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Hi,

Engineering in Emergencies' chapter on generator sizing explains clearly that a generator is rated for a peak apparent power output(kVA) and so power factor of loads must be considered when sizing.

The book also provides a ballpark figure for fuel consumption - 0.3 litres per kWh.

Is a generator's fuel consumption dependent only/primarily on real power out? So though we may have to buy a 10kVA generator to run 5kW at a power factor of 0.5, such a set up would (fundamentally) be expected to use more or less the same amount of petrol as a 5kW load at a power factor of 1?

And does 0.3 litres per kWh seem reasonable for today's generators? A reasonable figure for both petrol and diesel?

Thanks Anton