Fuel Consumption of Gensets

[Melbo]

I have a four cylinder kubota diesel genset that is set up to run 220 to my service panel.

I use it when I am working on the coach in the storage area and have no other access to elelctricity.

On hot days I run both acs and a mix of power tools and compressors fans etc.

When I refuel some times I have driven only a few miles so the fuel is all for the genset.

It seems to consume about a half a gallon an hour that registers on the meter.

I am wondering if this is normal and if the more load or less load makes a BIG difference in how much fuel is consumed or if I can run whatever I want and it won't make a difference.

I have done some basic math and I don't think I have enough equipment that I could run at the same time so I could overload the system.

Just wondering what other peoples experience has been.

Melbo

[Ace]

I'm thinking it would depend on the KW ratingas to how much load it can carry and then how much fuel you would use. For example, I have a Kubota diesel also and it's a 12.5 kw. I average about 1 gallon per hour running it as I'm travelling. I only use it for the 3 a/c's, house type fridge, and house lights. Now that I think about it, I think it's only a 3 cyl. if that makes any difference! To add, I have a seperate fuel tank just for this unit!

Ace

[Ross]

I have a kubota powered 7.5KW Powertech and it burns about .6/hour loaded.

[JerryH]

Melbo,

We also have a 12.5 kW genset like Ace.  We burn 1-gallon per hour as well.

Jerry H.

[Dave Siegel]

Melbo,
I have a 4 cylinder Kuboto 10KW diesel genset in a sound proof compartment just behing the drivers wheel. It is a 50 amp 220 set-up as well. EVERTHING on our bus escept the water pump works off the gen set, or a land line. We live in SW Florida and in this heat we usually run 2 A/C/s in the ay time. The gen set consumes  right at 1/2 gallon per hour at 1800 rpms. We alwaysuse the gen set when we are going down the road, as well.

Your fuel consumption seems just about right.

Dave Siegel

[plyonsMC9]

Dittos to Dave's reply.  We have a 10KW Kubota diesel.  Ours is right at 1/2 gal/hr.

Hope this helps, Phil

[bobadame]

When I was looking at generators, the specs for most seemed to be around 1/10 gallon per killowatt hour.

[plyonsMC9]

When I was looking at generators, the specs for most seemed to be around 1/10 gallon per killowatt hour.

That sounds about right as we usually run about 1/2 load.  e.g., 5 KWatts, so 5 * 1/10 gallon = 5/10 gal/hr. 

I like that formula.  thanks bobadame!

[Melbo]

bobadame

that 1/10 of a gal per kw per hour -- how does that work with a generator that is running empty that is with no load??

It seem to me that there has to be a base line consumption of fuel just to idle along including up to a certain load and beyond that it would then begin to take more fuel.

Of course an overloaded system would start to trip breakers and other less desirable stuff could happen but I'm talking about the normal operating range.

Just my experience has been that it doesn't seem to matter what I turn on the fuel consumption is .5 gal an hour.

I was trying to find out if that was normal but it seem to be a normal to low rate of fuel consumption from the posts here.

Melbo

[Beatenbo]

I did a test with a measured jug with 2 gal fuel. 3 A/C and water heater TV, fridge, ect 1/3 gal first half hr. Water heater cycled off and A/Cs clycled next half hr 1/2 . Manual states .6 per hr half load. 1/2 gal is my nomal avg. My gen is Onan quiet diesel 10KW with Isuzu 3 cyl. One air at night would be less load. I figure on 10gal  24 hr period. Sometimes my gen runs 2-3 days at a time.