Gas generator rating method, according to ISO 8528
The ISO 8528 standard defines various classifications for the application, rating and performance of alternating current generating sets consisting of reciprocating internal combustion (RIC) engines. The classifications put forth in ISO 8528 are intended to help align the generator set manufacturer and customer by providing customers a common basis on which to compare generator set ratings from different manufacturers.
1. ESP: Emergency Standby Power
The ESP rating, commonly referred to as the “Standby”rating, is applicable where power is supplied by genset for the duration of a a primary power source interaption.
The ISO 8528 standard defines standby power as the maximum power available from the generator set to energize a variable electric load profile, where it has been determined that the total annual runtime doesn’t exceed 200 hours of operation.
The ESP rating is only intended for applications where the generator set serves as the backup to the normal utility or primary source.
2. PRP: Prime Rated Power
It is also called rated power in Chinese manufactuer. The PRP rating, commonly referred to as “prime” is applicable when supplying electrical power using generator sets in lieu of or in addition to commercially purchased power. ISO 8528 defines prime power as the maximum power which a genset is capable of providing a variable electrical load sequence for an unlimited number of hours per year.
3. LTP: Limited-Time Power
The ISO 8528 standard defines LTP as the maximum power that a genset is capable of providing for up to 500 operating hours per year under operating conditions and maintenance intervals approved by the genset manufacturer.
4. COP: Continuous Operating Power
The ISO 8528 standard defines COP rating as the maximum power which a generator set is capable of providing at constant power for an unlimited number of hours per year under operating conditions and maintenance intervals approved by the generator set manufacturer. This rating commonly referred to as the “Continuous” rating.
