Generator Basics: Watts in a name?
Watts in a name?
In the commercial generator business, we talk a lot about Kilowatts (kW), sometimes even MEGA-watts(mW)! But what exactly is a watt, and how many do we need?
Named after Scottish inventor James Watt for his breakthrough developments in steam-powered electricity generation, a watt is simply a term to describe a unit of power. 1 kW is equal to 1000 watts.
1 watt = 1.34 horsepower(hp)
This means a genset producing 500 kW has an engine producing 670 hp!
One watt also is equal to one joule. Wikipedia defines a joule as “The work required to produce one watt of power for one second, or one “watt-second”.
As far as electromagnetism is concerned, one watt is the rate at which work is done when one ampere (A) of current flows through an electrical potential difference of one volt (V).
How many watts do I need?
Power requirements can be found by adding the total amount of each appliance or device being powered. This is easily done in home or recreational settings. Here are some examples using basic home appliances:
- Microwave (1,500 watts)
- Refrigerator (600 watts)
- Sump pump (600 watts)
- Heating system (500 watts)
- TV (200 watts)
This would put power requirements around 3 to 4 kW or 4000 watts.
For commercial generators, these numbers are much greater and have several variables based on the requirements of the facility being served, and whether the unit will be for emergency (standby) only or used constantly (prime power). There are no hard set rules because each facility has it’s own unique power demands.
Determining factors include:
- Critical loads
- Future loads
- Lighting loads
- Cooling loads
For example, a data center sizing a backup generator would be concerned with two major factors: The total critical load (servers, routers, computers, storage devices, telecommunications equipment, etc.) and the total cooling load (chilled water systems, direct expansion cooling systems).
These calculations and the resulting recommendations should be left in the hands of a trusted, qualified electrical engineering firm. Complex systems require several months to design and will have to adhere to local, state and national regulations for safety and reliability.
Woodstock Power Company specializes in commercial generators ranging from 30 kW to 2.5 mW. We work with the best electrical contractors, rigging and transportation companies in the nation to ensure your generator buying or selling experience goes smoothly. Please give us a call if you have any questions!
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