel Usage
To match the generator load with fuel usage, first select the generator load you desire to operate on and then determine the fuel consumption figure associated with that load. This value shows the amount of fuel the generator uses per hour. This makes it easier to estimate fuel needs and plan ahead accordingly.
Identify Efficient Operating Ranges
Most generators run at their optimum efficiency when employed in a medium- to high-load application. Operating at this level not only helps you reduce fuel waste but also improves the performance. On the other hand, if you run it at low load or at maximum load, it can significantly reduce the efficiency.
Avoid Chart Data Misinterpretation
It is a must to note the units used in the chart before making the comparison. Also, keep in mind that the chart values depend on various factors involved in the developmental works of various manufacturers.
Conclusion
Using the above fuel consumption chart helps individuals make more accurate fuel estimations and avoid confusion when comparing multiple generator models. They provide a helpful reference for estimating fuel requirements. Moreover, the charts help individuals make better decisions.
