Customers often inquire about what type of diesel generator set is suitable for farms and how many kilowatts are needed to start the equipment.  

Here’s a brief introduction: The equipment used on farms generally falls into two categories. 

The first includes devices such as oxygenation systems in aquaculture, which typically need to run continuously for long periods. 

The second includes equipment like crushers, which are used for only 1–2 hours per day—these are not frequently used machines, 

but they operate longer than standby equipment.  

So, how can you select the right generator set to achieve the best value for money?  

Many machines require high starting currents—usually 2–3 times their rated current. This means the generator set should be 

rated at 2 times or even 3 times (for equipment like water pumps) the machine’s power. For example, a 12 kW 

crusher would require a generator set rated at 2–2.5 times its power, so a 30 kW generator set would be ideal.  

Of course, this calculation isn’t based on the total sum of all machine loads multiplied by 2–3. Instead, it’s best to focus on the top three largest loads. 

This approach assumes manual operation, where machines are started one by one. If simultaneous startup is required, 

a generator rated at least 2 times the total load is recommended.  

As a manufacturer of generator sets, based on my experience, I don’t typically recommend such oversized configurations, 

as they often don’t offer the best value for money.  

The configuration I recommend involves starting machines separately based on the specific situation and then calculating the required generator capacity.  

For example: Suppose the total equipment load on a farm is 50 kW, with the largest loads being 20 kW, 15 kW, and 8 kW, 

and the rest making up the remainder.  

If a configuration based on 2 times the total load is used, a 110 kW generator set would be required for simultaneous startup.  

However, simultaneous startup isn’t always necessary. In this case, machines can be started individually: first the 20 kW machine, 

then the 15 kW machine, and finally the 8 kW machine. Once the high-power machines are running, the remaining equipment can be started. 

With this method, an 80 kW generator set would be sufficient.  

For those unfamiliar with the calculations, here’s a simple breakdown:  

An 80 kW diesel generator set can start the first machine requiring 2–3 times the current—approximately 50 kW—which is within its capacity. 

After startup, the load normalizes, leaving 51 kW of available capacity.  

Next, the 15 kW machine requires about 30 kW to start, which is within the remaining capacity. After startup, the load normalizes again, leaving 39 kW.  

Then, the 8 kW machine requires about 16 kW to start, which is still within the remaining capacity. After startup, the load normalizes, leaving 33 kW.  

The remaining equipment, totaling 10 kW, can also be started.  

Thus, all the equipment can be started successfully. Note: The calculations above assume a starting current of 2 times the rated current. In practice, 

factors of 2, 2.5, or 3 times may apply depending on the actual situation.  

The advantage of this approach is cost savings. While it might sound like the generator is overloaded, it’s actually just a matter of controlling the main switch.