By HuaQuan Engineering TeamPublished: 2026-07-17Category: Wiki Encyclopedia

Definition

Active Power (kW): Real power performing actual work. Alternator: Device converting mechanical to electrical energy. ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch): Auto-switches load between sources. AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator): Maintains generator voltage. Baseload: Minimum continuous power demand. Black Start: Starting generator without external power. Brushless Exciter: Excitation without brushes/slip rings. BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption): Fuel efficiency metric (g/kWh). CAN Bus: Controller Area Network for engine communication. CCP (Continuous Power): 24/7 constant load rating. CHP (Combined Heat & Power): Cogeneration. Common Rail: High-pressure constant fuel injection system. COP (Continuous Operating Power): Unlimited hours at constant load. Crankcase: Engine lower section housing crankshaft.

Generator Glossary A-C — Diesel Generator Terms & Acronyms

Active Power (kW): Real power performing actual work. Alternator: Device converting mechanical to electrical energy. ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch): Auto-switches load between sources. AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator): Maintains generator voltage. Baseload: Minimum continuous power demand. Black Start: Starting generator without external power. Brushless Exciter: Excitation without brushes/slip rings. BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption): Fuel efficiency metric (g/kWh). CAN Bus: Controller Area Network for engine communication. CCP (Continuous Power): 24/7 constant load rating. CHP (Combined Heat & Power): Cogeneration. Common Rail: High-pressure constant fuel injection system. COP (Continuous Operating Power): Unlimited hours at constant load. Crankcase: Engine lower section housing crankshaft.

TermCategoryDefinition
Example 1CategoryDefinition text
Example 2CategoryDefinition text
Example 3CategoryDefinition text
AbbreviationFull FormContext
ABCAlpha Beta CharlieIndustry standard
DEFDelta Echo FoxtrotTechnical specification
Related StandardOrganizationScope
Standard AOrg AIndustry governance
Standard BOrg BTechnical compliance

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Related Terms

Diesel Generator | Generator Components | Power Generation | Electrical Engineering | Industry Standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is generator derating?
Derating reduces output for environmental conditions. Altitude: -1% per 100m above 1000m. Temperature: -1% per 10°C above 25°C.
What is an alternator vs generator?
Technically: alternator produces AC, generator produces DC. Colloquially, 'generator' means complete genset. Modern alternators use brushless self-excited synchronous design.
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is renewable fuel from vegetable oils or animal fats. B20 compatible with most diesel engines. B100 requires engine modifications.
What is a load bank test?
Load bank testing applies artificial load (75-100%) to exercise generator. Prevents wet stacking, verifies capacity, tests cooling system. Recommended monthly for standby units.
What is NFPA 110?
NFPA 110 is the US standard for emergency and standby power systems. Level 1: life safety (hospitals, high-rise). Level 2: less critical. Defines transfer time, testing, and maintenance.
What is Modbus?
Modbus is an open serial protocol (RS-485) for generator controller integration. RTU mode: registers map to generator parameters. Supported by most controllers.
What is genset paralleling?
Paralleling connects multiple generators to a common bus to increase capacity, improve reliability (N+1), and enable maintenance without shutdown. Requires synchronization and load sharing.
What is the difference between kW and kVA?
kW (kilowatt) = real power consumed. kVA = apparent power. kW = kVA x Power Factor. Standard PF is 0.8: 100 kVA = 80 kW.
What is AVR in a generator?
AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) maintains generator output voltage within ±1% by controlling exciter field current. Modern digital AVRs offer soft start, voltage matching, and Modbus communication.
What is IP rating?
IP (Ingress Protection) indicates enclosure protection. IP44: spray water. IP54: dust protected. IP65: dust tight + water jets. Generator enclosures typically IP44-IP65.
What is wet stacking?
Wet stacking occurs when diesel engines run at <30% load for extended periods, causing unburned fuel accumulation. Prevention: load bank testing at 75%+ load monthly.
What is synchronizing?
Synchronization matches voltage, frequency, phase angle, and phase sequence before connecting a generator to a live bus. Auto-synchronizers control speed and voltage automatically.
What is ISO 8528?
ISO 8528 is the international standard for reciprocating internal combustion engine driven AC generating sets. Defines ratings, performance, testing, and documentation requirements.
What is a transfer switch (ATS)?
An ATS automatically switches load between utility and generator. Types: open transition, closed transition (make-before-break), soft-loading. NFPA 110 requires <10 sec transfer.
What is common rail injection?
Common rail maintains constant high fuel pressure (up to 2500 bar) with electronically controlled injectors. Benefits: precise timing, better atomization, lower emissions, 5-8% fuel savings.

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