Stationary Generators Dismantled Machines

About Stationary Generators

Stationary generators are a more permanent alternative to towable generators. These generators serve a wide range of residential and commercial use cases, including providing reliable backup power for residential homes and powering critical equipment in commercial settings. They typically offer higher power ratings, can be hardwired into buildings’ electrical systems, and can be started manually or be equipped with an Automatic Transfer Switch, which allows automatic operation during a power failure and returns the system to standby once power is restored.

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2023 Caterpillar D800 GC Stationary Generator

The size of the residential generator needed depends on the startup and sustained power needs of all the equipment you’ll need to run in the event of a power loss. Similarly, sizing a commercial generator requires an assessment of the required electrical load for all equipment in the building.

Due to their size and complexity, stationary generators require professional installation by qualified professionals and routine maintenance for reliable operation. Stationary generators are generally quieter than towable models but still make noise during operation. Noise reduction measures, such as soundproofing enclosures, can help. Silent or quiet generators are also available.

Despite their differences, these larger power systems nonetheless share several components with other generator types, including an internal combustion engine, a starter, an alternator, a fuel tank, and power outlets. Total power can range from 5 kilowatts for a small home standby generator to 3,000 kW and up for larger industrial generators.

Stationary Generator Fuel Options

Available fuel options include diesel, gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Fuel tanks range from around 50 to 3,000 gallons (190 to 11,350 liters) or more. Depending on the size of the tank, the engine’s efficiency, and the use case, stationary generators can run for a few hours during a power outage or for days in the case of an emergency. Residential generators typically use natural gas or propane, which are easily accessible and are cleaner-burning options. Commercial generators typically use diesel fuel to support their heavy-duty applications.

Standby & Prime Power

Stationary generators have two listed power ratings: standby and prime. The standby power rating is usually higher, indicating the available power for temporary use during outages or emergencies where primary power is lost. When used as a temporary measure, a generator can run at or near its peak rated power output for a limited time.

The prime power rating indicates available power when used for extended periods as a primary power source. During such usage, it’s best not to run the generator at full strength for several successive days due to the toll it will take on the engine and other components; most manufacturers advise not to exceed 70% of the prime rating on average.

Stationary Generator Applications

Stationary generators come in an array of sizes and capacities, from whole-house generators to commercial generators for small to medium businesses. Home standby generators can be used to back up an entire house, including lighting, refrigerators, essential appliances, sump pumps, HVAC systems, and more during power outages to ensure safety and comfort.

Commercial generators prevent disruptions and financial losses for data centers, retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses. Hospitals can use commercial generators to keep critical healthcare systems running, grocery stores can use them to prevent produce and refrigerated or frozen items from spoiling, and office buildings can keep computers and other essential equipment ready for use.

Construction crews can also use stationary generators for primary power at long-term jobsites or other areas where reliable access to electrical utilities isn’t available.

Generac stationary generators are a popular choice for residential and commercial generators.

EPA Compliance

The United States Environmental Protection Agency established its emissions standards for compression-ignition engines in 1996 to lower nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. The standards, which are presented in tiers, have grown increasingly strict over time, and the current Tier 4 and Tier 4i ratings state that a diesel generator must reduce emissions by 95% when compared to a nonregulated model.

It’s important to be cognizant of your generator’s EPA rating, both to be compliant with regulations and to be aware of your operation’s impact on the environment, especially if sustainability is a focus for your organization.

States have differing policies regarding EPA ratings; some allow the use of Tier 2 or Tier 3 generators, so long as they meet the standards established in the year they were manufactured. Other states may require a Tier 4 model. In such cases, older models can sometimes be rebuilt to meet the updated standard. Knowing your local and state regulations before you buy a new or used generator will help avoid potential headaches later.

Find Stationary Generators For Sale

Explore PowerSystemsToday.com to find new and used stationary generators for sale, including EPA-certified generators, from industry-leading manufacturers such as Atlas Copco, Caterpillar, Cummins, FG Wilson, Generac, Giga Power, Kohler, MTU, and others. Smaller generators may cost around $2,000 or less, but larger generators can go for well over $1 million.