Sizing Methodology

Conventional sizing mode: Although most applications may be operated with loads applied
in multiple steps, its not uncommon a generator set at commissioning be required to
demonstrate full load acceptance as per NFPA 110 (NFPA 110 is a North America
standard). Depending on the specifics of the installation, governor and/or voltage regulator
adjustments may be needed, and frequency and voltage dips may be significant, but all will
be capable of demonstrating full load acceptance. This concept is at the core of our
Conventional sizing methodology. Conventional sizing would equate to "competitive"
sizing, since this sizing methodology permits the user to select a range of allowable voltage
dip and frequency dip typically between 5% to 35%. A requirement of NFPA 110 is the
generator set pick up full load and recover... and not stall. Excessive frequency dip can stall
a generator set. The Conventional sizing mode in SpecSizer uses transient response data
from factory tested generator sets on warm engines. It is far less restrictive than the
Frequency Limited sizing mode. Most sizings in SpecSizer are based upon the Conventional
sizing mode, since it provides the user more options on setting different loads' allowable
frequency and voltage dips.
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Frequency Limited sizing mode: It is also not uncommon for generator sets to be held to
more rigorous standards, such as limited (or restrictive) frequency or voltage dip during load
acceptance. The most common example is ISO 8528. (note: a sized generator set may also
meet the ISO 8528 standard using the Conventional mode, if the user defined frequency and
voltage dip percentage allowances are set in accordance with the four ISO 8528 "G"
classifications - G1, G2, G3 or G4.) Therefore, SpecSizer has included the concept of
Frequency Limited sizing. A generator set sized using this methodology will respond to its
load steps based purely on governor performance, with little or no dependence on
turbocharger acceleration. This will limit frequency dip to the minimum value possible,
depending on engine displacement and governor design. User selection of the Frequency
Limited sizing mode will set or reset each user specified load's frequency dip to 10%. The
Frequency Limited sizing mode in SpecSizer uses transient response data from factory
tested generator sets that do not exceed a 10% frequency dip on a cold engine. The
Frequency Limited sizing mode will almost always oversize the generator set, particularly
when some loads in the load scenario do not require a restrictive 10% frequency dip and
start earlier in the load step scenario.
Site demonstration specifications: Note that if specifications require both single-step
starting and Frequency Limited sizing, a large generator set selection may result.
However, if the loads are carefully divided into multiple steps, both of these sizing
methodologies may at times select similar generator sets.