How Long Can a Small Diesel Generator Run Continuously?

If you are staying or running a business in a place where power interruptions happen frequently, then arranging a power backup is necessary. Homes and businesses like small cafes, department stores, and small offices often use portable or small diesel generators to overcome power shortages.

The small diesel generator for home in India comes in different sizes and capacities of power output. You will find many brands and sizes of small diesel generator for homes in the market these days. The continuous runtime of a small generator should be considered before you buy one. In this article, we will discuss the runtime of the generator and the factors that impact the runtime.

How Long a Small Diesel Generator For Home in India Run?

There is no fixed rule or specific general runtime for generators. A standard runtime of a small diesel generator for home in India could vary from six to twelve hours. However, many factors play vital roles in determining the runtime of a small diesel generator for home in India. You should calculate the total power or wattage you need before you decide to buy the generator. If you have a clear idea of the requirement, you will be able to calculate the runtime of your generator as consumption is the main influential factor here.

The Factors That Impact Small Generator Runtime

The runtime of a small diesel generator for home in India will depend upon a few factors such as fuel tank capacity, fuel type you use, power demand, generator power output, etc.

Fuel Tank Size

The small generators generally have small fuel tanks as the volume of the generator has to be compact. The bigger fuel tank can store more fuel at once. The bigger tank generator will run longer and need less refilling than generators with smaller fuel tanks. However, the unit of power you need will also decide how long your fuel will last.

Fuel Type

Propane as fuel is more efficient in generating power than gasoline. If you use propane instead of gasoline you will have more runtime.

Load Demand 

The load demand refers to the power you need for running your office or home. You can get it by adding the power requirement of the appliances you plan to use during a power outage. This load demand will impact the runtime of a small diesel generator for home in India directly. The more power you need the less runtime you have, irrespective of the generator output capacity and fuel tank size.

For example, imagine you have a small diesel generator for home in India that has a fuel tank of 6 liter capacity. Now your generator with full capacity output can run up to 1.5 hours for one liter of fuel and 9 hours with 6 liters. Now if you use power using 50% of the output capacity of the generator, it may give you backup for 2.5 to 3 hours for 1 liter. To increase the generator runtime you may reduce the power consumption.

Generator Power Output Capacity

The unit of power generated by using per unit fuel determines the output capacity. Fuel-efficient generators, give more power output using less fuel and that is why they run for a long time with one refill.

Cooling System

Generators without proper cooling systems may heat up frequently and malfunction. Thus the generators should have proper cooling systems to run long without trouble.

Conclusion

The continuous runtime of a small diesel generator for home in India will depend upon many factors directly and indirectly. The fuel tank capacity, power demand, and power output capacity influence the runtime directly. On the other hand, fuel type, cooling system, and regular maintenance will impact the runtime indirectly.