Fuel Consumption
Estimated fuel supply requirements at half and full load
for natural gas and LP vapor fuels are shown below.
LP Vapor (Propane)
Cu Ft/Hr
Gal/Hr
Full Load
(liquid)
BTU/Hr
Cu Ft/Hr
Gal/Hr
3/4 Load
(liquid)
BTU/Hr
Cu Ft/Hr
Gal/Hr
1/2 Load
(liquid)
BTU/Hr
Cu Ft/Hr
Gal/Hr
1/4 Load
(liquid)
BTU/Hr
Cu Ft/Hr
Gal/Hr
Exercise
(liquid)
BTU/Hr
Natural Gas
Cu Ft/ Hr
Full Load
BTU / Hr
Cu Ft/ Hr
3/4 Load
BTU / Hr
Cu Ft/ Hr
1/2 Load
BTU / Hr
Cu Ft/ Hr
1/4 Load
BTU / Hr
Cu Ft/ Hr
Exercise
BTU / Hr
18
20kW
17kW
135
118
3.75
3.28
337500
295000
109
99
3.03
2.75
272500
247500
83
74
2.31
2.06
207500
185000
56
54
1.56
1.5
140000
135000
40
40
1.11
1.11
100000
100000
20 kW
17 kW
(18 kW)
(15.3 kW)
260
248
260000
248000
240
218
240000
218000
187
170
187000
170000
135
128
135000
128000
99
99
99000
99000
Recommended
Energy Content of
Fuel
Heating Value:
BTU per gallon (gross**)
Cubic feet (gas)
Fuel Pressure
Both LP vapor and natural gas fuel supply pressure
at the generator's fuel inlet port should be between
the following levels at full load with all gas appliances
turned on and operating.
• NG is 3.5-7"
• LP is 11-14" W.C.
Ensure that all gas line shutoff valves are OPEN and
that adequate fuel pressure is available whenever
automatic operation is desired.
For natural gas fuel pressure levels of 3.5-5" W.C.,
replace regulator assembly with service kit 6331-00.
Power Loss
Air density is less at high altitudes, resulting in less
available engine power. Specifically, engine power
will decrease 3.5% for each 1,000 feet (300 meters)
above sea level and 1% for each 10° F (5.6°C) above
77°F (25°C). Make sure you and your installer consider
these factors when determining total generator load.
Fuel Pipe Sizing
There are numerous on-line or otherwise-published
references for fuel pip sizing. For example, NFPA
54-Natural Fuel Gas Code, 2006 (Item #: 320-6031-06)
is a common resource.
The installer should consider the specific gravity of gas
and compensate for a nominal amount of restriction
from bends, fittings, etc. If an unusual number of
fittings, bends, or other restrictions are used, refer to
federal and local codes for guidance.
LP Vapor
Natural
Gas
91,547
2,500
1,000