FAQ's / EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT MOBILE SPRAY TRAILER & TRUCK GENERATOR SYSTEMS AND HOW TO PROPERLY DESIGN, SELECT, & SIZE THEM.

New ADG Frequently Asked Questions about Spray Trailer Generator Systems:

Q. What kind of generator system do I need for a mobile spray trailer or truck application?

A. You need to consider a number of critical factors before deciding on a generator system:

a) How many hours per day will the system operate?
The number of hours the system will run per day, per week, or per year is critical to your decision on what type of motor you can consider. If this is a part time venture and your equipment is operated with single-phase power and you are operating a small compressor then a gasoline powered generator might be a consideration. However, if this is a full-time business and you need over 12kw of power or plan to use 3-phase power then you should only consider using a diesel powered generator system.

b) What equipment do I need to power and how many Full Load Amps do I need to power the equipment?
You need to make a list of all the equipment you need to power and determine the total amps by voltage that you will need to power this equipment. Once you have determined the total amps then you can determine the minimum Full Load Amps (FLA or run amps) you need. Next you need to determine if any of your equipment has a requirement for high starting amps (compressors) - most motors require considerably more amps to start than to run.

c) What voltage and how many amps are required to power the equipment?
Single-phase power is normally used for smaller systems - less than 15kw. The calculation for this power is like your home electricity - volts x amps = watts (Example: 240v x 20amps = 4800 watts or 4.8kw). Three-phase power requires a special formula to calculate the actual amps because of the power factor considerations which are normally .8 for normal 3-phase power requirements. The calculation for 3-phase power is like an industrial plant where voltage varies from 208v to 480v. Most spray trailer applications are using 120-208v 3-phase adjusted upward to 127-220v 3-phase because this voltage provides the best load balance characteristics for both 120v and the higher 220v. (Example: 1.73 x .8PF x 220v = 304.48 x 20amps = 6089 watts or 6.9kw).

d) What HP motors will need to be started for a compressor or other device?
Motors require more current (amps) to start (LRA) than to run (FLA). Your generator system needs to be sized to provide sufficient power to handle all of the run amp (FLA) requirements and the starting amp (LRA) requirements for compressors or other motor driven devices. All motors have motor starting info codified on the data plate. Motors will typically have a design code and a FLA specification for the voltage. The design code tells you the motor starting info and the FLA specification tells you the required amps and voltage to operate the motor.

e) How important is the power generator equipment to the spray generator system?
If your truck or trailer moible spray trailer system has a shore power option (utility power connection receptacle) and you normally have power available at the site of your spray application location then the generator system may be what is called a secondary system - for emergencies or limited service. However, if the generator is your primary source of power then it must be considered a primary system and an important component of your entire spray system - maybe the most important piece of equipment. If the generator is a primary piece of equipment then it should be viewed as a major investment and amortized over it's useful life. Here are some general rules of thumb on generator life expectancy:

• Gasoline contractor grade 3600rpm air-cooled generators with receptacles - 2000-3000 hours estimated life
• Gasoline industrial grade 1800rpm liquid-cooled generators with lug connection or receptacle packages - 5000-6000 hours estimated life
• Diesel contractor grade 3600rpm air-cooled generators with receptacles - 2500-4000 hours estimated life
• Diesel industrial grade 3600rpm liquid-cooled generators with lug connection or receptacle packages - 10000-12000 hours estimated life
• Diesel industrial grade 1800rpm liquid-cooled generators with lug connection or receptacle packages - 15000-20000 hours estimated life

f) How much money can you afford to invest in the mobile power generation equipment?
The old adage that you get what you pay for is so true with power generator equipment. If your generator system requirement is for an industrial grade generator system then you need to make sure you purchase a properly sized and designed system. A generator system is basically comprised of the following components:

a) Engine,
b) AC generator end,
c) engine-generator controller,
d) support base and fuel tank, and
e) auxiliary features (remote tether, 2-stage HD air-filter system, main generator breaker, HD radiator, high-speed fan system, vibration isolator pads, etc.)

The most important part of the system is the quality of the engine and AC generator and how it is sized for your spray system. If it is properly sized and designed you should expect a maximum run-life providing the system receives proper maintenance. If the generator system is a major part of your mobile spray system then you need to make sure you get your money's worth in both engine-generator components and system design. Breaking down on the job can have serious financial consequences and cost you money. There is no substitute for reliability and efficiency.

Contact ADG for a free guide that covers everything you ever wanted know about mobile spray system power generators. Learn what information you need from the supplier to make an informed decision. Learn why properly sizing the generator system is important and not knowing can cost you time and money.

You will learn the answers to the following questions:

Q. What is involved in sizing the generator system for a spray trailer system?
Q. What kind of engine do I need to operate a mobile spray system?
Q. What size engine system will I need to power my equipment?
Q. What kind of AC generator end should I use with my engine?
Q. What is generator heat rise and how does it affect the generator system?
Q. How do you determine the prime kw rating for diesel engines?
Q. How do you calculate 3-phase amps so you can properly size your generator system?
Q. How are engine derates calculated and how critical are they in sizing a spray trailer generator system?
Q. Why is generator efficiency important and how it is properly applied?
Q. The questions you must ask the generator supplier and why?
Q. Engine EPA tier ratings and how they affect you and why?
Q. How ADG can help save you money, time, and problems?

Call and talk to one of our sales engineers for a generator consultation and assistance for sizing and motor starting applications. We are here to help.