Generator Minimum Economic Load Analyzer — Find the Cheapest Load Range
A generator can consume significant fuel while lightly loaded. Test load levels from 5% to 100% and identify where the modeled fuel cost per useful kWh is lowest.
Generator fuel model
Why lightly loaded generation can be expensive per kWh
The generator's fuel use contains a fixed operating component and a load-dependent component in the model. As useful electrical output becomes small, that fixed fuel component is spread across fewer kilowatt-hours.
Fuel cost per useful kWh
The calculator divides hourly fuel cost by the electrical output at each tested load.
Economic load versus technical load
The cheapest modeled load is not automatically the correct operating point. Generator temperature, engine condition, redundancy and minimum-load requirements must also be considered.
Worked example
At 10% load on a 500 kW generator, only 50 kW is produced, while the generator still consumes the modeled fuel rate at that load. At higher load, the same fixed component is spread over more useful output.
Limitations
The output depends directly on the fuel curve you enter. Real manufacturer curves should be preferred for equipment decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Does the tool recommend combining generators?
No. It only analyzes one generator's entered fuel curve.
Can the economic minimum be below 10%?
Yes if you lower the minimum analysis load.
Does low fuel cost per kWh prove a load is safe?
No. Economic analysis and equipment operating limits are separate questions.