Diesel generators are one of the most commonly used backup or main power devices, and are widely used in industrial, comercial, medical, communication, șantiere de construcții și alte locuri. Many users are concerned about a key question when selecting: “How long can a diesel generator run continuously?”
De fapt, the continuous operation time of a diesel generator is affected by many factors, including fuel capacity, load rate, cooling system design and maintenance status.

6 key factors
Fuel capacity: determines how long it can run after each refueling. The larger the fuel tank, the longer the continuous operation time.
Load rate (%): Full load operation consumes fuel faster, and partial load can extend the operation time.
Rata consumului de combustibil (g/kWh) or L/h: affects the fuel consumption per unit time.
Sistem de răcire: Industrial-grade generators are usually equipped with water cooling systems, which are suitable for long-term high-load operation.
Equipment design: Some high-end models are designed to run for a long time or around the clock
Maintenance level: Regular replacement of filters and oil can reduce the risk of downtime.
What will happen to a 500kW diesel generator set under load?
| Load rate | Fuel consumption (L/h) | Cylinder temperature (℃) | Continuous operation time (h) | Failure mode |
| 25% | 38 | 85 | 300+ | Carbon accumulation |
| 50% | 65 | 105 | 240 | Piston ring wear |
| 75% | 92 | 135 | 120 | Cylinder liner deformation |
| 100% | 125 | 165 | 72 | Bearing welding |
| 110% | 143 | 190+ | <24 | Piston top welding |

| Model | Rated Power (kW/kVA) | Fuel Tank (L) | Fuel Use @50% Load (L/h) | Fuel Use @100% Load (L/h) | Max Runtime @ Full Load | Cooling Type | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yanmar YDG5500 | 4.4kw / 5.5kVA | 16L | 1.2 L/h | 2.1 L/h | ~7.5 hours | Air-cooled | Residential, light-duty sites |
| Perkins 403A-11G | 8kw / 10kVA | 35L | 1.8 L/h | 3.1 L/h | ~11.3 hours | Water-cooled | Small offices, retail shops |
| Cummins C22D5 | 17.6kw / 22kVA | 77L | 3.4 L/h | 5.7 L/h | ~13.5 hours | Water-cooled | Small factories, telecom stations |
| Doosan DP60 | 48kw / 60kVA | 140L | 7.2 L/h | 10.6 L/h | ~13.2 hours | Water-cooled | Construction, commercial backup |
| Volvo TAD731GE | 104kw / 130kVA | 260L | 12.8 L/h | 18.2 L/h | ~14.3 hours | Water-cooled | Hospitals, hotels, Centre de date |
| MTU 16V4000G63 | 1250kw / 1562kVA | 3000L | 180 L/h | 240 L/h | ~12.5 hours | Water-cooled | Airports, large data centers |
Detailed analysis of Generatoare diesel of various specifications
Scenarii aplicabile: home backup, small shops or temporary activities.
Running time calculation:
Full load (20kw): 50L fuel tank ÷ 20kW×0.27L/kWh ≈ 8-10 hours.
75% load (15kw): 50L ÷ 15kW×0.27 ≈ 12-15 hours.
Avantaje: Silent design (78dBA), suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Limitations: It is only recommended to run continuously for no more than 24 ore, and long-term high load should be avoided.
Scenarii aplicabile: Spitale, hotels or small and medium-sized factories.
Running time calculation:
Full load (100kw): 200L fuel tank ÷ 100kW×0.25L/kWh ≈ 15-18 hours.
75% load (75kw): 200L ÷ 75kW×0.25 ≈ 20-25 hours.
Advantages: Water cooling system ensures stable operation in high temperature environment.
Notă: Turbocharger and coolant level need to be checked every quarter.
Applicable scenarios: Critical facilities such as data centers and manufacturing plants.
Running time calculation:
Full load (500kw): 1000L fuel tank ÷ 500kW×0.22L/kWh ≈ 24-30 hours.
75% load (375kw): 1000L ÷ 375kW×0.22 ≈ 35-40 hours.
Advantages: Redundant cooling system supports 72 hours of uninterrupted operation.
Maintenance: Check the wear of the turbocharger every 200 ore.
Applicable scenarios: Mining operations, Construcție în zone îndepărtate.
Running time calculation:
Full load (800kw): 1500L fuel tank ÷ 800kW×0.2L/kWh ≈ 30-35 hours.
75% load (600kw): 1500L ÷ 600kW×0.2 ≈ 45-50 hours.
Features: Equipped with anti-corrosion coating, suitable for dusty environments.
Recommendations: Clean the air filter weekly to prevent clogging.
Applicable scenarios: oil drilling platforms, refineries.
Running time calculation:
Full load (1500kw): 3000L fuel tank ÷ 1500kW×0.18L/kWh ≈ 40-45 hours.
75% load (1125kw): 3000L ÷ 1125kW×0.18 ≈ 60-70 hours.
Advantages: Double lubricating oil capacity, reduced mechanical wear.
Maintenance: Check the piston ring sealing every 100 ore.
Applicable scenarios: emergency rescue, power supply for large-scale events.
Running time calculation:
Full load (3000kw): 5000L tank ÷ 3000kW×0.15L/kWh ≈ 50-60 hours.
75% load (2250kw): 5000L ÷ 2250kW×0.15 ≈ 75-80 hours.
Technical highlights: Modular design allows for quick replacement of damaged parts.
Notă: Replace turbine lubricating oil quarterly to prevent high temperature oxidation.
A diesel generator set with a normal power of 150kw, then its operating power for 12 hours is 150kw, and the standby power may reach 180kw. Cu toate acestea, if you buy a standby 150kw diesel generator set, then its main power is likely to be only around 120kw. This results in the diesel generator set being small to drag the big, greatly shortening the service life of the diesel generator set, and it is very easy to fail. În general vorbind, diesel generator sets should be bought larger rather than smaller. The best power selection is to add about 10% to the actual power consumption.
The best economic operation condition of a diesel generator set is between 75%-90% of the rated power. How long can a 150kw diesel generator set run continuously? If the load power is equal to the 12-hour power of the generator set, then it must be shut down after running continuously for 12 ore. If the load power is 80% of the 12-hour power, it can usually run continuously without time limit. Just pay attention to whether the diesel, ulei, coolant are sufficient, and the temperature. But in actual use, it is best to shut down and rest after 48 ore.
© Utilaje Smat. Toate drepturile rezervate.
Lăsaţi un mesaj